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Links Summer 2010 Oblate Newsletter |
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| On Saturday, May 8, 2010, Sister Andrea Verchuck, OSB, assisted by Sister Charlotte Lee, OSB and Ms. Katherine Frick, OblSB, Co-Directors of Oblates, received twelve novices and ten Oblates at Saint Benedict Monastery, Bristow, VA during mid-day prayer. The deaneries of Bristow, Richmond, and Bedford were represented.
The ceremony was followed by a celebratory luncheon with the sisters, family and friends. All current Oblates renewed their Oblate Profession during the ceremony. |
A new Oblate shares a reflection of her journey to Oblation.
| On Saturday, May 22 at Saint Gall Catholic Church in Minden, Nevada, Sister Charlotte Lee, OSB received two novices with the assistance Ms. Katherine Frick, OblSB and Almita Bey-Carrion, Dean of the Nevada deanery.
The ceremony took place at mid-day prayer during a retreat led by Katherine Frick, Co-Director of Oblates. The theme of the retreat was "Humility, Trust and Love." |
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|  | Oblates and candidates process into the Immaculate Conception Chapel, Bristow, VA. | Co-Oblate Directors look upon the new candidates and oblates with thanksgiving and praise. | A new Oblate places her signed and sealed document upon the altar. |
WHAT IS AN OBLATE OF ST. BENEDICT?
An Oblate of St. Benedict is a Christian lay person who associates one’s self with a Benedictine monastery in order to share in the spiritual and material good works of the community. An Oblate does not live within the monastic community, nor takes vows, but carries out the usual duties of one’s particular state in life, wherever one is, continuing whatever profession or occupation in life one has by caring for - family, friends and others.
The purpose of affiliation with a Benedictine community is to receive direction for living a Christian life and to realize more completely the teachings of Christ as set down and interpreted by St. Benedict in his Rule for monastics. Being an Oblate can allow one to live a fuller Christian life. | 
|  |  | The altar in Saint Gall Church. | Sister Charlotte, OSB, Kathy Frick OblSb, Almita and Reuben enjoy the beautiful desert scenery of the Nevada deanery. |
For centuries many have chosen to follow Benedict as Oblates – men and women who live and work in the world and who strive to live according to The Rule of Benedict to the best of their ability as single and married Christians of various traditions. THE OBLATE’S PLACE IN THE CHURCH St. Paul tells us, as members of the body of Christ, the Church, that each of us has a special function to perform. For some this may mean being a priest, a monk or a nun. Others are called to the married or to the single life in the world. Thus, a person lives out the call received at Baptism to bring the world to God by being a witness of Christ by word and example.  |  | Oblates and friends from the Minden, Nevada deanery. |
ENROLLMENT AS AN OBLATE CANDIDATE 
| One who wishes to become an oblate contacts the Benedictine monastery with which affiliation is preferred. The Director of Oblates will be in touch with you about the Oblate program. Women and men can be Oblates of a monastery of either nuns or monks. An application is usually made to the Benedictine community closest to you. | Bill Farquhar (right) has been an Oblate of this community since the beginning of the program in 1979. Greg Evan (above) has served loyally as an Oblate for almost 10 years. We are blessed with their presence and commitment to the Benedictine way of life. | 
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| Oblates renew their profession and commitment to the monastic way of life to the extent their life permits. |
If the Benedictine Way of Life appeals to you, the Benedictine Monastery at Bristow invites you to “come and see.” Contact the Oblate Director at oblates@osbva.org or call the Monastery (703) 361-0106. | | | |
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