Springs of Gushing Water
Early last summer, we invited Oblates into a Renewal Year of Initial Oblate Formation. This year has been a pilot program, and we have already found it to be so enriching and meaningful for both the renewal Oblates as well as the Oblate candidates. We are now excited for you to hear from Rita Guild, one of three renewal Oblates, to share what this year has meant to her so far.
Deeper Dive. Broader Depth. Grace-filled Encounters. Spirit Enlivened. Joyful Discoveries. Community Shared and Deepened. These are experiences of grace that I have come to know by joining the Oblate Initial Formation Renewal Program this year, as an Oblate of seven years. My initial journey began in 2016… a time when I was searching for new direction and commitment in my life and also a sense of shared community. I found all three through the preparation and commitment to become an Oblate. My connection with St. Paul’s Monastery is a deep root in my faith, and spiritual human journey.
New this year, the current Oblate Preparation Program invited all Oblates to consider making this journey once again, by joining those seeking formation in this year’s program. I found myself excited with the possibility and am grateful to be part of this journey once again. In just a few short months, I have already been greatly blessed through a deepening of and excitement in my faith and spiritual journey, enriched by the gifts of other’s journeys inspiring my own, invited more deeply into the Benedictine Way and reminded, once again, of the Gift of Community when we travel together.
No path is ever the same twice… from day to day, year to year. I have found great joy and excitement in sharing in this journey once again. It is like “Springs of Gushing Water of Grace” being drawn into my mind, heart and spirit. It is a time of becoming more alive in awareness and commitment to the beauty and grace of the Benedictine Way and the blessing of sharing this Way with the Sisters and community at St. Paul’s Monastery. I would invite all Oblates to consider if God is calling you to this renewal of your hearts. God always has surprises for us!
If this sounds intriguing to you, please consider applying for your own Renewal Year of Initial Oblate Formation. We suggest that Oblates wait at least five years from your Final Oblation to apply for a renewal year. However, we will consider applicants with a compelling reason sooner. If you are interested in a renewal year, your first step is to email Kami Pohl at: kpohl@stpaulsmonastery.org
She will answer any questions you might have and email you the schedule for the Initial Oblate Formation year. You will be asked to attend all the sessions and participate fully in the year with the Initial Oblate Candidates. If you are still interested, she will then email you the application. Unlike the new candidates, you will not be asked to interview.
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We are excited to continue offering this special opportunity to members of our Oblate community! We hope you will prayerfully consider applying for this program. -Kami Pohl
Oblate Co-Director; Spiritual Director