Oblates of Annunciation Monastery
The Oblates of Annunciation Monastery are Christian individuals or couples who have associated themselves with a Benedictine Community in order to enrich their Christian way of life.
They shape their lives by living the wisdom of Christ as interpreted by St. Benedict. They seek God by striving to become holy in their chosen way of living. By integrating their prayer and work, they demonstrate Christ's presence in society.
Oblates of Annunciation Monastery concern themselves with striving to be what they are, people of God. Their prayer life flows from this awareness, as does their willingness to offer themselves for the service of God and neighbor to the best of their ability.
These men and women promise to lead an enriched Christian life according to the Gospel as reflected in the Rule of St. Benedict. In this way they are in the spiritual benefits of the women and men of Benedict who are dedicated to the monastic life by vows.
The Rule of St. Benedict
These men and women promise to lead an enriched Christian life according to the Gospel as reflected in the Rule of St. Benedict. In this way they share in the spiritual benefits of the women and men of Benedict who are dedicated to the monastic life by vows.
Oblate Gathering Information 2022/2023
Welcome Back, Oblates of Annunciation Monastery and Those Interested in the Program
All are welcome at our gatherings! Please bring your friends and share your experiences as oblates. Visitors encouraged!
Each year the monastic community follows a topic for ongoing formation. This program recognizes that we are always beginners, always learning and being open to God's formation in our lives. The curriculum for 2021-22 will be centered around the promise of obedience that all monastics take--to God, our monastic superior (prioress), and to each other with care for the needs of the other. The oblate formation program both mirrors and adapts the materials used by the sisters. Oblate formation materials are provided the month before they will be discussed.
Oblate gatherings occur monthly from September through May--usually on the first Sunday of each month from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. During Advent and Lent, a full-day Sunday retreat will occur on the scheduled gathering date.
Oblate Gathering Schedule for 2023
January 15, 2023
February 5, 2023
March 26, 2023 (Oblate Lenten Retreat - was rescheduled due to weather. March 26 is the correct date)
April 16, 2023
May 7, 2023
For more information on Benedictine Oblates visit:
https://www.osb.org/our-roots/
Formation Program for New Oblates
Pursuing a growing relationship with God through the Benedictine tradition as an oblate is a discernment process similar to the staged process our sisters take.
1. As you feel called to this commitment, oblates begin with a process of Inquiry during which individuals attend gatherings, study the Rule of St. Benedict, and begin conversations with the oblate director.
2. Those wishing to begin formal preparation as an oblate will be received as a Candidate for a period of at least one year. At this time, monthly formation sessions will begin, and an oblate mentor is selected to share the experience of living the oblate life.
3. Formation culminates with a ceremony of Final Oblation celebrated during a Sunday Mass--usually on the first Sunday of October. Oblates are invited annually to renew their oblation as a sign of their recommitment to the Benedictine way of life and affiliation with Annunciation Monastery.
For more information on the Oblates of Annunciation Monastery, please contact our oblate director, Sister Rosemary DeGracia, at 701-255-1520 or by email: oblates@annunciationmonastery.org
If you are not on our oblate mailing list and would like a copy of the most recent newsletter, please let us know.
Thank you and God bless you! We keep you in our prayers.
Sister Rosemary DeGracia, Oblate Director
