Oblates are women or men who associate themselves to Saint Benedict’s Monastery to deepen their relationship with God and to serve the people of God in their home setting. Oblates are not Sisters or Brothers, and therefore can be married and have children. They can also be Christians of other faiths other than Roman Catholic.
Women and men who are interested in becoming an Oblate go through the formation process. They first become an Oblate candidate for a period of one to five years. During their first year of candidacy they are mentored by another Oblate or a Sister of Saint Benedict’s Monastery. When Oblate candidates have discerned their readiness to commit to the Oblate way of life, they write to the Prioress of Saint Benedict’s Monastery indicating their readiness and asking to make their final commitment. On Oblate Renewal Day, they are received at the Eucharist as an Oblate of Saint Benedict.
Oblates serve as a link between the monastic community, parishes and other Christian groups. They serve to educate the public about Benedictine spirituality and the benefits of the Benedictine way of life. They keep in touch with the Benedictines through monthly meetings, the Oblate Newsletter, four Oblate Sundays throughout the year and the annual Oblate Renewal Day that help with ongoing formation.
For more information, contact
S. Hélène Mercier, OSB
Oblate Director, Saint Benedict’s Monastery
104 Chapel Lane
St. Joseph, MN 56374-0220
320-363-7144
hmercier@csbsju.edu