The Our Lady of Sorrows Chapter is an ecumenical Benedictine community of Oblates and Associates
within the monastic community of the
St. Joseph of Arimathea Skete.
In true Benedictine tradition, we welcome Christians of
all faith traditions to become a part of our family.
We do not emphasize one faith over another, but teach Benedictine spirituality, while respecting the varying faith
traditions of our members.
We meet monthly year-round at a local parish center in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, north of Philadelphia and
convenient to Mercer County, NJ. Most meetings, from start to finish, last about 2 hours. We also have a yearly
Chapter retreat at a local retreat center. If you are in the area and would like to attend a meeting,
contact us
for more information or see the next meeting date at the bottom of this page.
You can also visit us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/OblatesOLSOSB
Our Story
We first formed in 2006 as an independent community of laypeople following the Rule of St. Benedict. In 2008 we became
an Oblate Chapter of a Benedictine monastery in Florida and finally, in January, 2021, we became part of the
St. Joseph of Arimathea Skete,
as mentioned above.
We number three Professed Oblates, two Novices and two Associates. Although small, we are blessed with new growth
as God calls willing hearts.
How does one become an Oblate?
As mentioned above, Christians of all faith traditions who profess the Apostle’s Creed may become a member of our
Chapter. An oblate must simply desire to learn about and follow the way of Benedictine spirituality as their life
circumstances permit.
Our Chapter is a monastic community, and we share in the prayer, work, love, and commitment of the other monastic
communities of the Skete. Oblates worldwide form communities in chapters among their family, friends and church. By being
part of a Benedictine community, the oblate is able to live more fully the Christian life.
If you feel God is calling you to life as an Oblate, begin by attending meetings at a Chapter near you. In our case,
a visitor would attend meetings regularly for a time, then, if they wish to become a member, make an application as
either an Oblate or Associate. Both Oblates and Associates have a period of initial formation, after which Associates
are received as members (see more about our Associates program below). Oblate candidates then enter the Novitiate
and receive the medal of St. Benedict on a white ribbon. Novitiate is for a period of one year, followed by Oblation.
Our Associates Program
It sometimes happens that a person is interested in the charism of the Chapter but doesn’t feel called to Oblate life.
In that case, they are welcome to become a part of the community as an Associate member.
Associates are Christian lay people - married, single, divorced, and widowed – as well as clergy members who were
drawn to the charism of the Benedictine Oblate Chapter, but who do not wish to take on all the responsibilities
required of an Oblate. Associates do not make Oblation promises, but rather commit to be partners with
Oblate Chapter members, and to share the mission and charism of the Chapter to which they belong. After a
short time of formation, Associates are received and given a medal of St. Benedict pin, which they should
wear at meetings.
Associates strive to extend the Benedictine presence into the many worlds in which they live, in whatever occupation
they are involved, including attorneys, homemakers, teachers, business-owners, factory workers, retired persons
and more. They try to live their daily lives in the intentional way of Benedictine spirituality, according to their
own gifts, talents, and life circumstances.
If at any time an Associate feels called to become an Oblate, they may make application to the Oblate Director.
Upon acceptance, they will be invested as a Novice, since the time they spent as an Associate will be credited
to them as the traditional time of Postulancy for an Oblate.
Meetings: First Saturday of every month *
Time: 10:00 AM
Date: May 4, 2024
* If you wish to come to a meeting, please contact us
and let us know of your interest. We look forward to welcoming you to a meeting soon.