Becoming an Oblate

An Oblate of Glastonbury Abbey is any baptized Christian who is associated with the Abbey and who wishes to join with like-minded individuals to develop and grow spiritually in the context of a formal and ongoing program of prayer, study, learning, reflection, and sharing of the principles of Benedictine monastic spirituality.  Among these principles are:  Liturgy of the Hours, Lectio Divina, community, Word of God, and monastic values in daily living.

Oblates meet monthly on the first Tuesday (except July and August) at the Abbey for a formal meeting.  At that time they join the monks in praying Compline at the Abbey Church and then proceed to the Conference Center to meet for a presentation, discussion, and sharing under the leadership of the Director of Oblates.

Once a year a Day of Recollection for Oblates is offered at the Abbey.  This Day of Recollection is centered on some aspect of Benedictine spirituality.  Oblates are also encouraged to make a weekend retreat annually.

Oblates are welcome to associate themselves with the Abbey in other areas of the monastic community's life as opportunity allows.

To maintain their membership in good standing, Oblates are expected to attend regularly scheduled meetings.  The Abbot and Council, in consultation with the Director, will hear and make exception in particular cases where warranted.

Because of the type of Oblate Program we are continuing to develop, we will not be accepting Oblates who live more than one-and-a-half hours from the monastery, and who cannot attend meetings on a regular basis.

Admission and Formation

Lay persons who feel called to follow the Rule of St. Benedict in their daily lives may request permission to enter a process of prayer and study through the Oblate Program at Glastonbury Abbey.

1. Those who wish to join the Oblates of St. Benedict at Glastonbury Abbey should make themselves known to the Director of Oblates and/or the Assistant Director and/or a member of the Steering Committee.
2. Observer:  Applicants spend one season of Oblate Meetings (10 months) as an Observer.  The Observers study the Rule of St. Benedict in particular and usually do not attend the same meeting as the Oblates.  At the end of the ten months, an Observer asks the Abbot and Council (in writing) to become an Oblate Novice.
3. Oblate Novice:  The Oblate Novice attends meetings with the Oblates for ten months.  At the end of that time, the Novice may ask the Abbot and Council (in writing) to make his or her Oblation.
4. Observers and Oblate Novices are expected to follow in their personal lives the general guidelines provided for Oblates.

Contact oblates@glastonburyabbey.org