Become an Oblate: Nebraskan Chapters
Started in 1993, the Nebraska Chapters has grown from Lincoln into the surrounding communities. Many Nebraska Oblates has spread throughout the country, either linking with other monasteries or continuing their annual renewal with Sacred Heart Monastery/Nebraska Chapter.
Orientation sessions are available in August for persons interested in learning more about the Oblates. The process of both Initial Formation (Inquirers and Novices), and Ongoing Formation (Oblates) are presented at that time. Information about Sacred Heart Monastery and the sisters are also presented. Individual orientation sessions are available upon request.
Each year an Oblation Ceremony is held in the James E. Ryan Memorial Chapel at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, 5401 South Street. This is currently held via Zoom due to pandemic concerns as well as construction at the hospital during 2022. At that time Inquirers make their Initial Oblation, Novice Oblates make their Final Oblation and other Oblates make their Renewal of Oblation.
Chapter Gatherings: Chapters meet monthly from Aug-May where Oblates, Novices and Inquirers gather for Reflection, Group Lectio Divina, faith sharing and Vespers. Inquirers meet with a Companion Group Leader to learn more about Benedictine Spirituality. All Chapter members meet in June on the 2nd Sunday at 4:30p for a potluck meal and Vespers.
Weekly Morning Prayer: Oblates and guests gather for Morning Prayer on Fridays at 7:30am. We meet at the James E. Ryan Memorial Chapel at Madonna Rehab Hospital and then gather for coffee afterwards. Currently we are praying via zoom due to pandemic concerns and construction at the hospital in 2022.
Cells: persons who have made their Final Oblation are invited to join a small group for additional faith sharing and prayer.
Annual Retreats: An annual retreat is arranged either in conjunction with Sacred Heart Monastery or with other monasteries that are within driving distance of Lincoln. We encouraged all Oblates to visit the Monastery in person as they are able, to further their connection with the sisters.
Other Resources: A handbook for the Benedictine Oblates of Sacred Heart Monastery, Yankton, is available through the Nebraska oblate website. See their website or Facebook page for current monthly meeting dates, newsletter and assignments. Pictures from 2016 on our Flickr page.
Library of recommended Benedictine Spirituality books: https://www.nebraskabenedictineoblates.org/resources/library-guide/
Nebraskan Chapters:
Lincoln: Chapter Gatherings are held at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, 5401 South Street. We are currently meeting via Zoom due to pandemic concerns and construction at the hospital during 2022. Sunday evening Chapter meetings are held the second Sunday from 7–9 p.m.
Steinauer: Monday evenings: 7–9 p.m. All meetings will be held in the Banquet Room across the street from St. Anthony’s Church, the last Monday of each month unless otherwise specified.
Hastings: Monthly meetings are held every second Saturday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in a designated room at St. Cecelia’s Guadalupe Center; 217 Kansas Ave, Hastings, NE.
For more information about the Nebraska Oblate Chapter, please contact Carol Olson, Lead Dean, at carol.olson@nebraskabenedictineoblates.org.
