Live the Benedictine life as a lay person: 
Become an OBLATE

BECOME A BENEDICTINE OBLATE 

Lay men and women - that is, members of the public - are welcome to consider applying to become a Benedictine Oblate at St Augustine's Abbey, Chilworth,  joining a growing number of like minded people from all walks of life who live the Rule of Saint Benedict in their daily lives under the spiritual guidance of the monastery. Details are outlined below:

OBLATE REQUIREMENTS
  • Be able to regularly attend Mass in person at St Augustine's Abbey, Chilworth
  • Attend Mass in person on a regular basis and each week use the practice of Lectio Divina for the Sunday Gospel.
  • Pray Morning and Evening Prayer from the Divine Office on a daily basis.
  • Pray daily for the Monastic Community and for their fellow Oblates. Where possible, offer practical assistance or use of personal skills to assist in the ongoing life of the monastery.
  • Make an annual retreat and, where possible, at the Abbey
  • Renew their Oblation annually via direct communication with the Oblate Master.

"If you uphold me
by your promise I
shall live;
let my hopes not
be in vain."

Ps 118:116

ASPIRANT OBLATE

Aspirant Oblates should be baptised Catholic and be over the age of 18. Aspirant Oblates will be attracted to the Divine Office, the Rule of St Benedict and committed to a life nourished by personal prayer and receiving of the sacraments.

Aspirants should communicate with the Oblate Master, using the words of St Benedict, will determine if the aspirant 'truly seeks God, is zealous for the work of God, for obedience and for trials' (RB58). A minimum of a three month period of reflection will be completed before being considered for clothing as a Novice Oblate.

NOVICE OBLATE

The ceremony will take place during Mass at the Abbey. The Novice will receive a copy of the Rule of St Benedict, a small scapular as a symbol of clothing and a new Oblate name.

The Novitiate will last a minimum of one year and a maximum of five years. During this time, the Novice Oblate will persevere to meet the general expectations of an Oblate.

Before the expiry of the Novitiate, the Novice Oblate will write a brief reflection for the Oblate Master on their position about their Oblation. The Oblate Master will decide whether to recommend the candidate to Fr Abbot.

OBLATION

The ceremony of Oblation takes place during Mass at the Abbey. The Oblate reads the promise aloud to all present, signs the promise and places it on the altar. The Oblate Master countersigns the promise where it remains during the Mass. The Oblate recites the words: 'If you uphold me by your promise, I shall live; let my hopes not be in vain' (Ps118:116) and receives the medal of St Benedict, blessed by either Fr Abbot or the Oblate Master.

An Oblate of another monastic community may seek to transfer their oblation to St Augustine's Abbey, Chilworth. Permission of the Oblate Master / Mistress of the original monastic community is required in writing and given to the Oblate Master.

An Oblate may end their Oblation at any time by communicating their intention to the Oblate Master. The Abbey may also revoke the Oblation of anyone whose actions contradict their commitment and could bring the Abbey into disrepute.

For further information about becoming an Oblate with us and how to apply, please get in touch using our contact form on this website.