Oblates

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Eager Eight, 1987

For more information about the Oblate Program, contact:
Phone:  208-962-3224
Sister Teresa Jackson  or
Jeannette Kelley, OblSB
oblates@stgertrudes.org

Oblate Community 2007

In this day and age of chaos, many people are looking for a way to slow down and intentionally deepen their relationship with God.  Oblates are men or women, married or single, active in any Christian denomination who find living Benedictine spirituality adds meaning, direction and peace to their lives.

Oblates are joined  to a particular monastery through a formal promise (oblation) and reaffirm their commitment yearly.  They meet regularly with other oblates to deepen personal prayer and explore ways to live Benedictine values in their ordinary life.  They develop friendships with the monastic community and each other.  Here at the Monastery of St. Gertrude, oblates participate in activities like the annual Raspberry Festival, are active on some of our committees such as Social Justice committee, are involved in several of our retreats and often volunteer their services for a day or more.  Currently, there are 65 active members in our Oblate community.

Listen carefully to my instructions, and attend to them with the ear of your heart. This is advice from one who loves you; welcome it, and faithfully put it into practice...

Seeking workers in a multitude of people, God calls out and says: "Is there anyone here who yearns for life and desires to see good days?" If you hear this and your answer is I do, God then directs these words to you: "If you desire true and eternal life, keep your tongue free from vicious talk and your lips from all deceit; turn away from evil and do good; let peace be your quest and aim." Once you have done this, my eyes will be upon you and my ears will listen to your prayers; and even before you ask me, I will say to you: "Here I am."

"What, dear friends, is more delightful than this voice of the Holy One calling to us? See how God's love shows us the way of life. Clothed then with faith and performance of good works, let us set out on this way, with the gospel for our guide, that we may deserve to see the Holy One who has called us to the eternal presence." (Rule of St. Benedict, Prologue 1, 14-21)