Oblates
We, the Benedictine Oblates of Monastery Immaculate Conception are women and men who desire to spread the spirit of The Rule of St. Benedict by adopting the principles of the monastery to enrich our own lives and share those principles with others.
Who are Oblates?
Oblates of St. Benedict are Christian men and women from all walks of life who associate themselves with a specific Benedictine monastery to enrich their way of life.
Oblates promise to deepen their faith and to lead enriched Christian lives according to the Rule of St. Benedict; they do not take on new religious practices. The spirituality of St. Benedict is so flexible that it can be adapted to the life of anyone seriously seeking God and desiring to live the Gospel message.
Through association with the Sisters of St. Benedict, Oblates receive guidance and support in living the Christian life. This support and guidance is provided through regular Oblate meetings, by the Oblate newsletter, and other enrichment opportunities offered by the sisters.
What do Oblates do?
UNITE daily prayer to the prayer of the sisters
JOIN in the community’s celebration of the Eucharist and Liturgy of the Hours
DEVELOP a relationship with the sisters
SUPPORT the ministry of the sisters as ability or time allows
ENCOURAGE and support vocations to the Benedictine way of life
ATTEND days of prayer and other spiritual enrichment offerings
PARTICIPATE in works of charity and justice in the local area
MANIFEST the Spirit of St. Benedict in all places and all times
MEET monthly, virtually or in person, for prayer, presentations, and social time
Oblate Leadership Team & Council 2025
Front row: Lynn Belli, Shirley France, Stephanie Smith, Judy Kissel, Emily Earhart, and Sr. Becky Mathauer, OSB
Oblate Presentations
Anthropology in Christianity : April 19, 2026
Join us for “Anthropology in Christianity” by Mary Jo Lautier on Sunday, April 19, 2026—in person or via Zoom. Mary Jo Lautier, a retired interpreter and museum educator with extensive experience in Charleston, SC, will discuss diverse cultures and how participants can represent Christ within them.
Oblate Leadership Discernment Session
On Sunday, May 17, 2026, Sr. Becky Mathauer will guide our community through the planning process for electing a new leadership team. This session, titled “Discerning the Call to Leadership,” will provide an opportunity for reflection and intentional decision-making as we consider those called to serve in leadership roles within our oblate community. Are you feeling called to serve more deeply within your oblate community? This session will help you explore and discern your potential role in leadership, encouraging you to reflect on your commitment and willingness to serve others. We invite you to join us for a prayerful session focused on Oblate Leadership Discernment. Rooted in the wisdom of St. Benedict, this gathering emphasizes listening with the “ear of the heart,” fostering a spirit of openness and thoughtful consideration as we discern together the path forward for our community leadership.
Oblate Presentations
Liturgy of the Hours
On Sunday, March 15, 2026, Sister Kathleen Marie Cash gave our oblate community an engaging presentation on the Liturgy of the Hours and how it shapes the daily routines of those following the Rule of St. Benedict. She explained the structure and arrangement of the psalmody, offering insight into how the psalms are organized and used throughout the day. Sister Kathleen also discussed the importance of chanting in this tradition. Our oblates had the chance to learn and practice chanting the psalms using the traditional eight modes.
Rite of Oblation
Congratulations to Sue, Rebecca & Lissa.
After a year of study with their sister and oblate companions, Sue Yochum, Rebecca Byrd, and Lissa Kaszynski made their final oblation at the Monastery Immaculate Conception on Sunday, October 19, 2025. Congratulations! We are blessed!
Oblate Candidates
Congratulations to Ryan, Erica, Erin & Stan.
On Sunday, September 21, 2025, the Rite of Candidacy took place at the Monastery Immaculate Conception, Ferdinand, IN, where Ryan Ecken, Erica Ecken, Erin Giddens, and Stan Kaszynski as they begin their journey with their Benedictine sister companion and oblate companion.
If you would like to receive information about our oblate program in Ferdinand, IN, please fill out the “Interested in becoming an Oblate” form below.
Oblate News
Pray the Rosary with the Oblates
Our Oblate community invites you to join us as we pray the rosary via Zoom on the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The Zoom link is the same each month.
Oblate 2026 Season Scheduled Monthly Meetings
Zoom availability for the months of January, February, March, April and May. All meetings begin at 12:30 p.m. with Zoom sign-on starting at 12:15 p.m. For a Zoom link, please email oblates@thedome.org at least three (3) days in advance. All times are 12:30 – 3:00 p.m. EST in St Gertrude Hall with exception of Advent and Lenten Studies.
Those interested in learning more about the Ferdinand Immaculate Conception Monastery Oblate Community or wish to join one of the Oblate monthly presentations either in person as a guest or via Zoom can send the inquiry form found below. Oblate Shirley France will be in touch.
If you missed a meeting, you can click on the links below to watch each of the videos.
| January 18, 2026 | Peru Mission: 1969 to the Present | Watch Video |
| February 22, 2026 | Ministering in Mexico Experience with Sister Teresa Gunter & Sister Jackie Kissel | Watch Video |
| March 15, 2026 | Liturgy of the Hours with Sister Kathleeen Cash | Watch Video |
| April 19, 2026 | Anthropology in Christianity with Mary Jo Lautier | |
| May 17, 2026 | Oblate Leadership Discernment Session with Sister Becky Mathauer | |
| June 5-7, 2026 | Oblate Retreat in New Harmony, IN | |
| July 2026 | Zoom Rosary, Date TBD | |
| August 9, 2026 | Monthly Presentation TBD | |
| September 13, 2026 | Monthly Presentation TBD | |
| October 11, 2026 | Monthly Presentation TBD |
Viewing Meetings & Presentations
To access live-stream during meetings:
- You need to use a Windows computer with Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. You cannot use Apple devices or iPads at this time.
- Live Streaming link: click here
- Once it loads, it will launch Microsoft Media Player.
- Adjust the size and volume as you see fit.
- Remember you can only access the live stream during an Oblate meeting.
At the Monastery
Liturgy of the Hours
Why I Became an Oblate.
Watch this video and hear what lead and motivated some of our current Oblates to the Monastery Immaculate Conception.
The Oblate’s Prayer
O loving God,
We ask your blessing on all the Oblates of Saint Benedict,
on those with whom we are affiliated,
and all Benedictines throughout the world.
Help us to become people of prayer and peace.
Though scattered far and wide, help us to be
together in the spirit of your love. Give us
hearts wide enough to embrace each other as
well as those whose lives we touch. Enable us
to listen and to learn from each other and from
those around us each day.
May we be models in our homes
neighborhoods and communities of wise
stewardship, dignified human labor, sacred
leisure and reverence for all living things.
Above all, O God, may our presence among
others be a constant witness of justice,
compassion and hope to all.
Amen
Interested in becoming an Oblate?
If you are interested in becoming an Oblate, simply complete the form below. Your information will be forwarded to our Oblate Formation team member, Ellen Stanton, who will reach out to you soon to share more about the Oblate journey and what it means to be connected with the Sisters of St. Benedict at Monastery Immaculate Conception.