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For more information about the Oblate Program, contact:
Sister Teresa Jackson or
Jeannette Kelley, OblSB 
oblates@stgertrudes.org

The process of becoming an Oblate at the Monastery of St. Gertrude is modeled after both the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and the process of initiation into the monastic community. The model draws from both traditions, each of which have elements of developing lived tradition, a wisdom source, shared prayer and outreach. These elements are developed in the three phases, outlined under the aspects of Community, Message, Worship, and Service. The three phases are: Inquirer , Candidate, and Oblate.

"Let us get up then, at long last, for the Scriptures rouse us when they say: "It is high time for us to arise from sleep" (Rom 13:11). Let us open our eyes to the light that comes from God and our ears to the voice from heaven that every day calls out this charge: "If you hear God's voice today, do not harden your hearts" (Ps 94 [95]:8). And again: "You that have ears to hear, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches" (Rev 2:7). And what does the Spirit say? "Come and listen to me, sons and daughters; I will teach you the fear of the Lord" (Ps 33[34]:12). "Run while you have the light of life, that the darkness of death may not overtake you" (John 12:35). (RB, Prologue, 8-13)