You would make a great Oblate!
If you are reading this article, chances are that one of the Sisters or an Oblate might have said this phrase to you. It could be that you have been coming to the monastery regularly for special events and retreats and people are starting to recognize you. Maybe you attended Catholic schools growing up and were taught by some of the Sisters. It is possible that you have become friends with one or more of the Sisters and they invited you to pray about deepening your relationship with the monastery and Benedictine Spirituality through Oblate Formation.
You might be asking yourself, what is an Oblate? Oblates of St. Benedict are Christian women and men who have associated themselves with a Benedictine community to enrich their Christian way of life. Oblates seek a deep and profound faith. Studying and learning to apply Benedictine spirituality through the guidance of Sisters and other Oblates through Initial Oblate Formation might fulfill that desire. In a world that is increasingly intolerant, complicated and divided, we believe the world needs St. Benedict now more than ever.
These last few years living as an Oblate of St. Paul’s Monastery has blessed me with an ecumenical spiritual community. The Sisters and other Oblates continue to help me study and apply the Rule of Benedict, to practice Gospel values in my daily prayer and work, and to be intentional in taking these Benedictine values and practices of contemplative living with me to my circles of influence each day. In a world that often seems polarized, and, in a hurry, I am grateful to be reminded daily to slow down and strive to see and welcome all as Christ. This is a gift that being an Oblate of St. Paul’s Monastery has given to me, and it is a gift that I am honored to share with others.
If you are interested in learning more about Oblates, I encourage you to reach out to me at kpohl@stpaulsmonastery.org or 763-267-5387 for more information about initial Oblate formation with St. Paul’s Monastery.
Kami Pohl, OblSB made her final Oblation
in 2021 and assisted Sister Mary Lou Dummer, OSB
with Oblate formation for two years before becoming
Oblate Co-Director. She received her training as a
spiritual director from the Franciscan Spirituality Center
(La Crosse, WI) and has experience in working on a church
staff as Director of Community Engagement, in classroom teaching,
in organizational development and training, and in being
a full-time Mom.