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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.

St. Benedict Oblates Women

Oblate News

Benedictine Oblates participate in Laudato Si’ Week activities.

On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, five of our Benedictine Oblates attended the Laudato Si’ Rosary sponsored by the Sisters of St. Benedict in Ferdinand, IN.

Laudato Si’ Week was initiated to mark the anniversary of Pope Francis’ Encyclical on care for our common home. Those interested in participating and wanting more information about Laudato Si’ may email Sister Jean Marie Ballard at jballard@thedome.org or call 812-367-1411.

From left to right: Oblates Lynn Belli, Pat Stemle, Deb Stemle, Linda Begle, Vic Begle

Oblate Presentations

Stations of the Resurrection

On Sunday, April 23, 2025 Oblate Shirley France led our oblates with prayer and with discussion using the book Stations of the Resurrection compiled by Catherine Duenne with reflections written by some of our Benedictine sisters and oblates. 

Oblate Candidates

Congratulations to Sue Yochum, Rebecca Byrd, Doris Mohr and Lissa Kaszynski.

Please pray for these Oblate candidates as they journey together with their Oblate companions. These oblate candidates will journey with their companions (one who is a Sister of St. Benedict and one who is a professed oblate) for a year as they study the Holy Rule of St. Benedict.


At the Monastery

Liturgy of the Hours

Readings for Liturgy of the Hours


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

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

Oblate 2025 Season Scheduled Monthly Meetings

Zoom availability for months of September, October, December, January, February, March, April, and May. All meetings begin at 12:45 p.m. with Zoom sign-on starting at 12:30 p.m. For a Zoom link, please email oblates@thedome.org at least three (3) days in advance. All times are 12:45 – 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.

January 19, 2025Brother John Mark from St. Meinrad Archabbey
February 16, 2025Desert Spirituality
Sister Kathy Huber
March 23, 2025Getting Real with God
Guests from Ohio Reformatory for Women, Marysville, Ohio
April 6, 2025Stations of the Resurrection
Sisters and Oblate Authors
June 29, 2025Liturgy of the Hours, the People’s Prayers
Sister Anita Louise
June – July 2025Zoom meeting, Date TBD
August 3, 2025Oblate Picnic
September 21, 2025Monastic Service Fair
October 18, 2025Mechtilde Piano Concert
Dr. Richard Jeric
October 19, 2025The Spirituality of Music
Dr. Richard Jeric
November 14 – 16, 2025Oblates Volunteer at Christkindlmarkt
December 2025Zoom meeting, Date TBD

Oblate 2026 Season Meeting Dates

January 18
February 22
March 15
April 19
May 17
June 5-7 (Oblate Retreat at New Harmony)

July (Zoom Rosary)
August 9
September 13
October 11
January 17, 2027 (Installation of New Leaders)

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.

Oblate Leadership Team & Council 2025

Back row: Lynn Belli, Shirley France, Sr. Betty Drewes, Jim Weyer; Front row: Pat Stemle, Stephanie Smith, Judy Kissel, Emily Earhart

Why I Became an Oblate.

Watch this video and hear what lead and motivated some of our current Oblates to the Monastery Immaculate Conception.


Interested in becoming an Oblate?

Filling out the form below puts you in touch with our Oblate Formation Coordinator, Oblate Shirley France. She will contact you soon about the life and meaning of becoming an Oblate affiliated with the Sisters of St. Benedict, Monastery Immaculate Conception.