The Oblates of Saint Benedict, of Saint Michael Parish, Whittier California, while not affiliated with any monastic community, are a group of Orthodox Christians who have come together to meet and pray under the guidance of the Rule of Saint Benedict.     

     We meet on the second Saturday every month at 10:00 AM in our parish church to chant the offices of Prime and Terce, and  listen to a meditation after which we pray for those on our monthly intercession list. We then retire to the parish hall to discuss the meditation, study our workbook,

have a light lunch and  conduct the business of our Chapter.  Twice yearly, for Advent and Great Lent, we sponsor a parish retreat.

     Although we are Orthodox, we welcome all Christian men and women, single and married, who wish to incorporate into their lives the Rule of Saint Benedict. By following the Rule, the Oblates strive to live lives of prayer, and by service to the Church foster a sense of community united in Christian love and peace.

      Individuals and groups who for reason of great distance are unable to belong to the Chapter at Saint Michael Church are invited to consider becoming Oblates associated with us.

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THE OBLATES PRAYER  

O Loving God,

I ask Your blessings this day On all Oblates of Saint Benedict And those with whom we are affiliated.

Help us to become people of prayer and peace.

Though scattered far and wide, help us to be together in the spirit of Your love.

Give us hearts wide enough to embrace each other as well as those whose lives we touch.

Enable us to listen and to learn

From each other

And those around us each day.

May we be models in our homes, neighborhoods,

And communities of wise stewardship,

Dignified human labor,

Sacred leisure,

And reverence for all living things.

Above all, O God, may our presence among others

Be a constant witness of justice, compassion, and hope.

Amen