Oblate News
2024-2025 Oblate Program:
This year’s theme is Obedience.
OBLATE OCCURRENCES MAY 2025
The world echoed “Habemus papam” as Cardinal Robert Prevost became the first American Cardinal to be elected Pope on May 8, 2025. His first words to the waiting crowds below and the thousands around the world were, “Peace be with all of you,” as he appeared on the balcony: Pope Leo XIV.
In our Abbey, we celebrated with both relief and gladness. Now the work begins as Pope Leo takes on his worldwide congregation to continue the mission of Francis I, building a global, synodal Church.
Oblates met on May 6 where the topic for discussion was—DISCUSSION! Several ideas addressing our role as lay monastics had come up during the recent April retreat. And a survey using Survey Monkey had been sent to all oblates to elicit responses to strengthen what we have at present and improve what the future may bring. Some of the topics shared at the meeting included building a closer sense of community and communication, examining what it means to be an “Oblate presence” at the Abbey, building technology to further ease interaction, taking a long look at Oblate formation. Oblates hope to continue openness and willingness to move forward as we conclude this year’s meetings and plan for 2025-26.
Oblates’ final meeting is on Tuesday, June 3. A brief “Evening of Recollection” will allow moments to look back on considerations about this year’s theme, Obedience (Rule of Benedict, chap.5), as well as gather in prayer, gratitude, and joyful anticipation of summer. Don’t forget to mark your calendars to help celebrate the Feast of St. Benedict at Mass on Friday July 11 and a celebration on Sunday July 13.
As always we welcome interested readers to contact us. Contact director, Fr. Albrecht Nyce OSB or any of the Oblate Steering Committee Members: Carolyn Carpenter, Karen Casale, Louise Deutsch, Jean McDonald, Jonathan Regan, and Oblate Director Fr. Albrecht Nyce OSB
(Louise Deutsch 5/29/25)
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. The September meeting is the official start of our new year. During Compline, we celebrate new Novice commitments, new Oblates making their Oblation and current Oblates making their yearly renewal.
Oblate Steering Committee 2024-2025: co-chairs Jean McDonald and Karen Casale. Other OSC members: Carolyn Carpenter, Louise Deutsch, Jonathan Regan, Fr Albrecht Nyce.
