Any baptized person who is aware of the meaning of their baptismal vocation and the witness they have to give in the world, and who wishes to live in the spirit of the Saint John Family, can ask to become an Oblate.

Observer

Becoming an oblate is a gradual path of discernment, formation, and engagement. A person who feels called begins by meeting a local fraternity, participating in several gatherings to discover its rhythm of prayer, sharing, and formation.

Beginner

After this first contact, the person enters a preparatory period (the “beginner” stage). This time is dedicated to deepening the spirituality of Saint John, learning about the life of the Family of Saint John, and strengthening the foundations of the Christian life. The beginner is accompanied either by the fraternity or, during the transition period, by a brother or sister.

Oblature

When both the person and the fraternity discern that the call is genuine, the beginner may ask to make a first temporary commitment as an oblate. This commitment is made before God, in the presence of the fraternity and a cleric. Temporary commitments are renewed regularly until a final commitment can be made at the appropriate time.

Throughout this journey, the oblate remains rooted in the life of their fraternity, engaged in ongoing formation, and connected to the wider mission of the Family of Saint John.