If, after coming to a meeting, you decide that you want to try us out, you are initiated as a candidate for a year, are given a copy of the rule of Saint Benedict, and you see whether it is congenial and practical for you where you are in your life and work. If it is, at the end of a year, you make the Oblation at one of the monthly meetings. From that point on, you are a permanent Oblate, subject to your decision on how active to remain. There are no commitments other than your commitment for the coming year. There are no fees.
All donations are voluntary.
An Oblate of St. Bede Abbey is part of the St. Bede prayer community of monks and Oblates. An Oblate is eager to learn about the lives of the monks. It is often the monks who come to speak at the monthly meetings. In addition, the Oblate newsletter often features profiles of them. This newsletter is published five times a year.