Oblates of New Norcia

BENEDICTINE OBLATES

From the time Benedict of Nursia (AD 480-547) set out on his monastic search for God, ordinary Christians sought to draw guidance from his spiritual teaching. A form of common life arose in which lay people and secular clergy were affiliated with his communities, and this continues to the present day. Oblates are Christians who associate themselves with a Benedictine Community and offer themselves to God with a commitment to apply the Rule of St. Benedict to their lives as far as their state in life permits. The word 'oblate' comes from the Latin 'oblatus' which means 'one [who is] offered'.

There are four things necessary to be an oblate:

* An abiding desire to seek God.

* A commitment to reform one's life by following the Rule.

* Affiliation with a particular Benedictine community by a formal, public commitment.

* Maintaining as close a contact as possible with that community for spiritual guidance and direction.

Oblates have been likened to family members living away from home. They are part of a Benedictine community, albeit in a spiritual and non-juridical way, sharing in the daily prayer and good works of the monks. Oblates receive continual encouragement to make of their whole lives simply what all Christians are called to live: a sharing in the death and resurrection of Christ. With humility they foster Christian family living, read the Scriptures, love prayer, and practice charity and hospitality to all around them. Oblates are not a sodality, a club, or an organisation, but part of a Benedictine family with the Superior of their monastic community as their Spiritual Father.

No external organisation of oblates is necessary, but the oblate group affiliated with New Norcia is known as the St. Gregory's Chapter. The chapter has a president elected by the oblates for a one-year term, at the annual general meeting. The chapter's chaplain is currently a monk from the monastery of New Norcia. Further details on chapter procedures are given below.

THE OBLATE NOVICE

An oblate novice is a person, other than a Benedictine monk or nun, who has been enrolled in a public ceremony in which a commitment is made to persevere in living by the Rule for a year. This is the first step in a life-long process of learning and growing towards God. Final oblation, which occurs after twelve months, is not a terminus but a milepost on this journey.
The remoteness of New Norcia means that most oblate novices do not have a daily source of instruction and are largely self-taught. An important source of instruction is the chapter meeting with its Gospel and Rule study, homily and discussions. The Perth Chapter tries to extend that instruction by retreats, days of recollection, newsletters, discussion groups and the Oblate Manual. Instruction also comes from books listed in the Oblate Manual.

Enquirers are warmly welcomed at oblate meetings. One who wishes to go further may apply to be enrolled as an oblate novice. Contact the Chapter Secretary (08) 9388 3026

Once enrolled, novices are expected to enter a process of spiritual formation that lasts at least a year, during which they are encouraged to practice the following:

* Every day, recollect the presence of God frequently.

* Study a portion of the Rule every day with the aid of a good commentary.

* Pray the Word daily by a) prayerfully reading Scripture; b) praying the Divine Office.

Books that give a helpful introduction to the Benedictine life include “Prayer and Community” by Columba Stewart, “Seeking God” by Esther de Waal, and “Marked for Life”, “The Coming of God” and “Gateway to Hope” by Maria Boulding.

The St. Gregory's Chapter

Contact telephone number for further information - (08) 9388 3026.

Frequency of meetings - Monthly (except January)

Location – St. Joseph ’s Convent, 16 York Street, South Perth . Western Australia .

Time - 2.00pm , on the third Sunday of the month.

Duration - 2 hours.

Cost - No charge.

Meeting Format -

Opening prayer.

Discussion of the Gospel reading of the day.

Discussion of a chapter of the Rule of St Benedict.

A homily by the chaplain (if present).

Discussion of the content of the homily.

General business.

Concluding prayers (Vespers).

Afternoon tea.

The meeting may also incorporate the Annual General Meeting, the enrolment of novices, final oblation and the renewal of oblation. Where possible these are carried out during the oblates' annual retreat at New Norcia, which is usually arranged for Trinity Sunday, the patronal feast of the monastery.

A Chapter Newsletter is published quarterly. Cost $15.00 per annum.

The Benedictine Oblate Newsletter

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001