Oblates
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What are the oblates?
The oblates of Benedictine Women of Madison are an intentional
ecumenical community of women and men. Rooted in various traditions, they
find in the Rule of Benedict a practical spirituality that applies
to their ordinary lives.
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| In a mutual relationship with the
sisters, they seek God through the Benedictine tradition, a balanced life
of prayer, work, leisure and study. They meet regularly to help one another
grow spiritually, to nuture the "monk" in each person and to integrate
Benedictine spirituality into their lives. |
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| Those who wish to become oblates are oblate candidates
for a year. The year begins with the annual spring Benedictine retreat and
concludes with oblate commitment in March of the following year. |
| What does an oblate candidate do? |
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 study the Rule
of Benedict
pray with
the monastic community
form community
with the other candidates, oblates and the sisters
deepen their
spirituality
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attend bi-monthly gatherings
develop a
personal rule of life
participate
in monastery activities
discern about
making a commitment to the community
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What do oblate candidates
say about their community? |
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"Being an oblate gives me the opportunity to examine the life I
am living (current practice) and make adjustments that are peaceful and
nuturing to my soul life." -Carol Krestschman, nursing supervisor, Madison, Wisconsin
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| "I appreciate the inclusive unity as well
as the religious diversity of our ecumenical oblate community." -Bill Beers, director of pastoral care, Baraboo, Wisconsin |
| "The public intentionality gives me something
concrete to which I can refer when I get lost, which I often do, in my spiritual
life. It also gives me a group to journey with, others like me for whom
spiritual growth is of primary importance." -Marge Nixon, psychotherapist, Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| How can I learn more? |
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Schedule a meeting with the director of oblates. Contact Everett Rice at 608-836-1631, ext. 163 or erice@benedictinewomen.org. |
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Come to a retreat
at the monastery to learn more about Benedictine spirituality and discover
if it's right for you. |
