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.

2009-2010 Oblate Candidate Formation Schedule

Orientation Evening

Sept. 17, 7-8:30p

Retreat Day: Upon this Tradition--the Story of Benedict and Scholastica

Oct. 10, 9a-4p

S. Eleanor Wartman OSB

Oblate Enrollment

Nov. 7, 4:45p Vigil

Rule of Benedict: The Heart of the Prologue

Nov. 19, 7-9p
S. Virginia Matter OSB

Rule of Benedict: Benedictine Spirituality of Leadership

Dec. 17, 7–9p
S. Lucia Schwickerath OSB

Rule of Benedict: Theology of Prayer

Jan. 21, 7–9p
S. Mary Lou Dummer OSB

Rule of Benedict: Humility as the Cornerstone of the Rule

Feb.18, 7-9p
S. Jeron Osterfeld OSB

Rule of Benedict: Benedictine Values and Monastic Practices
Mar.18, 7–9p
Panel of Oblates

Rule of Benedict: Spirituality of Work

Apr.15, 7–9p
Jacquelyn Bush, Oblate

Discernment Retreat: A Rule of Life

May 7, 7p thru May 8, 3p
S. Lucia Schwickerath OSB

S. Catherine Nehotte OSB

Final Oblation: Vigil of Pentecost

May 22, 7p (arrive 6:15p)

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