Inquiry
We invite those experiencing an inner call to the oblate way of life to enter into a two-stage period of introduction and discernment: as inquirers for about six months and as candidates for one year. Inquirers or candidates may extend that time or drop out if they do not feel called to proceed further. Newcomers meet with the oblate director and may begin their inquiry at any time during the year.
After attending meetings for six months, during which time inquirers come to know the group members and get a feel for the oblate way of life, an inquirer may ask to be enrolled as a candidate.
Candidacy
Before enrollment, the inquirer writes a paragraph or so stating why they seek to become an oblate candidate and what in their faith journey has drawn them to Benedictine spirituality and this particular group. What are their hopes and expectations?
This statement is private and stays in the director's files. It helps the one writing to focus attention on their deeper reasons for exploring the oblate way of life and helps the director to know the candidate.
Oblates gather with the monastic community for their midday prayer in chapel. At this time, new candidates are formally enrolled, receiving a medal of St. Benedict and a copy of the Rule of Benedict. Candidates then spend 12 months of guided study of the Rule at greater depth. Each candidate receives a mentor - an oblate with some experience - as a companion during this year.
This mentor meets with the candidate at least four times during the candidate year to help with lesson material if need be, suggest reading, and answer questions about oblate life. The mentor and director will discern with the candidate concerning readiness for oblation at the end of the year.
Oblation
Near the end of the candidate year, candidates may ask to make their oblation. They ritualize their commitment to the oblate way of life in the presence of the monastic community. At this time, the new oblates receive a pin that identifies them as oblates associated with our community with its Eucharistic dedication.
Making oblation marks a beginning, not an end. There is no certificate of completion or diploma but the beginning of an adventure.
"Being an oblate is not a legalistic undertaking. The Rule of St Benedict itself is a highly flexible document that demands to be interpreted and has received very diverse interpretations throughout its history. In the same way the life of an oblate is not bound to a set of rules and regulations. The Rule is a yardstick, a way of seeing the straight in the crooked. It is not in the Benedictine spirit to have a book of rigid rules."
~ Lawrence Freeman, OSB
Contact Oblate Director Sister Kathleen Clare, OSB
phone: (660) 944-2221 ext. 174
email:Â kathleenclr@gmail.com
