
3 minute read
An Offering
Not everyone is called to the monastery, but living the Rule of St. Benedict is a vocation that doesn’t require a habit. A Benedictine oblate is a lay person who lives out the Rule of St. Benedict in accordance with daily life. While no solemn vows are taken, oblation is a solemn—and profoundly meaningful –way to express one’s commitment to the Catholic faith and the spirit of St. Benedict. Prior Jeremy Heppler is the Oblate Director at St. Benedict’s Abbey. He encourages everyone to open their hearts and minds to living out the values of St. Benedict by considering oblation. “The word oblate means offering,” he says. “In this way, the lay faithful are able to make themselves a spiritual offering.” Becoming an oblate is a serious decision, one which Prior Jeremy believes should be prayerfully considered. First, the individual must show interest, followed by a year of discernment, Second, those discerning must stay in contact with an oblate director, preferably at the “As long as monastery where they intend to make their commitment. Third and most importantly, they must actually live out their lifelong commitment to the Rule of St. Benedict. you are willing Oblates are encouraged toward the daily practice of lectio divina, spiritual reflection on a biblical or inspirational text. In addition, they should pray the Liturgy of to glorify God the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, daily. through [the] Phyllis Lieb believes that her call to oblation has helped her commit to a daily conversion. “I was drawn to become an oblate after attending daily mass Rule, Oblation is a at the Abbey,” Lieb noted. “I was looking for something to deepen my faith and I found Benedictine spirituality.” spiritual lifestyle At St. Benedict’s Abbey, oblates normally meet the second Saturday of every anyone can month. During these meetings, the oblate director leads the group in lectio, where members read a text together slowly and meditate on the way God is speaking to practice.” them. “Becoming an oblate is a serious commitment,” Prior Jeremy says. “You are expected to take responsibility for your level of spiritual prayer and activity in accordance with your current vocation in life; be it marriage, the single life, or as a college student.” Part of the beauty of oblation is how the virtuous lifestyle of St. Benedict is open to members of any Christian faith. According to Prior Jeremy, “As long as you are willing to glorify God through formation within St. Benedict’s Rule, oblation is a spiritual lifestyle any lay member can practice.” Lieb committed to St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison. She prays the Liturgy of the Hours daily in her home and invites students, alumni, and friends to consider the life of Benedictine oblation. One couple in particular, Gregory and Rachelle Waddle, are newlyweds and alumni of Benedictine College. Together, they are seriously discerning the life of oblation. “As we prepared for marriage last year we began talking about how great it would be to bring some of the principles of St. Benedict’s Rule into our family life,” Gregory Waddle said. “That’s when we realized we could become oblates. We had been interested but never acted on it, until this month when Phyllis invited us to an oblate meeting.” Gregory and Rachelle were drawn to the idea of being oblates through their study of the Rule at Benedictine College. They were exposed to the Benedictine way of life through Mass at the Abbey. Gregory and his wife look forward to discerning the life of oblation “I think our life would benefit from being oblates through, first, a community of religious support, and second, a structured discipline to guide our life.” Students are also encouraged to consider life as an oblate. Prior Jeremy said it’s most important to remember that being an oblate is, first and foremost, a calling. “It is a way for anyone to express a love for living the Benedictine way of life,” he explained. “It’s a way to practice their love of the Order for the rest of their lives.” Lieb believes that oblation is a spiritual lifestyle anyone can live: “I have grown in such a huge way because of my devotion as a Benedictine oblate.” She cautions, “Do not assume you won’t need the spiritual help.” Oblates are included in the daily prayers at the Abbey and are welcome to learn about becoming an oblate. There is a standing invitation to attend the next meeting held on July 13th at 10 a.m. in the Abbey Crypt. Please contact Prior Jeremy via e-mail: jheppler@benedictine.edu or by calling 913.360.7830 or visit KansasMonks.org/ oblates for questions or further information.