OBLATES
Becoming an Oblate

All Walks of Life
People from all walks of life are searching for deeper meaning in their lives. The Benedictine way of life offers a structure that helps keep in focus what is important.

Admission to the Oblates begins with a desire for greater growth as a disciple of Christ and an appreciation for the 'way of life' described by St. Benedict in the Rule of St. Benedict, that guides and sustains one's efforts to live deeply as a disciple.

The Director of Oblates (651-777-8181) helps applicants think about whether this might be a spiritual path for them to follow.

A Year of Study and Reflection
Once accepted as a candidate, candidates enter into a year of study and reflection. At a ceremony known as Enrollment, Oblate candidates receive the Rule of St. Benedict from the Prioress of the monastic community. During the formation period, candidates explore the values and traditions of a Benedictine way of living and how the Rule of St. Benedict applies to daily life. Through prayer and practice, candidates discern whether this way of living is for them.

If candidates decide at the end of the year of formation that indeed they are prepared to live the Rule in an intentional way, they make a promise in a public ceremony to enter into a new relationship with the monastic community, finding ways to join in the prayer and work of the community.

On an on-going basis, Oblates meet the third Sunday of each month and participate in a day-long retreat annually.

The Sisters of St. Paul's Monastery support the Oblates with their prayers even as the Oblates support the Sisters in an equally prayerful manner.

2011-2012 Oblate Candidate Formation Schedule

September 15 Orientation Evening
7pm - 8:30pm

Facilitators: Catherine Nehotte, OSB and Lucia Schwickerath, OSB

September 24 Retreat Day
9am – 3:30pm Upon This Tradition: The Story of Benedict and Scholastica
Facilitator: Eleanor Wartman, OSB

November 5 Oblate Enrollment
4:45pm Vigil

November 17 The Heart of the Prologue
7pm - 9pm Facilitator: Carol Rennie, OSB

December 15 Benedictine Spirituality of Leadership
7pm - 9pm Facilitator: Lucia Schwickerath, OSB

January 19 Theology of Prayer
7pm - 9pm Facilitator: Mary Lou Dummer, OSB

February 16 Humility: Cornerstone of the Rule
7pm - 9pm Facilitator: Jeron Osterfeld, OSB

March 15 Benedictine Values and Monastic Practices
7pm - 9pm Facilitators: Panel of Oblates

April 19 Spirituality of Work
7pm - 9pm Facilitator: Jacquelyn Bush, Oblate

May 4 – 5 Discernment Retreat: A Rule of Life
Fri 7pm thru Sat. 3pm

Facilitators: Lucia Schwickerath, OSB and Catherine Nehotte, OSB

May 26 Final Oblation
7pm (arrive 6:00pm) Vigil of Pentecost

For more information, contact:
Oblates of St. Benedict
St. Paul's Monastery
2675 Benet Road
St. Paul, MN 55109-5097
651-777-8181