How to Be a Monastic and Not Leave Your Day Job: An Invitation to Oblate Life (Voices from the Monastery) [Paperback]

Brother Benet Tvedten (Author)

Book Description

Series: Voices from the Monastery | Publication Date: February 1, 2006

Dorothy Day was an oblate while she lived in the heart of New York City. So was the French poet, Paul Claudel. Kathleen Norris is an oblate, and so was Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia, the first woman in Europe to earn a Ph.D. What connects them all? There are at least ten thousand oblates in the United States today (no one knows for sure how many), and each of them is connected in meaningful ways to a monastery or abbey. Most oblates are ordinary lay people from various Christian traditions. They are linked together by common appreciation for the Rule of St. Benedict. Originally written for monks, the principles in the Rule may be applied by everyone else---and in today's hectic, changing world, being an oblate offers a rich spiritual connection to the stability and wisdom of monastic life. This essential guide explains how people who live and work in "the world" are still invited to balance work with prayer, cultivate interdependence with others, practice hospitality, and otherwise practice their spirituality like monks.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Even as the number of religious (ordained monks and nuns) declines sharply in this country, lay monasticism is on the rise. "The number of oblates everywhere keeps growing and growing," says Tvedten, a monk at Blue Cloud Abbey in South Dakota who describes an oblate as someone who takes vows of spiritual commitment to a particular Benedictine monastery, but can have a regular job and a family. In this concise but informative book, Tvedten explains the foundation for oblate life—the Rule of Saint Benedict, a sixth-century guideline for spiritual growth in community. Benedict stressed a balanced life, with days spent praying the Divine Office (chanting the Psalms), reading devotional texts and working. Modern oblates do these things at home—some living hundreds of miles from the monastery with which they are affiliated—and visit the monastery regularly to meet with the monks and other oblates. After highlighting some core aspects of Benedictine spirituality (with some interesting forays into monastic history), Tvedten outlines how a person becomes an oblate, identifies religious communities within the United States that accept oblate members and explores simple principles for oblate life. (Feb.)
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Review

IN RECENT YEARS I've seen a number of new books on monastic life, prayer and the application of Benedictine spirituality in the workplace. How to Be a Monastic and Not Leave Your Day job and Oblation, two of seven titles incorporating those principles that are currently available from Paraclete Press, specifically address the oblate vocation. As expressed in Brother Benet's title, the road to holiness traveled by vowed religious is open to anyone, and can be found wherever we are, regardless of age, race, sex, occupation (or lack thereof) or even marital status. Benedictine oblates are Christian men and women who affiliate with a specific Benedictine community. Through oblate programs organized by almost every monastery, these mostly laypeople learn from professional monastics (monks and nuns) how to apply the Rule of St. Benedict to their daily lives. Brother Benet, a monk of Blue Cloud Abbey in South Dakota and director of its oblate program, combines explanations of what is meant by Benedictine spirituality with practical examples of its implementation, contributed by oblates of various monasteries. "Christ is the chain that binds us," he says, "and we are all bound to one another." Section one on Benedictine spirituality shows how prayer, holy reading, work and relationships figure in the life of every monastic. Prominent among the spirituality Benedictine values for daily living in section two are peace and justice, and hospitality. Two uniquely Benedictine vows conversion of life and stability of heart-are discussed in section three on being an oblate. Although oblates do not take vows, we promise to practice these concepts. Also found in this section are a helpful history of the oblate movement and five simple guidelines for oblates, prepared over 30 years ago by a group of oblate directors. St. Anthony's Messenger November 1, 2006

These two books [Oblation: Meditations on St. Benedict's Rule by Rachel M. Srubas and How To Be a Monastic and Not Leave Your Day Job: An Invitation to Oblate Life by Brother Benet Tvedten] deserve dual consideration. Both issued by Paraclete, they make a powerful case for the revival of one of the less well known monastic traditions of the West, the "oblates," who, while remaining laypeople in a lay life, are affiliated with a monastic house by their adherence to some of the basic tenets of the Benedictine rule. Tvedten (director, Oblates, Blue Cloud Abbey, SD) explains the history of Benedictine monasticism simply but in some detail as well as the history of oblates and their place in contemporary monastic houses, both Catholic and non-Catholic Benedictine. Srubas, herself both a Benedictine oblate and a Presbyterian clergywoman, has written a collection of poem-like prayers and meditations directed at oblates and inspired by the Benedictine rule. These volumes cast fresh light on a little-known practice and should interest many readers. For most collections. Graham Christian Library Journal January 1, 2006

Product Details

• Paperback: 119 pages
• Publisher: Paraclete Press (February 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557254494
• ISBN-13: 978-1557254498
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #147,575 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #24 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Monasticism

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

84 of 85 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Call to the Vocation of Secular Monastic, January 5, 2007

By 

R. Kirkham "jrkirkham" (Rushville, Illinois USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How to Be a Monastic and Not Leave Your Day Job: An Invitation to Oblate Life (Voices from the Monastery) (Paperback)

It seems like the fad of the day is for aspiring Christian authors to visit monasteries and write about their experiences. It is almost as if the very surroundings of a cloister will rub off and increase one's spiritual depth. But something about the call of the monastery is more than just a fad. An increasing number of people are adopting monastic spirituality for themselves. According to Br. Tvedten there are currently an estimated 24,155 Oblates of St. Benedict in the world. I am among their number. This almost equals the 25,255 vowed Benedictine men and women. The invitation to Oblate life is being answered by many people today. This book was written for them.

This easy to read book offers an excellent introduction to the vocation of the Oblate. The book is straight forward, respectful and unpretentious. Oblates who read this book will come away with a warm inspirational glow that their calling is appreciated. Those who are interested in lay monasticism will learn enough from this volume to understand what the movement is all about.

Several have commented that this little book (111 pages) is aimed more at those interested in formal ties with a monastic community than those who wish to practice Benedictine spirituality on their own. There is a reason for this, private Benedictine monastic spirituality is an oxymoron. To be Benedictine is to be part of community. This is even true of Benedictine hermits. One may be a contemplative or a mystic alone. One might pattern a personal devotional life after Benedict's Rule. One might even create a private prayer chapel. But these are not the same thing. I played around the edge of monasteries for years before I realized I had to take the plunge or forever be on the outside peeking through the windows.

Is this book for you? The answer is plain. If the title is catchy enough that you are reading this review then you should also read the book. You have already passed the "interest test".

66 of 67 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Invitation to Oblate Life, November 13, 2006

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Benedictine oblate - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Be a Monastic and Not Leave Your Day Job: An Invitation to Oblate Life (Voices from the Monastery) (Paperback)

In North America there is growing interest in Benedictine (i.e. Christian monastic) spirituality. How DO you become a monastic and not leave your day job? Brother Benet's answer is the answer that some 10,000 lay Catholics and Protestants in the U.S. have come up with: namely, become an oblate. Benet explains that to become an oblate is to have a special relationship with a particular Benedictine community, and to try to practice what Saint Benedict taught. That particular monastery becomes the person's "monastic home." Benet explains that the appeal of becoming an oblate includes the prayerful support of a monastic community, a deepening spiritual renewal, and the appeal of Benedictine values including a structured prayer life.

Brother Benet is the oblate director of Blue Cloud Abbey. He extends an invation to become an oblate to any person (man or woman) who is drawn to monastic spirituality but who doesn't want to take vows as a monk. The new oblate joins a host of other Christians discovering this way to deepen their spiritual lives and Christian journey. As Benet says: "This book attempts to explain the calling of an oblate." But rather than a left-brained analytical one-two-three Do-It-Yourself book like we're all used to, Br. Benet weaves a tapestry of anecdotes, historical notes, stories, and descriptions that give one an intuitive feel for the depth and breadth of oblate life, tradition, commitment, values, and milieu. His writing makes an enjoyable read, is often humorous, though is admittedly a bit disjointed at times.

Those wanting to skip right to the "How to" part of becoming an oblate can head directly to Part Three - "Becoming an Oblate." This section gives a brief history of oblates, what is entailed in oblation, why others have become oblates, descriptions of the investiture and oblation rituals, and five simple guidelines for oblates living the Rule of St. Benedict (RB). Those who are considering becoming an oblate should also know something about Benedictine spirituality (Part One) and Benedictine values for daily living (Part Two). These chapters give the flavor of Benedictine spirituality more by diffusion (through the anecdotes, historical notes, stories, and descriptions) rather than by a step-by-step analysis of the RB. For those interested in further applying the Rule of St. Benedict to secular life, see two books by oblates: Norveen Vest's "Preferring Christ", and Esther De Waal's "A Life-Giving Way." Additionally, Benet gives an excellent "Recommended Reading List" (by topic) at the end of his book.

What do oblates actually do? Benet notes that oblates may help out at the monastery, give prayerful support, and are often a prime mediator between the monastery and the world - i.e. they take Benedictine values into the world. He describes how monasteries around the world are continuing to encourage and honor the vocation of the Benedictine oblate, accepting lay oblates as an integral part of the monastic family.

As noted above, this is not so much a "How To" book as "What It's Like Being an Oblate" - and what it's been like through the centuries. If you skim the book looking strictly for "How To" points, you'll likely be disappointed or frustrated. But if you do a slow read and let the descriptions and stories capture your heart and imagination, you will come away with a deeper intuitive understanding of the oblate vocation. I rate this book 5 stars for anyone deeply interested in Christian monastic spirituality who might be drawn to making this closer tie with a monastic community.

For those looking for specific steps in becoming an oblate, here's a quick summary:

1) Locate and visit some monasteries - perhaps those nearest you. For a listing of monasteries in each state and/or diocese, see the Catholic directory (book) which should be available in most monastic, Cathedral, and diocesan libraries.
2) Pick the monastery that most attracts / best fits you. Note that regardless of your gender, you can become an oblate at either a men's monastery or a women's monastery.
3) Talk to the Oblate Director of the monastery, and follow his or her suggested steps (may include study of the RB, attending a few oblate meetings, making a retreat at the monastery, etc.)
4) Become "invested" as an oblate - i.e. make a formal request to become an oblate.
5) Spend time in "formation" (generally one year) - may include classes, meetings, home study, etc.
6) After the specified time, request to make oblation to your chosen monastery.
7) With the approval of your Oblate Director, go through the ritual of oblation to that monastery.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must read.., May 26, 2007

By 

J. Brunson (Southern California) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How to Be a Monastic and Not Leave Your Day Job: An Invitation to Oblate Life (Voices from the Monastery) (Paperback)

Benedictine life has as a major plank continual conversion. This book helps explain how Benedictine monks and Oblates seek Christ via prayer (the Psalms which were the prayers that Christ prayed) as well as Lectio Divina, stability and even works. A readable and enjoyable book. Benedict was a lay person and he wrote for regular people. Likewise this book was written for regular people who want to learn about Benedictine life. No fancy hurdles to jump.. No complicated idiosyncratic procedures.. The depth of the Benedictine life pursued is ultimately up to the monk or Oblate..