Oblate News
2025-2026 Oblate Program:
This year’s theme is Stability, a cornerstone of Benedictine life and a timely focus, given the current political, economic, and technological threats to stability in the world today. To accompany our theme and facilitate discussion, we selected author Nathan Oates’ book, Stability: How an Ancient Monastic Process can Restore our Relationships, Churches, and Communities to read together over the first months of our season.
OBLATE OCCURRENCES DECEMBER 2025
I have lit the candle of my inmost heart
Against the sign,
Against the sudden splendor
That may be
Tonight! (Anon)
As the liturgical year ends, Oblates stand poised to begin Advent, extending blessings and gratitude to all who have journeyed with us in prayer and service throughout the year. We also remember those who have gone to their heavenly home, in particular, Oblates Patricia Hammond and Sharon Canny.
The November Oblate meeting continued the focus on the quality of stability with small group discussion and responses, a few of which appear here:
- Real contrasts exist between Oblate life and life in the world around us. This fact needs to underline our commitment to stability and reaffirming Benedictine practices. "Do not run."
- Valuable relationships and friendships are cultivated in the Oblate community.
- Online participants deal with "two-edged sword" of distance and connection. Grateful for the technology that links us to the Abbey, Oblates who rely on Zoom are sensitive to fulfilling commitments and suggest that "stability of the heart" is key to continuity.
Please continue to keep upcoming events on your calendar; underline them now with the intention to attend:
Saturday, December 6th, the Oblate community is hosting an in-person-only Day of Reflection from 9:00 am-3:00 pm (lunch included) in the Morcone Center. This day is an opportunity for Oblates and others to gather in daytime hours. It's a chance to share what a Glastonbury Abbey Benedictine Oblate is with the greater Abbey community. Finally, it is a gathering to encourage, re-engage and incorporate Lectio Divina prayer practice into our daily lives. Click here to register. Questions? Contact Carolyn Carpenter cccvisidyne@gmail.com.
Sunday January 25th Food for Thought presentation by Steve Tumalo and Julene Teger strand on Peacemaking. 11 AM, Morcone Center.
Tuesday February 3rd "The Practice of Stability in the Age of AI" presented by Dr. Sean O'Callaghan, Salve Regina religion professor and co-author of AI Shepherds and Electric Sheep: Leading and Teaching in the Age of Artificial Intelligence This is a hybrid presentation, hosted by the Oblates but open to all. Time to be confirmed. Registration required. Limited copies of book available in Abbey Book Store.
The next regular Oblate meetings beginning with Compline in the Church followed by sharing in the Morcone Center are:
Tuesday, December 2. Group Lectio and Holiday Social.
Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Continued discussion on stability (Oates ch 5)
All blessings and peace as we move through Advent and Christmas from the oblate steering committee: John Regan, Louise Deutsch, Carolyn Carpenter, Barbara Mirabito, Carol Stanton and Oblate director Fr. Albrecht Nyce, OSB.
[Louise Deutsch 11/24/25]
For inquiries, please click here to email and a Steering Committee member will get back to you. Oblates meet the first Tuesday of every month September through July starting with Compline at 7:15 PM in the church, followed by our 7:30 PM hybrid meeting.
