Oblate News
2025-2026 Oblate Program:
The Oblates of Glastonbury Abbey promise to follow the Benedictine Rule in their daily lives. To this end, Oblates dedicated 2025-2026 to a year-long study of one of the three vows made by Benedictine monastics--Stability.
After three small-group discussions on Nathan Oates' book, Stability: How an Ancient Monastic Process Can Restore our Relationships, Churches and Communities, Oblates will continue reflecting on Stability in their 2026 meetings and by hosting an open event on the topic.
OBLATE OCCURRENCES JANUARY 2026
January 6: Oblate Meeting.
Concluding study of Oates' book with small-group discussion on Chapter 5, Stability and Change and the paradox of our culture both wanting but also rejecting true stability, in what Oates calls, "movement-addicted spiritual subcultures." Benedictine stability means "staying put" in a life-long commitment to one place, one group of people-but it is not passive. In the case of the Algerian Trappists in Tibhirine during the Algerian Civil War, they prayerfully discerned and took the "action" of "staying put" in their monastery among the local Muslim community they served, rather than fleeing to save their lives. An example of how, through stability, we can heal the wounded and restore the broken. Oates maintains that the work of restoration is "birthed from a different source than the busy, shallow movement all around us." Oblates shared how regular habits of praying Compline, practice of lectio divina and a deeper understanding of humility in the Benedictine Rule, can be grounding and life-changing-in family and work situations.
Oblates will continue their exploration of the practice of Stability in their remaining meetings and in events open to the greater Glastonbury community.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Tuesday, February 3, 7:30 pm
Open to the entire community. All are welcome at the Morcone Center or online.
The Practice of Stability in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Salve Regina University Professor, Sean O'Callaghan, co-author of AI Shepherds and Electric Sheep: Leading and Teaching in an Age of AI, shares his research and reflections on human stability in a time of growing technology. This is a hybrid on-line/in person event. Registration is required. Click here to register.
Saturday, February 21, 9 am - 3 pm Morcone Center
Lenten Day of Reflection Presentations by Monks and Oblates on the Benedictine Rule, Ch. 49: Preparation for Lent. Time for sharing personal practices for observing this season of the Liturgical year. RSVP at Retreat Office, 781-749-2155, x 300 All are welcome
Oblates are also encouraged to attend the Abbey's Lenten Suppers, Tuesday evenings during Lent, starting February 24. A simple supper followed by a reflection:
24 February - Seder Meal hosted by Rabbi David Grossman, Temple Beth Shalom.
3 March - Psalms with Fr Timothy Joyce, OSB
10 March - Prophets with Jude Anyanwu from Boston College
17 March- Symbolism with Fr Nicholas Morcone, OSB
24 March - Creation with Fr Albrecht Nyce, OSB
No registration required.
Sunday, March 15, 11 am Morcone Center Oblate Brunch (In person only) Presenter: Oblate David Frye, Personal Reflections on Stability. RSVP Retreat Office 781-749-2155, x300
REMINDER TO ALL OBLATES: please return Nomination List for 3 new members of 2026-27 Oblate Steering Committee. Deadline: Feb.28. Send to Glastonbury Office, or email to Carolyn Carpenter.
All blessings and peace from the oblate steering committee: John Regan, Louise Deutsch, Carolyn Carpenter, Barbara Mirabito, Carol Stanton and Oblate director Fr. Albrecht Nyce, OSB.
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.
