Oblates

What is an Oblate?

Oblates of St. Benedict are Christian lay people of all walks of life who associate themselves with a Benedictine community to enrich their faith life.

We desire to share in the apostolic work and prayer of the community in order to share the spirit of St. Benedict in the world. Integrating prayer and work, ora et labora, we strive to make manifest the love of God to all we encounter.

We promise to deepen our faith and to live our lives according to the Gospel as reflected in the Rule of Benedict.

Benedictine spirituality can be adapted to the life of anyone sincerely seeking God and desiring to live the Gospel message.

Why Be An Oblate?

St. Benedict wrote his Rule over 1500 years ago. Since then, lay Christians have been associated with the prayer and work of the Benedictine monastic community, without leaving their homes, families, or occupations.

Benedictine oblates seek to:

receive spiritual strength and inspiration through the Benedictine way of life,
share in the apostolic works and prayer of the community;
extend Benedictine values into the world by applying the teachings of the Rule of Benedict to daily life.

St. Scholastica Monastery, Chicago, has over 130 oblate members. Groups meet regularly in Chicago and Pueblo, Colorado, as well as online.

How do I become an Oblate?

The first step in becoming an oblate is to contact the monastery to schedule a conversation regarding what the Benedictine oblate experience entails.

Enrollment: If you feel that the Benedictine path offers you direction for your spiritual journey, enrollment as an oblate would take place. The ritual of enrollment marks the start of the period of candidacy. At that time, you receive a Benedictine medal, a copy of the Rule of Benedict, and a blessing by the Prioress and the community.

Candidacy: The period of candidacy, usually a year, includes daily reflection on the Rule of Benedict and monthly orientation sessions with a mentor to talk about how Benedictine values apply to your daily life. Attendance at scheduled oblate meetings is encouraged.

Oblation: If, after the period of candidacy, you and your mentor agree, you would make your oblation, a commitment to be a faithful witness of Christ, and to live according to the values of the Gospel as reflected in the Rule of Benedict.

By the act of oblation, the oblate promises to offer themself to God, to continue to seek and to praise the Lord, and to serve God and all people according to the spirit of the Rule of Benedict.

Could God be calling me to become an Oblate?

Yes! God calls each of us to something special. Perhaps God is calling you to this particular way of life.

If you are interested in learning more, contact Subprioress Sr. Susan Quaintance at subprioress@osbchicago.org or 773.764.2413 x231

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