Oblates
Oblate Day in St. Mary Monastery Chapel
Sr. Ruth Ksycki, OSB,
Oblate Director
Beating in every human heart is a deep longing for God that draws us toward divine union. The whole of life is one brief journey toward God. Benedictine spirituality has been a practical path and next step on the journey for many people over the centuries. It is a God-centered narrowing of the way, leading to deeper intimacy with our creator.
Benedictine spirituality is a timeless path founded on the Gospel and monastic wisdom for following the way of Jesus in daily life. When Benedict of Nursia wrote his practical guidebook “known as a rule” for living the Gospel he wrote it in a time much like our own for people like us. For hundreds of years people have applied the principles of the Rule of Benedict for living the Gospel in their return to God.
Benedictine spirituality has two paths, one for professed monks and another for lay people known as Benedictine oblates.
Oblate Mission Statement
The Oblates of Sisters of St. Benedict, St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, IL, seek to live Benedictine spirituality through prayer, work, leisure, study and service. In association with the Benedictine Sisters, Oblates seek to deepen their relationship with God, self, others and creation; keep the wisdom of the Rule of St. Benedict in their daily lives; and seek to share this wisdom with others.
Upcoming Oblate Events
Benedictine Oblates
Who Are the Oblates?
Benedictine Oblates are Christian lay men and women who enrich their lives with the ancient wisdom of St. Benedict. Oblates incorporate Benedictine spirituality in daily life.
Oblate Formation
Becoming an Oblate is a three-step process, and deeply rewarding! If Benedictine spirituality appeals to you, we invite you to learn more about becoming an Oblate yourself.
Find an Oblate Group
Our Oblates meet in Bloomington, Macomb, Nauvoo, Peoria, Peru, and Rock Island Illinois, and Munster, Indiana. Find an Oblate group near you!
Sign Up for the Oblate Newsletter
This quarterly newsletter includes events, updates, readings, and more from our Oblate Director.
Oblate Day 2020
Fifty Oblates and Inquirers joined our first-ever Virtual Annual Oblate Day: “Summons to Live the Oblate Promises”. Sister Susan Hutchens, Prioress, welcomed the oblates, gave a monastery update and invited the Sisters to wave a welcome. Sister Ruth gave an introduction on Benedictine Promises for Sisters and Oblates. Sister Susan, Oblates John Gruidl and Marlene Moshage gave reflections on their oblate journeys followed by group breakouts, a Renewal of Oblation and a final blessing.
