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.

"I've been struck by how alive and present I feel when I'm among the sisters. There is truly something life-giving being around these women that have practiced the Benedictine way in the crucible of community for many years."

– Aram, 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.

2022 Oblate Candidates, July 10, 2022
Newly Professed Oblates, July 11, 2021

Who is an Oblate?

Still gainfully employed and fully retired. Criminal justice officers. Healthcare professionals and information technology specialists. Real estate agents and property developers. Chaplains, ministers, and spiritual directors. Librarians, receptionists, and educators. 

In short, anyone who desires a closer relationship with God and a loving community.

As part of the monastery’s shared leadership model, the members of the Oblate Advisory and Action Team (OAAT) are the leadership team. They are ably assisted by Sister Clare Carr, OSB.

The first step is to contact the monastery so that we may provide you with a packet of introductory information about Benedictine oblates and about becoming an oblate. You may also wish to  attend an oblate meeting or event.

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.

Sister Clare Carr, OSB