|
Back to Table of Contents
Ora et Labora
by Jessica Walker
photos by Karen Ceckowski
“Idleness is the enemy of the soul. Therefore, the brothers should have specified periods for manual labor as well as for prayerful reading.”
~The Rule of Saint Benedict
This year marked the fifth anniversary of the Oblate Pray and Work Weekend at Conception Abbey. According to Father Kenneth Reichert, OSB, Director of Oblates, the weekend started as a request from the oblates in 2002. They wanted a time where they could gather together to work and pray with the monks, and so it began.
Once a year oblates participate in Pray and Work Weekend. “The work varies,” Father Kenneth said, “Most years we are outdoors pulling weeds and keeping up the grounds. This summer, however, we painted the interiors of St. Benedict Hall and Marian Hall, and put together booklets for the Abbey Guest Center. This year 25 oblates came to work and pray together."
An Oblate puts finishing touches on the wall during Pray and Work Weekend.
In order to show what it means to be an oblate, a question and answer session is provided below. This might help you see if becoming an oblate is right for you. Answers provided by Father Kenneth Reichert, OSB, Director of Oblates, and the oblate brochure.
Q) What is an oblate?
A) Oblates are mostly lay people who want to take part in the prayer life of the monastery and follow The Rule of Saint Benedict as best they can in their state of life. “Becoming an oblate is a special way to affiliate themselves with a particular monastery,” Father Kenneth said.
Q) What do I have to do to become an oblate?
A) Oblates make a promise (not a vow) to follow The Rule of Saint Benedict. People who are interested in becoming an oblate call and ask the oblate director about it. When they decide they want to become an oblate they join as an oblate novice for one year. During that year they acquaint themselves with The Rule of Saint Benedict. After that year they make their oblation promise to follow The Rule of Saint Benedict; this is called final oblation.
Q) Do I have to be Catholic to become an oblate?
A) No, and those who are not Roman Catholic should be faithful to their denominational beliefs and practices.
Q) Where does one make a final oblation?
A) “I prefer they make their final oblation here at Conception,” Father Kenneth said. “However since we have them coast to coast it’s not always possible.”
Q) Once I am an oblate, what is required of me?
A) 1. Try to pray the liturgy of the hours daily, at least morning and evening prayer.
2. Read The Rule of Saint Benedict, perhaps a portion each day.
3. Practice lectio divina.
4. Participate frequently in the sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation. Oblates who are not Roman
Catholic should be faithful to their denominational beliefs and practices.
5. Try to be attentive to God’s constant presence in their daily lives.
6. Maintain regular contact with Conception Abbey.
7. Renew their oblation each year.
Q) Who do I contact if I am interested in learning more or in becoming an oblate?
A) If you are interested in learning more or becoming an oblate please contact:
The Oblate Director
Conception Abbey
P. O. Box 501
Conception, MO 64433
Phone: 660-944-3165
or e-mail: oblates@conception.edu
Oblates assemble the booklets to be placed in all guest rooms during Pray and Work Weekend.
We welcome your comments:
communications@conception.edu
www.conceptionabbey.org
Back to Table of Contents
|
