The Journey: Oblates as a Monastic Presence for the 21st Century
Oblates are an essential part of the extended community of Mount St. Benedict Monastery. They number 266, are geographically dispersed, and are represented in many places in society such as government, education, business and finance, healthcare, social service, arts and culture, as well as the nuclear family unit - places, in other words, where the sisters might not ordinarily reach. It is in these places where oblates pray the Liturgy of the Hours, practice lectio divina, and read from the Rule of Benedict each day, knowing they do so in spirit with the whole community. Moreover, it is to these places that oblates are uniquely positioned to bring the spirit of the Benedictine tradition and the Corporate Commitment of the community well beyond the monastery on the shores of Lake Erie as they respond to the needs in their families and local communities. The oblate’s journey is not a static one. It calls for ongoing discernment of how to best bring the spirit of the Rule to an ever-changing world and their ever-changing lives and communities. They live this commitment in mutuality with their Benedictine sisters.

Oblate Joanne Cahill and Sister Annette Marshall

If you wish to learn more about becoming an oblate, contact:
Joanne Cahill OSB Obl and Annette Marshall, OSB
Oblate Co-Directors
T: 814-899-0614 ext 2402
F: 814-898-4004
E-mail: [email protected]