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Oblates of Annunciation Monastery

Oblate Lenten Retreat - Sunday, March 3 - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

All are welcome to join our Oblates of Annunciation Monastery for a Lenten retreat on Sunday, March 3, at Annunciation Monastery.

Father Benedict Fischer, monk of Assumption Abbey and theology faculty at the University of Mary, will present the Oblate Lenten Retreat on Sunday, March 3. His topic will be Stability and the Sabbath. Father Benedict will present the morning and afternoon talks. The day begins at 10 a.m. at Annunciation Monastery (south of the university complex) with one conference before Eucharist, followed by lunch, and resuming at 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. There is no charge for the event or lunch. RSVPs are appreciated, but not required. Please let us know a few days in advance if you have specific dietary needs/restrictions.

If you have any questions, please contact Sister Rosemary DeGracia, OSB, Oblate Director, at 701-255-1520.

Online lectio experience for Oblates of Annunciation Monastery:

Sunday, February 25, 2024            2pm    Central Standard Time

Sunday, March 17, 2024                2pm    Central Standard Time

Sunday, April 14, 2024                   2pm    Central Standard Time

To join the event, click on the link below:

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/wbq-cxjm-pzj

 

What does it mean to be a Benedictine Oblate?

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.

Welcome to our new Oblates of Annunciation Monastery - Oblation October 15, 2023

On October 15, 2023, a beautiful autumn day, we welcomed six new Oblates of Annunciation Monastery: Loann Hardy, Ramona Martinez, Michael Taylor, Audrey Ternes, Cindy Weigum, and Brenda Zastoupil. We are so happy to have you with us as we seek God together!

During Eucharistic Liturgy and our afternoon oblate meeting, our current oblates also renewed their oblation. We are deeply grateful for these women and men who add so much to our lives and faith journey.

Thank you and God bless you all!

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.

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 Information 2023/2024

Oblate Gathering Schedule for 2023-2024

September 10, 2023 (Oblate Retreat - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) Presentation by Jeff Johnson, OblSB. Please bring a dish to share for a lunchtime potluck. Usual retreat schedule: Morning session, followed by Eucharist, lunch, and afternoon sessions. 

October 15, 2023 (Oblate Sunday - 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) Oblates will renew their oblations. Immediately following oblations. Renewal certificates will be signed and oblation anniversaries celebrated during the afternoon gathering.

November 5, 2023 (1 p.m. to 3 p.m.)

December 3, 2023 (Advent Day of Reflection - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) 

January 7, 2024 (1 p.m. to 3 p.m.)

February 4, 2024 (1 p.m. to 3 p.m.)

March 3, 2024 (Lenten Retreat - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

April 7, 2024 (1 p.m. to 3 p.m.)

May 5, 2024 (1 p.m. to 3 p.m.)

June 2, 2024 (1 p.m. to 3 p.m.) Our time of personal and group reflection as our oblate program seeks to bring us all closer to God and each other. 

 

*NOTE: New Oblate formation cohort beginning October 2023. Please contact Sr. Rosemary for information.

 

 

 

The Rule of St. Benedict

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

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