Over a period of fifteen years I have written for the Benedictine Oblate newsletter and various other Oblate publications. Usually the topic of the article was suggested by Father Meinrad Brune, OSB, Director of Benedictine Oblates, Saint Meinrad Archabbey, and in keeping with the theme of the newsletter selected for the year. Many of the articles in this collection of oblate commentaries were written and published in past Benedictine Oblate newsletters. The various sections represent the various themes selected by Father Meinrad Brune, OSB, and assigned to me for the writing. Much of the research has been accomplished using the extensive Oblate Library located in the Oblate Office. The resource material has been readily available. Computers were available and much of the writing was done on them in the Oblate Office. The longest section in this collection is the one titled: Oblation: Growing Closer to God. In this section I have attempted to include those aspects of oblation that are most confronted by Benedictine oblates both those who are novices and those who are invested. The next longest section is the one titled: Commentaries on The Rule of Saint Benedict. The literary commentaries of nine Benedictine authors were selected by Father Meinrad and assigned to me. Four major chapters in The Rule of Saint Benedict were selected. because of their significant importance to the monastic life. The Prologue, Humility, Obedience, and the Restraint of Speech or Silence were included, because of their applicability to Benedictine oblation as well as to the Benedictine monk. The section of Oblate Fitness for God is the smallest with just two articles. Emphasis is placed on the concept that the human body is a temple for God and related to the mind. Two other sections are: Extending Oblation through Service and Experience and The Rule of Saint Benedict: Oblates' Guide for Work and Prayer.It is intended that the oblate reader will be eclectic in the reading and select them on the basis of contemporary need.

Reaching for God is a compendium of Benedictine life and prayer for oblates. It brings together in one volume the essence of Benedictine spirituality-its history, its relevance through the ages and in the present, and a summary of the most fundamental gifts and values it offers for living a meaningful life. Here, the meaning and purpose of the oblate way of life is explained in a clear and encouraging way. Werner offers guidance and examples of prayer to enrich any spiritual life. Sister Roberta Werner, OSB, having worked as a teacher, caregiver, and educational administrator, is now the assistant oblate director at St. Benedict's Monastery in St. Joseph, Minnesota. In this role, she guides an oblate discussion group, contributes to oblate newsletter publications, has set up an oblate library, and makes the spiritual journey with the many oblates who connect with her and with the monastery in their search for God.

A comprehensive guide to living as an oblate - in the home, in society, at work and in the church. Written by experienced oblate directors from around the world, it is an essential, lifelong formative guide for anyone living or considering the oblate life.

The Rule of St. Benedict forms the foundation for one of the oldest ongoing institutions in all of Western civilization. The Rule not only defines life for men and women in monasteries but has also become central to the spirituality of lay Christians across the globe. This gender-neutral translation is true to the original text but provides an alternative for individuals and groups who prefer such a version over the masculine language of the original as it was written for St. Benedict’s monks. See also version with daily commentary by Judith Sutera, OSB

You don't have to live in a monastery in order to live like a monk. Oblates are everyday people with jobs, families, and other responsibilities. Sometimes they are Catholic, sometimes not. In today's hectic, changing world, being an oblate offers a rich spiritual connection to the stability and wisdom of an established monastic community.

Wise and enduring spiritual guidelines for everyday living –– as relevant today as when The Rule was originally conceived by St. Benedict in fifth century Rome.