"I think it is important to realize that I'm a wife, a mother first, but there is a way to fit this into your daily schedule."
Pamela Cooper's experience as an oblate, wife, and mother.
"The Rule to me was kind of common sense, it's something that I really thought that I could follow. "
Maureen Reichardt sees the Rule of St. Benedict as an expression of common sense.
"We went into the church and did the noonday prayers and it really sparked an interest. All of it gave me that energy that I was looking for."
Ron DeMarco is energized by prayer.
"And then also being able to be a support to people there who are having issues and need our help."
Jim Albright sees Saint Meinrad Oblates as a supportive community.
"Although I'm disciplined in most areas of my life, my spiritual area wasn't exactly disciplined. "
Steve Borchert values the spiritual balance the discipline of the Benedictine life has given him.
WATCH PART 1 OF STEVE'S WITNESS
"Well the greatest thing you can do for somebody else, I think is to pray for them."
Oblate Steve Borchert and the blessing of prayer.
WATCH PART 2 OF STEVE'S WITNESS
"...monks at Saint Meinrad Archabbey and other oblates, has deepened my spiritual relationship..."
Steve Borchert describes how being an oblate has helped him to critically review his spiritual life.
WATCH PART 3 OF STEVE'S WITNESS
"I can talk to anyone, almost any time. And everybody has an open ear."
John Lehner is thankful as an oblate for his relationship with the monks of Saint Meinrad.
"Everyone here is very caring and they are very gracious."
Jeanetta Stickford expresses the peace of Saint Meinrad.
"That's the first thing that I do. I pray."
Carole Mattingly describes how being an oblate has changed her life.
WATCH PART 1 OF CAROLE'S WITNESS
"If I'm tense and tired, it's relaxing and the grounds are beautiful and of course the church is beautiful. "
Carole Mattingly finds the beauty of Saint Meinrad brings calm.
WATCH PART 2 OF CAROLE'S WITNESS
"...I guess to take more time and be in less hurried manner in my reading and more reflecting time."
Methodist Pastor Carol Wiley finds the Benedictine way valuable for reflection.
WATCH PART 1 OF CAROL'S WITNESS
"The community has helped me to be more accepting of myself, just as I am, and just as I am at this moment..."
Carol Wiley finds being an oblate helpful on her journey of faith.
WATCH PART 2 OF CAROL'S WITNESS
"But I'm very blessed and very thankful that I am of the community of Saint Meinrad."
Carol Wiley expresses her gratitude for being a member of the oblate community of Saint Meinrad.
Oblates are affiliated with a monastery and are bonded in prayer, love and commitment. They are partners in the prayer and works of the monastery.
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