Duties of an Oblate

Perhaps the most frequently asked question regarding oblate life is what is expected of the oblate. The duties are not difficult or overwhelming. If these duties of prayer and work are faithfully carried out, the oblate will become a spiritual person whose life is truly caught up in Benedictine spirituality. The duties offer a wonderful opportunity for turning the ordinary Christian life into something more spiritually satisfying.

The following are duties expected of each oblate:

1. Oblates are committed to their monastery, its values and culture, and its prayer.

2. Oblates are expected to keep the spirit of St. Benedict alive by the way in which they live:

• Keep faithful to their promises made at oblation

• Annually renew their oblation

• Pray some part of the Liturgy of the Hours

• Do Lectio Divina regularly

• Attend retreats

• Maintain fidelity to one's Christian tradition

3. Oblates are persons whose lives are shaped by Benedictine spirituality. They follow the Rule of St. Benedict in their daily lives as far as their station in life permits.

4. Oblates are representatives of the monastery "in the world."

The oblates pray for the members of their monastic community and for other oblates.

The purpose of the oblate program is to assist and support the oblate in living the Christian way of life. This is done in prayer and periodically gathering together as an oblate community.

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