Glastonbury Abbey Oblates
A community of people seeking God through the Rule of St. Benedict.
Oblates of St. Benedict are women and men — married or single, clergy or lay — who formally associate themselves with the monks of Glastonbury Abbey. They share in a bond of prayer, friendship, and commitment, supporting one another in living the Gospel according to the Rule of St. Benedict.
Oblates remain in their homes, families, and professions. Their vocation is lived in the ordinary circumstances of daily life. Through prayer and work, they seek to integrate Benedictine values into the world around them.
Rooted in stability, fidelity, moderation, and ongoing conversion of life, the Benedictine path invites a steady turning toward God. The Rule offers not a rigid program, but a way of listening — to Scripture, to others, and to God — expressed in humility, reverence for life, hospitality, and faithfulness in relationships.
In following the Rule, Oblates seek to glorify God in all things and to become a quiet, steady presence for good within their families, workplaces, and communities.
Expectations of Oblates
Oblates commit themselves to the Abbey — to its prayer, its spirit, and its way of life.
They strive to:
- Live their Christian vocation with intention
- Remain faithful to the promises of their Oblation
- Renew their Oblation annually
- Pray the Liturgy of the Hours
- Practice Lectio Divina regularly
- Participate in retreats, days of reflection, and monthly gatherings
Becoming an Oblate
Admission and Formation
Women and men who feel drawn to live the Rule of St. Benedict in daily life may request to begin a period of prayer, study, and discernment through the Oblate Program at Glastonbury Abbey.
Formation unfolds gradually.
Inquire
Those interested are invited to contact the Oblate Director or a member of the Steering Committee to begin a conversation.
Observer
Participants spend one season (10 months) in the Oblate Formation Class as Observers. During this time, they study the Rule of St. Benedict and grow in understanding of Benedictine spirituality. Observers attend formation sessions but not the regular monthly Oblate meetings. At the end of the year, an Observer may request to become an Oblate Novice or may choose to remain an Observer longer.
Oblate Novice
The Novice continues attending the Oblate Formation Class for an additional ten months. At its conclusion, the Novice may write to the Oblate Director requesting that the Abbot and Council consider their petition to make Oblation. A Novice may also extend this period if desired.
Oblation
Through Oblation, a person promises to serve God and live according to the spirit of the Rule of St. Benedict while remaining in the secular world. Once received, the Oblate becomes a full member of the community, participates in monthly meetings, and renews their promise annually.
Observers and Novices are encouraged to begin living the Benedictine practices appropriate to their state in life during their formation.
Oblates gather monthly, September through June, beginning with Compline at 7:15 PM in the Abbey Church, followed by a meeting at 7:45 PM in the Morcone Center. The September meeting marks the beginning of the Oblate year and includes the celebration of new commitments and renewals.
