SJCK WEBPAGE

Being a Benedictine in the modern world

An introduction to
The Society of Jesus Christ the King

The Benedictine Oblates of The Society of Jesus Christ the King are Christian men and women with a spiritual bond to the brothers and sisters of The Society, part of the Holy Order of Port Royal. Their affiliation and partnership spread the outreach of Benedictine spirituality into the secular world and provide a strong foundation for individual spiritual growth
	The Medal of St Benedict

Oblates of The Society of Jesus Christ the King

THE AFFILIATION OF LAY MEN AND WOMEN as oblates of the Society of Jesus Christ the King has been part of the ministry of the Holy Order of Port Royal since the early 1990's when the Order, which had been largely contemplative for several decades, spread its mission into the wider world. In 1997 the Order established itself in Great Britain with a small non-residential monastic group incorporating the Society of Jesus Christ the King. Today it has one residential Abbey in Germany and non-residential missions with priests, brothers and sisters and oblates in various parts of the world.

SJCK has oblates in Great Britain and the USA and shares its prayer life and ministry on a daily basis. Additionally it has supporters across the world who, whilst not oblates, share in the daily readings and prayers of the Society.

In 2004 the Order celebrated its 800th year since its foundation in France. For over 300 years it has been independent of the former jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Church allowing it to be wholly ecumenical in its ministry and outlook. To coincide with the 800th Anniversary the Order in Germany became part of the Old Catholic Church (Utrecht Union).

In 1925, Anglican Orders were recognised by the Church of Utrecht. The Agreement of Bonn between the Church of England and all Old Catholic Churches belonging to the Union of Utrecht was proclaimed in 1931. This agreement is an ecumenical model, which shows how mutual open invitations to Communion can lead on to full inter communion between churches.

All churches and Orders belonging to the Union of Utrecht are in full church and sacramental communion, including mutual recognition of holy orders, with the churches of the Anglican Communion.

Today, those who embrace oblature within the Society of Jesus Christ the King strive to seek God and the glory of God in all things. Through their witness to the benefits of oblation, they extend the spirit of the our monastic community into areas where the monastic community cannot reach or be present.

How to Become an Oblate

A CHRISTIAN LAY PERSON OR ORDAINED MINISTER becomes an oblate of The Society of Jesus Christ the King by receiving a small religious habit, called a scapular, in a ceremony known as investiture. In this ceremony, the person becomes a novice or "beginner" in his or her new Benedictine oblate vocation.

Receiving the scapular is the introduction to a design for living in which the oblate assumes a few obligations and shares many spiritual privileges. The obligations assumed by the oblate do not bind under any pain of sin, for St. Benedict prefers that one serves God with love rather than with fear.

After a year spent as an oblate novice, the novice may participate in a ceremony called the act of final oblation and become a permanent member of the monastic family.

The only requisites for admission to the Oblates of St. Benedict are an upright character and the earnest desire for spiritual advancement according to the Christian ideals set forth in the Rule of St. Benedict. The minimum age for admission is 15.

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Liturgy of the Hours One pillar of Benedictine life is prayer in common, and that is the Work of God. Throughout the day, Benedictines from around the world stop their normal, daily activity to take time to praise God and to pray for the world. This gathering for communal prayer is known collectively as The Liturgy of the Hours. Morning Prayer: Evening Prayer: Compline:		Oblate Chapters In some parishes or areas, there are enough oblates to form a group called a chapter. The chapter is a small local community of believers associated with the Society and the Abbey Church of St Michael and All Angels in Hersham, England and living by the Rule of St. Benedict who support one another and join together in prayer and spiritual discovery

Duties of an Oblate

BENEDICTINE OBLATE LIFE IS PRIMARILY A SPIRITUAL LIFE. The key to this life is found in the Rule of St. Benedict: "That God may be glorified in all things" (RB 57:9). For the oblate, "all things" encompasses prayer, work, studies, church, recreation, family, friends, and even enemies. The oblate truly seeks God in every aspect of everyday life.

What is expected of an oblate? The duties are not difficult or overwhelming. Yet, if they are faithfully carried out, the oblate will find one's ordinary Christian life has become more spiritually satisfying.

Here are the duties expected of an oblate:

The oblate should pray daily the Liturgy of the Hours. Morning and Evening Prayer are included in the Benedictine Oblate Companion, which each oblate receives.

The oblate should read from the Rule of St. Benedict each day.

The oblate should practice Lectio Divina each day. This meditative reading from Holy Scripture or other religious writings expands the oblate's love, knowledge and appreciation of the spiritual way of life.

The oblate should participate frequently in the sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation. (Oblates who are not Roman Catholic should be faithful to their denominational beliefs concerning church and prayer.)

The oblate should be attentive to God's presence in his or her ordinary, daily life.

Oblate life is formed in and around Benedictine community. The oblate is affiliated spiritually with every other member of the Society of Jesus Christ the King and the Holy Order of Port Royal and thus shares in the prayer, work, love and commitment of the community. The oblates also form community in chapters and among their family, friends and church. By being part of the Benedictine community, the oblate is able to live more fully the Christian life.

Becoming an Oblate

At present direct novice oblature is restricted to practising communicant members of the Anglican Communion or Churches in Communion with the Anglican Church. If you are of another denomination you may still be able to become an oblate. Please contact us to receive more information.

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