Oblate Formation Stages

By God's grace I am what I am. Rule of Benedict

An individual seeking formal association as an oblate with the Sisters of St. Mary Monastery moves through a three-stage formation process: Inquiry, Candidacy and Oblation. The formation occurs either at the monastery or within a local group of oblates.

An Inquirer will be offered a companion oblate from St. Mary Monastery to provide support and encouragement on the journey. During the formation period as a candidate, the individual will form bonds within the local group, the whole oblate community and, especially, with the Benedictine Sisters of St. Mary Monastery.

Stage 1 - Inquiry

The inquiry period is a time to establish a mutual acquaintance with the Benedictine community of the Sisters of St. Mary Monastery.  During this initial phase the inquirer is invited and encouraged to participate in the activities which will acquaint one with the Rule, the life of the monastery and the oblate community.  These activities may include:

• Making visits to the monastery.
• Growing in Benedictine spirituality through oblate community activities and meetings.
• Making an effort to deepen the habit of personal prayer.
• Learning about and experiencing the practice of lectio divina.
• Becoming acquainted with the Liturgy of the Hours.
• Beginning to study the Rule of St. Benedict so as to discover its application to his/her daily life.

The amount of time spent at the inquiry level will be determined by the Oblate Director or a designated local coordinator.  Ordinarily, it would last between six months to a year.  Prior to moving to the level of candidacy, the Oblate Director or a designated local coordinator will meet with the inquirer to provide further information about the expectations and responsibilities of the oblate formation process.  Together they will discern the inquirer’s readiness to move to the next step. 

Stage 2 - Candidacy

A ritual or ceremony called a Reception of Oblate Candidates is held each year at the monastery on Oblate Day, a yearly gathering of the oblates at the monastery.  If one isn’t able to attend the Oblate Day, this ceremony can also occur at a local group meeting.  The Prioress or her delegate presides at the ceremony.  Each candidate receives a medal of St. Benedict and a copy of the Rule.  

During this phase a candidate will demonstrate growing interest in Benedictine spirituality by regular participation in oblate meetings and Oblate Day.  The candidate will complete the reading of and reflecting on at least one commentary on the Rule of St. Benedict. In preparing for Oblation, a candidate should become better acquainted with at least one Sister and learn about the community’s vision, values and history so that the candidate will build a strong bond with St. Mary Monastery. The oblate companion continues to share about his/her oblate way of life with the candidate. The candidate will be encouraged to make a private retreat, an Oblate retreat or go to an Oblate institute.

The period of candidacy will last one to two years or longer, depending on the candidate’s background and readiness.  Several months prior to Oblate Day, the candidate will meet with the Oblate Director or designated local coordinator to discern readiness to make final oblation.

Stage 3 - Oblation

Fundamentally, with oblation one dedicates oneself to seeking God, preferring nothing whatsoever to Christ (RB 72:11). An oblate formally associates with a particular monastery and receives support to live according to the spirit of St. Benedict as revealed by the Rule. This is also a promise to journey with each other as far as one’s life permits. The Sisters pray daily for their oblates.

The Rite of Final Oblation is celebrated during Oblate Day.  The Prioress or her appointed delegate officiates at the ceremony.  The oblate promise is read and signed by the candidate and Prioress and placed upon the altar.  In concluding the ceremony,  an oblate pin and a certificate of oblation are given as a reminder of the commitment to follow Jesus and serve others.  The oblation document is kept in the archives of the monastery.

To carry out the promise, the oblate is urged to incorporate the following practices as part of daily life:

• Seek God in humility through prayer using the Gospel as the guide.
• Read daily from the Rule of St. Benedict and a commentary to more deeply understand its values and principles.
• Listen for God’s voice and experience God’s presence in daily activities at home, and at work and in all of life.
• Make time for praying the Liturgy of the Hours, lectio divina and personal prayer.
• Participate in the worship and service activities in one’s own church.
• Renew the oblate promise annually.
• Practice stewardship toward oneself and over the goods of Earth.
• Participate in prayer and work with the Sisters of St. Mary Monastery, as far as one is able.
• Be a person of peace in one’s home, family, neighborhood, or workplace or wherever one is.
• Participate regularly in the oblate community by attending local meetings or other activities. Maintain communication with the oblate community by some other means if attendance is not possible due to distance or health problems.
• Be open to shared leadership and welcoming others to the Oblate way of life or a vocation to become a Benedictine Sister.

For more information ...

Oblates meet monthly from August through May to pray, study the Rule and discuss Benedictine spirituality at the following locations:

Illinois: Bloomington, Macomb, Nauvoo, Peoria, Peru, and Rock Island

Indiana: Munster

For information contact Sr. Ruth Ksycki, OSB
(309) 283-2106
oblates@smmsisters.org