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Winter Oblate Newsletter  | On Saturday, May 9, 2009, Oblate Novices from the deaneries of Richmond, Bristow, and Bedford made their Oblate Profession at Saint Benedict Monastery, Bristow, Virginia. |
 | The Saint Benedict Oblate Deanery in Minden, Nevada celebrate the Oblation of Carole Mann and Pamela Perry at Saint Gall Church on Tuesday, May 19, 2009. |
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|  | Susan Davy of the Richmond deanery reads her Oblate Profession formula in front of all assembled. | Carolann Cirbee from the Bristow deanery places her profession document on the altar after it is endorsed and sealed by the prioress. | A blessing is received from the community upon all of the newly professed Oblates. |
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 in the 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. | 
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| Our newest Oblate Novices from the Richmond, Bristow, and Bedford communities were received on May 9, 2009 at Saint Benedict Monastery. |
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.  |  | Carole Mann and Pamela Perry of the Nevada deanery make their Oblate Profession on May 19, 2009 in Minden, Nevada. The Oblate Dean, Almita Bey-Carrion bestows upon them the Oblate pin as Sister Charlotte Lee, OSB, the Oblate Director provides the blessing. |
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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