Let them prefer nothing whatever to Christ.
From the time of his Rule for Monasteries, St. Benedict envisioned the monastic life affecting the whole community around his monasteries. This included people who lived in the environs of the monastery in assisting the monks with their life. The monks, in turn, would assist them when needed and preach the faith, involving them in religious practice through prayer and the life of faith.
Since that time, men and women have associated themselves with monastic communities around the world. Some have officially connected themselves to particular monastic communities as “oblates.” These members wish to have a deeper connection with the monastic community: they regularly pray with the monastic community, attend regular meetings, participate in regular prayer and the practice of lectio divina, and support the community through works of charity or actual participation in the ministries associated with any particular monastery.
Oblates do not take vows. Their connection with the monastery is not recognized as binding by Church Law as an official obligation. However, life as an oblate can be very enriching and is generally up to the person to be involved as much as possible. Oblates are expected to pray morning and evening prayer, participate in meditation and lectio and attend monthly meetings whenever possible. Oblates are generally under the guidance of a director who will usually lead meetings and determine the readiness of each person for the steps on the oblate journey.
Usually the person interested in the oblate program first inquires of the director. An initial interview takes place at which the person is invited to attend one of the meetings. The director and the oblate candidate then meet to discuss initial obligations and participation. The oblate candidate and the director both determine if the person wishes to move to the next step of commitment, which involves becoming an oblate novice for at least one year. The next step would be to commit to being a formal oblate of the monastery through the oblation ceremony.
Meetings are held at St. Andrew Abbey on the third Sunday of each month (Sept. through May) from 2:30-4:00 PM.
Inquires may be made by calling any of the abbey oblate directors:
Fr. Bede: 216-721-5300 x310 or [email protected]