I have been reflecting on the idea of commitment lately, particularly since the Sisters of St. Paul’s Monastery witnessed the final Oblation of eight new Oblates on June 6. These new Oblates are the first guests to rejoin us in chapel since the start of the pandemic. The ceremony was livestreamed to include as many witnesses to their commitment as possible. The word Oblate has it meaning in the word, “offering” and the signing of their final Oblation document on the altar is similar to that which each vowed monastic Sister makes when she places her document on the altar and signs her promise to seek God in the service of Christ through the Monastic Way.