Join a community grounded in love

Become an Oblate

Oblate = Offering

Oblates of St. Benedict offer themselves for service to God and others. By integrating prayer and work, they manifest Christ’s presence in the world through their own families, friends, and work relationships. The oblates also form a community among themselves and the sisters.

Benedictine Oblates do not take vows and usually do not live at Benet Hill. They do make promises to seek God more intensely through the Rule of St. Benedict in partnership with their Benedictine community in conjunction with their day-to-day lives.

"Being an Oblate is something deeper than being drawn to Benedictine spirituality. It is learning to love Benedictine spirituality in community, this community of Benet Hill Monastery. The sisters share how to live it, the blessings and challenges, every day."

– Jesse, OblSB

What is an Oblate?

Oblates are adults who desire to seek God by living in harmony with the spirit of Saint Benedict as revealed in the Rule of St. Benedict and its contemporary expressions.

Why become an oblate?

Individuals and couples who have a strong desire to find God and participate in a community grounded in love may wish to take this step. Oblates associate themselves with a particular Benedictine monastery so that they may share in the spiritual life, prayers and works of the community. By embracing the Benedictine way of life, they strive to live full lives by efforts to understand Christ’s teaching in the Scriptures.

Who is an Oblate?

People like the ones pictured here on July 9, 2023 - newly professed oblates and oblate novices.

Who leads the oblate program at Benet Hill?

The Oblate Advisory & Action Team (OAAT) leads the program with the able assistant of Sister Clare Carr, OSB.

How long does it take to become an oblate?

The process takes about a year through an intentional course of study, usually from July to July. Classes meet monthly, either online or in person.

Do I need to be local to Colorado Springs to be an oblate of Benet Hill?

No! Many of our oblates live in other cities, states, and even other countries.

What's the first step toward becoming an oblate?

Reach out and contact us through the information below. We’ll be happy to talk with you!

What do oblates actually do in service to God and others?

Benet Hill Oblates are involved in their own communities and at the monastery in acts of service as volunteers. The options are truly endless. Oblates also participate in Covenant Groups with the Sisters.

What are Covenant Groups?

Covenant groups of sisters and oblates form around a common interest. Currently, there are three very active groups: Care of the Earth, Benedictine Spirituality and Ongoing Education, and Denver Oblates Ongoing Formation.

Featured Oblate

Dr. Ellen Haroutunian, PhD, ObISB

“I began to learn about Benedictine spirituality and oblates in the mid 1990’s. I was so drawn to the monastic way that I asked God if I could become an oblate though I had no idea how that would happen! Years later when I trained as a spiritual director with Benet Hill, the possibility of becoming an oblate opened up to me. God did not forget my desire!

My practice as a spiritual director has allowed me to bear witness to the spiritual journeys of many younger folks who are struggling with the big problems of faith in our nation, yet who are very drawn to a contemplative way of seeking God. Amidst this very secular and cynical world, they see real hope in Benedictine spirituality which is a path of deep conversion, of becoming like Christ and being transformed by a community of love.

In the presence of the Sisters, I experience not only a loving welcome, but a deep sense of inner stillness and peace that is surely the fruit of walking in the Benedict way—which is the way of Christ—for so long. In them I see the fruits of their many decades of faithfulness in the Liturgy of the Hours, Lectio Divina, and living as true community in obedience, humility, and stability. And they continue to invite us further in, to love and to serve and to assist them to carry the Benedictine way into the future.”

"Benedict’s insistence that we welcome everyone as Christ was a life changing call for me. I believe it contributes to making peace in this fragmented world."

– Dr. Ellen Haroutunian, PhD, OblSB

Oblates in action

There are so many ways to support the mission of Benet Hill. Join the Care of Creation Covenant Group or the Laudato Si’ Action Platform. Take part in the Spiritual Formation Covenant Group. Serve on the Worship Liturgy Team or OAAT (Oblates Advisory and Action Team). The possibilities are practically endless, and your enthusiasm and ideas are welcome!

Take the next step

Get curious in your faith

Learn the Benedictine way

Connect with us to learn more about what it means to become an Oblate and follow the Benedictine way.