Oblates

What is an oblate

The word “Oblate” comes from the Latin word for “offering”.

An Oblate is a person who wishes to make a deeper commitment to God by following the Christian journey as marked out by St Benedict — “with the Gospel as our guide.” The Rule of St Benedict is a gospel rule, centred on Christ, and the Benedictine way embraces monastic values and principles that lead a Christian to a more serious and disciplined life. These values include:

  • Prayer – Liturgy of the Hours, continuous prayer
  • Holy Reading (Lectio Divina)
  • Some manual work
  • Some silence
  • Reverence
  • Humility
  • Obedience
  • Peace
  • Patience
  • Stability of heart
  • And much more…

Oblates are drawn to a particular community and formally affiliate with that monastery. They do not live in community, but instead commit to serving Christ and living the monastic values within their own families, workplaces, and everyday circumstances. After a period of discernment and formation (usually twelve months), they offer their lives to God in a formal ceremony of commitment, witnessed by the community and by their family and friends.

Oblates share a special bond with Jamberoo Abbey. They support the community’s ministry of prayer and worship, and generously share their gifts and talents in many ways. The community offers regular guidance and support to oblates and those in formation, including:

  • Retreats
  • Meetings during the year to learn, share, and support one another in living the Rule
  • Weekly lectio divina on the Sunday Gospel, available on our website (or posted, if needed)
  • The “Pax” magazine, published five times a year

Seeking workers in a multitude of people, God calls out and says again, “Is there anyone here who yearns for life and desires to see good days (Ps34:13)”  If you hear this and your answer is “I do”, God then directs these words to you…
RB Prologue

Oblates may be male or female, single or married, and baptised Christians of any denomination. There are currently over 400 Jamberoo Abbey Oblates across five countries.

If you feel called to become an Oblate affiliated with Jamberoo Abbey, please use the link below and select “Oblates” from the dropdown on our contact form.

Go to contact us form

Oblate Websites

Further Information: