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.
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 Retreat - September 10, 2023 (Online/in-person)
"On Removing One's Knife in Bed and Utmost Care of the Wayward" - Rule of Benedict Chapters 22 & 27
Jeffrey Johnson, OblSB, presenter
The readings for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time stress the importance of listening, telling, and then possible involving community in the effort to help a sister or brother.
Listening, telling, and community, are staples of Benedictine life. What if we think of the Rule's injunction to 'not take your knife to bed lest you cut yourself,' as a metaphor in today's world for things that keep one awake?
What is the Benedictine response to listen to the telling of what may burden, or cut, a sister or brother, those things one resists telling. And what about the Benedictine response to wayward telling?
Benedict, and the readings for this 23rd Sunday, affirm the care required in listening, and in helping one's sister or brother out of life's difficulties, mistakes, regrets, and into new meanings?
Benedictine hospitality shines in unseen moments of one listening to another, and a new light can be shed in these moments that can heal and open a wider vision of God's presence in every time, place, and circumstance.
*If it is not possible for you to attend both morning and afternoon sessions, you are welcome to join us at 1:00 p.m.
If you wish to attend virtually, please contact Oblates@annunciationmonastery.org for a link. The retreat is held at Annunciation Monastery beginning at 10:00 a.m. We will break for Mass and a potluck lunch and resume at 1:00 p.m. The retreat concludes at 3:00 p.m.
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
