Oblates
Updated 18 Jan 2004
Becoming an Oblate
Being an Oblate of Alton is a wonderful experience. It is a bit like being cousins
of a family. It is a great privilege to be part of such a loving and prayerful
community, and helps deepen prayer and spiritual life. People who wish to become
Oblates write their own Rule appropriate for their circumstances of life, based
on the spirit of the Rule of St Benedict. This is then discussed and agreed with
the Oblate-Master and the Abbot. They are admitted as a probationer for about
a year, and then if they wish they can proceed to becoming a full Oblate.
When at the Abbey, Oblates are able to robe and be admitted to the enclosure
(the parts of the Monastery reserved for the Community) and (if they can sing)
they can join the Monks in the Choir. Here are a few of the Oblates, with in
the Centre Fr Abbot and Dom Andrew, the Oblate Master.
The Oblates seek to bear witness tothe Gospel by their way of life, in thier
homes and work-places. The Oblature at Alton Abbey is open to men who have passed
the age of 18 years.
Contact: the Oblate Master, Dom Andrew Johnson.
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