Benedictine Oblation

What is Oblation?

The vocation of Oblation, from the beginning of Benedictine monasticism, has been an important expression of Religious life. It is the belief of The Companions of St. Luke that Oblates are uniquely authentic, having their own intensity, and are fully valued members of the Community. Oblates are especially called to bring Benedictine spirituality into the greater church. Many members accomplish this in their church communities by teaching, practicing Benedictine hospitality, leading prayer groups or having an active healing ministry.

Many third-order groups that are part of a Benedictine monastery or community have a basic study program. How is The Companions of St. Luke formation different?

For CSL, Oblates are more than third order members. It is the belief of CSL that Oblation is an authentic vocation as important as professed life and is defined by its own tradition and history. Oblates make promises that link them in a fundamental way to the Community. Oblates promise to anchor their lives in prayer and to live their lives within the framework of St. Benedict’s vows of obedience, fidelity to monastic life, and stability. Oblates participate in the governance of the CSL community at Chapter and are represented on the CSL Council. We believe that a strong formation program consisting of two years of prayer, contemplation, and study is necessary to prepare the Novice Oblate to meet their spiritual goals and to participate in the life of the community as a full Oblate.

What are the additional requirements to apply for Oblate membership?
In addition to the basic requirements described previously, to be considered for candidacy for Novice-Oblation a person must:

Complete a Novice Oblate application for membership.
Be able to read, write and speak English.
It is highly recommended that Oblates attend our annual June convocation near Kansas City, Missouri USA.
Your pastor/priest will need to be aware of and support your desire to become a Benedictine religious with a community affiliated with The Episcopal Church of the United States.
For clergy, you will need to obtain support from your leadership.
After a completed application is received, you will be contacted and interviewed by the Superior and the Dean of Oblates.

What is Formation?

Formation is a period of training and discernment for Novice Oblate members. Each member in formation is supported by the Dean of Oblate Life or an assigned Oblate Formation Guide who guides them through the formation process and receives their reports and reflections. The Dean of Oblate Life looks for spiritual change and growth. The formation program is an expression of our Benedictine vows:

The vow of Fidelity to Monastic Life that moves each member from a purely secular lifestyle to a lifestyle focused on the love of Christ, through daily prayer and meditation, which balances the demands of the world with a member’s interest in spiritual growth.
• The vow of Stability through daily, regular prayer and meditation, study and timely reporting creates a foundation of faith and connecton to CSL’s religious community of Benedictines.
• The vow of Obedience calls us to listen and respond out of love to Christ, to our Superior as the representative of Christ in our community, to formation guides, and to all others because we believe that Christ is within each person and helps to conform our will with God’s Will for us and others.

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