Duties of an Oblate

Benedictine Oblate life is primarily a spiritual life. The key to this life is found in the Rule of St. Benedict: "That God may be glorified in all things" (RB 57:9). For the oblate, "all things" encompasses prayer, work, studies, church, recreation, family, friends, and even enemies. The oblate truly seeks God in every aspect of everyday life.

What is expected of an oblate? The duties are not difficult or overwhelming. Yet, if they are faithfully carried out, the oblate will find one's ordinary Christian life has become more spiritually satisfying.

Here are the duties expected of an oblate:

• The oblate should pray daily the Liturgy of the Hours. Morning and evening prayer are included in the Liturgy of the Hours for Benedictine Oblates, available for sale from the Oblate Office.
• The oblate should read from the Rule of St. Benedict each day.
• The oblate should practice lectio divina each day. This meditative reading from the Scripture or other religious writings expands the oblate's love, knowledge and appreciation of the spiritual way of life.
• The oblate should participate frequently in the sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation. (Oblates who are not Roman Catholic should be faithful to their denominational beliefs concerning church and prayer.)
• The oblate should be attentive to God's presence in his or her ordinary, daily life.

Oblate life is formed in and around Benedictine community. The oblate is affiliated spiritually with Saint Meinrad and thus shares in the prayer, work, love and commitment of the community. The oblates also form community in chapters and among their family, friends and church. By being part of the Benedictine community, the oblate is able to live more fully the Christian life.