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.
Oblate Presentations
Divine Mercy by Oblate Karen Lance
At the Oblate meeting held on September 17, 2023, Oblate Karen Lance spoke about and shared her experiences with the chaplet of the Divine Mercy.
Vatican News
Pope: Benedictine spirit characterized by a heart expanded by love
Speaking with Benedictine Oblates, Pope Francis says the Benedictine spirit is characterized by “a heart expanded by the unspeakable sweetness of love.”
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
Oblate 2023 – 2024 Season Scheduled Monthly Meetings
Zoom availability for months of September, November, January, February, April and May. All times are 1:00 – 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 submit the inquiry form located below. Sister Betty Drewes will be in touch, you can reach her directly at 812-367-2827.
| August 20, 2023 | Picnic Celebration and Receiving of Oblate Candidates 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. EST |
| September 17, 2023 | Divine Mercy with Oblate Karen Lance |
| November 5, 2023 | Reverence in our Battered World with Sr. Karen Joseph Oblation Sunday & Fall Reflection |
| December 5 – 6, 2023 | Fr. Eugene Advent Scripture Study 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. EST each day Location TBD |
| January 14, 2024 | Oblate World Congress Update by Oblates Shirley France & Stephanie Smith |
| February 18, 2024 | Vocations – CARA program by Sr. Jill Reuber |
| March 2, 2024 | Fr. Eugene Lenten Scripture Study 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (lunch provided) Location TBD |
| April 14, 2024 | Monastery Spiritual Direction Program Sr. Betty Drewes and others |
| May 19, 2024 | Monastery Immigration Program Sr. Joan Scheller and Sr. Michelle Sinkhorn |
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 2023
From left to right: Elaine Baumgart (Oblate Co-director), Mel Schroeder (Oblate Co-director), Sister Betty Drewes (Oblate Sister Contact)
Oblate Advisory Board Members
From left to right: Mel Schroeder, Martha Esparza, Stephanie Smith, Patti Schroeder, Elaine Baumgart, Jim Weyer, and Pat Stemle
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 out Oblate Sister Contact, Sister Betty Drewes. She will contact you soon about the life and meaning of becoming an Oblate affiliated with the Sisters of St. Benedict, Monastery Immaculate Conception.