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Oblates

OBLATES INCORPORATE BENEDICTINE WISDOM AND VALUES INTO THEIR LIVES

“Listen carefully, my child, to my instructions, and attend to them with the ear of your heart.” Prologue of the Rule of St. Benedict

Becoming an Oblate


Who are Oblates?

Oblates of St. Benedict are Christian women and men who associate themselves in a special way with a Benedictine monastery, pledging themselves to be more fully who they are through their baptism and confirmation. With the Rule of Benedict as a guide, Benedictine spirituality is flexible and can be adapted to the life of anyone who is seeking God and has a desire to live out the Gospel message.

St. Paul’s Monastery Labyrinth

What do Oblates do?

Oblates live the Gospel of Jesus as it is presented in the Rule of Benedict.

Oblates strive to live a balanced life of prayer, work, study and holy leisure.

Oblates value and support one another in community while bringing Christ and the spirit of monasticism into their families, places of work, and in civic and social activities.

Statue of Saint Benedict on St. Paul’s Monastery grounds

How do you become an Oblate?

Oblates begin with a desire for greater spiritual growth according to the Christian ideals and values set forth in the Rule of Benedict.  They spend a year in formation exploring the traditions of Benedictine life and the application of the Rule to contemporary living.  A candidate then makes a promise of Oblation to enter a new relationship with St. Paul’s Monastery and is encouraged to join the Sisters in the prayer and work life of the monastic community.

St. Paul’s Monastery Chapel

2023 Oblate Co-Directors: Kami Pohl, Jeff Dohls, Ann Siverling

New Oblate Leadership

Kami Pohl

I made my final Oblations in 2021 and have been assisting Sister Mary Lou with initial Oblate Formation for the past two years. My past work includes teaching and adult faith formation in a church, so it is my honor to continue that great love of accompanying people as they go deeper in their faith here at St. Paul’s Monastery. Contact | 651-777-8181 kpohl@stpaulsmonastery.org

Jeff Dols

While I have only been an Oblate since 2019, I have been associated with the Monastery for several years before that, serving in several volunteer roles, including advisory committees for the Benedictine Center, Monastic Leadership, and the Oblates. I continue to be drawn to the core Benedictine charism—to seek communion with God through the practice of contemplative prayer and shared community—to be and see the radiant presence of Christ in everything and everyone. I am blessed to be here! Contact | 651-777-7251
jdols@stpaulsmonastery.org

Ann Siverling

I did my final oblation on Pentecost Eve in June of 2014. Around 2010, as an exhausted pastor, I began looking for a place, a community, for me to develop and experience my own personal spirituality. The very first time I walked into the new St. Paul’s Monastery; I was welcomed with such heartfelt hospitality that I felt that I had come home. I treasure the Benedictine Rule, the Benedictine Values, and the Benedictine way of life. I strive to let my life glorify Christ. I am thrilled to join Jeff and Kami to assist with the leadership of the Oblates, and humbly and prayerfully, and resting on the promises of God, I look forward to seeing Christ in all of you and serving all the oblates. Contact | anabell214@yahoo.com 

For more information on Oblation, or to begin this process, contact Kami Pohl, at 651-777-8181 or kpohl@stpaulsmonastery.org

OBLATE STORIES

READ MORE OBLATE REFLECTIONS HERE


A Benedictine Way of Life for All People



The Rule of St. Benedict serves as an invitation to open our hearts to God. It summons us to recognize our responsibility in the world and the proper use of resources. Above all, the Rule reminds us of the fundamental value of living our lives in search and service of God,
preferring nothing to the love of Christ.

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OBLATION IS A MEANINGFUL COMMITMENT

Different from taking monastic vows. The life of an Oblate has a flexibility that adjusts to the demands of life and is renewed each year during an annual retreat. Benedictine Oblates are encouraged to join in the prayer and ministries of the Monastic Community. The Sisters and Oblates provide for each other prayerful support and relationships that help each member to serve Christ by living Gospel values, according to the Rule of St. Benedict. Please contact the Membership Office for further information at 651-777-8181.

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WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR BECOMING A BENEDICTINE OBLATE?

A woman or man with the desire for spiritual growth and a desire to seek God through the Christian ideals and values set forth in the Rule of Saint Benedict begins with an inquiry to the Oblate Director. After an initial meeting with the Oblate Director, the person will discern if they wish to begin a year of study and reflection. The Year of Formation officially begins with an Enrollment Ritual, where the person, referred to as a candidate, receives the Rule of Saint Benedict from the Prioress of St. Paul’s Monastery. In addition, the candidate creates a personal formation plan, attends monthly formation sessions, and spends time doing personal reading and in conversation with a Benedictine Sister, who is their sponsor (companion). The Year of Formation includes topics that explore the values and traditions of Benedictine life and application of the Rule to modern living. Through study and practice, the candidate discerns whether this way of life is what they seek. The Year of Formation ends with a weekend Discernment Retreat leading to the candidate’s decision for commitment. The Final Oblation ritual is celebrated by candidates, sponsors and the Benedictine Community at St. Paul’s Monastery.

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WHY BECOME A BENEDICTINE OBLATE WITH ST. PAUL’S MONASTERY?

As a member of St. Paul’s community, Benedictine Oblates are united with the Benedictine Sisters through: *Daily Praying the Divine Office *The life-giving and nurturing relationships *A stable, spiritual home at St. Paul’s Monastery *Living the Rule – unifies body, mind and spirit *Ongoing formation, retreats and programs deepen the Benedictine Spirit.  The association with St. Paul’s Monastery provides the Oblates with the opportunity to view the world from a different perspective as they meet the challenges and possibilities of their everyday lives. Benedictine Oblates reach out where the Sisters of the Community cannot be present and Oblates can extend the spirit of Benedictine community wherever their lives take them.

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WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A BENEDICTINE OBLATE?

Oblates of St. Paul’s Monastery are Christian women and men who associate themselves with St. Paul’s community of Benedictine Sisters to live Benedictine spirituality more fully. Through this association with St. Paul’s Monastery, Oblates share in the spiritual and apostolic ministry of the community. Through activities and retreats at the Monastery, through correspondence – written and online, and through mutual prayerful support, Oblates receive help and guidance to live full Christian lives as a Benedictine living the message of Gospel in the world.

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WHAT IS A BENEDICTINE OBLATE?

Throughout the 1500-year history of the Benedictine order, there have always been women and men who wished to associate themselves with a particular monastery and to share in the prayer and work of a religious community without leaving their homes, families and occupations. These women and men were known as Oblates. They made a formal offering or “oblation” of themselves in a special ceremony of affiliation.

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RESOURCES



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VOCATIONS NETWORK


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THE ORDER OF ST. BENEDICT




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CATHOLIC SISTERS WEEK


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CONGREGATION OF ST. BENEDICT




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