Benedictine Oblates

 

All Christians are called to be disciples of Jesus Christ and to seek the presence of God in their lives.

Those who listen to their hearts will recognize a longing, an unnamed desire that draws them to a search for a fuller life.

This desire is planted in the human heart by God who calls all persons to find their happiness by living for Christ and for others.

St. Benedict, a Christian layman of sixth century Italy, heard this call, lived it out with others, and eventually wrote a Rule or way of life applying the principles of the Gospel to daily life.

The Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery, who follow this Rule of Benedict, invite Christian women and men to take up this Rule as a guide for their lives by becoming Benedictine Oblates.

Benedictine oblates enter into a formal commitment to live the Benedictine values in their daily lives. They become part of an international oblate community that dates back several centuries. To become an oblate is more than joining a program; it is to enter a Benedictine way of life in their home setting, as they are able.

The obligations include the following:

  • Reflect daily on the Word of God and nurture a deeper relationship with Christ
  • Pray some portion of the Liturgy of the Hours daily
  • Give witness to Benedictine values in daily life
  • Interact with the monastic community in retreats, liturgies, and celebrations of special events
  • Spend some time in lectio divina (spiritual reading) daily
  • Undertake a serious study of the Rule of Benedict
  • Attend regular meetings of the Oblates
  • Make an annual retreat
  • Submit Lenten resolutions to the prioress for her blessing

Currently we have oblates who remain committed to their oblate calling.  Regretfully, we as a monastery are no longer able to accept new candidates who feel called to be an oblate. The Oblate Director would be happy to visit with anyone who is interested in being an oblate and would be happy to help with connecting with another monastery or abbey that currently is accepting new candidates.

For further information, please contact Sacred Heart Monastery at 701-456-1900 or email richardtonsisters@sacredheartmonastery.com