Oblate Formation Stages

Stage 1 - Inquiry

The inquiry period is a time to establish a mutual acquaintance with the Benedictine community of the Sisters of St. Mary Monastery.  During this initial phase the inquirer is invited and encouraged to participate in the activities which will acquaint one with the Rule, the life of the monastery and the oblate community.  These activities may include:

• Making visits to the monastery.

• Growing in Benedictine spirituality through oblate community activities and meetings.

• Making an effort to deepen the habit of personal prayer.

• Learning about and experiencing the practice of lectio divina.

• Becoming acquainted with the Liturgy of the Hours.

• Beginning to study the Rule of St. Benedict so as to discover its application to his/her daily life.

The amount of time spent at the inquiry level will be determined by the Oblate Director or a designated local coordinator.  Ordinarily, it would last between six months to a year.  Prior to moving to the level of candidacy, the Oblate Director or a designated local coordinator will meet with the inquirer to provide further information about the expectations and responsibilities of the oblate formation process.  Together they will discern the inquirer’s readiness to move to the next step. 

Stage 3 - Oblation

Fundamentally, with oblation one dedicates oneself to seeking God, preferring nothing whatsoever to Christ (RB 72:11). An oblate formally associates with a particular monastery and receives support to live according to the spirit of St. Benedict as revealed by the Rule. This is also a promise to journey with each other as far as one’s life permits. The Sisters pray daily for their oblates.

The Rite of Final Oblation is celebrated during Oblate Day.  The Prioress or her appointed delegate officiates at the ceremony.  The oblate promise is read and signed by the candidate and Prioress and placed upon the altar.  In concluding the ceremony,  an oblate pin and a certificate of oblation are given as a reminder of the commitment to follow Jesus and serve others.  The oblation document is kept in the archives of the monastery.

To carry out the promise, the oblate is urged to incorporate the following practices as part of daily life:

• Seek God in humility through prayer using the Gospel as the guide.

• Read daily from the Rule of St. Benedict and a commentary to more deeply understand its values and principles.

• Listen for God’s voice and experience God’s presence in daily activities at home, and at work and in all of life.

• Make time for praying the Liturgy of the Hours, lectio divina and personal prayer.

• Participate in the worship and service activities in one’s own church.

• Renew the oblate promise annually.

• Practice stewardship toward oneself and over the goods of Earth.

• Participate in prayer and work with the Sisters of St. Mary Monastery, as far as one is able.

• Be a person of peace in one’s home, family, neighborhood, or workplace or wherever one is.

• Participate regularly in the oblate community by attending local meetings or other activities. Maintain communication with the oblate community by some other means if attendance is not possible due to distance or health problems.

• Be open to shared leadership and welcoming others to the Oblate way of life or a vocation to become a Benedictine Sister.