Oblates of the Family of St John
Who are the Oblates of the Family of Saint John?
We are the Oblates of the Family of Saint John: lay men and women (and some ordained clergy) who choose to live their baptismal vocation in the footsteps of Saint John the Apostle and beloved disciple, sharing the spirituality, prayer life and mission of the Brothers and Sisters of the Family of Saint John. Our life is shaped by five essentials — prayer, community life, formation, service and mission — that give structure to personal commitment and common witness.
The Oblates variety of life conditions
Oblature is lived in many different personal circumstances. Members include married couples, single professionals, parents with young children, retirees, people with demanding careers, those living far from a priory, and clergy who remain active in parish or diocesan ministry. Some attend meetings in person; others participate by videoconference or follow a more flexible rhythm when work, family or distance require it.
Oblates fraternities
Oblates meet locally in small groups called fraternities (typically 6–12 members) for shared prayer, lectio divina, formation and mutual support. Each fraternity is accompanied by a religious member of the family of Saint John, sister or brother. Members of the fraternities support each other in their spiritual life. Fraternities are small, prayer-centred communities where personal faith is made durable: through shared prayer, Scripture reading and attentive accompaniment, members form steady spiritual habits and learn to discern with clarity. In this trustful setting people receive honest, compassionate accountability that exposes blind spots, offers consolation in difficulty, and encourages perseverance in service. By translating convictions into concrete daily practices at home, at work and in local service, fraternities deepen prayer life, refine conscience, and strengthen the ability to bear faithful witness in ordinary life.
The five pillars of an oblate's life
Prayer Life
The life of prayer is a living encounter with the Most Holy Trinity. The life of the oblate is rooted in prayer. They daily strive to make themselves available to God, who dwells in their hearts and minds. They live of the divine motherhood of Mary and draw strength from the person of Saint John.
Fraternal Life
Within the fraternities, the oblates receive one another as brothers and sisters in Christ, filled with the same faith and the same charism. They stay in contact and unity of prayer with the oblates in special circumstances, especially those kept away by age or infirmity.
Formation
Formation responds to the need for truth in exercising love of God and neighbor: "speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ". This ongoing formation is intended to serve the growth of their life as Christians.
Service
"If any one serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant be also; if any one serves me, the Father will honor him." Through these words, the Oblate understands how precious the humblest of services is in God's eyes. And in the exercise of his service, the Oblate always remembers that "unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain".
Mission
"[Pray] for me, that utterance may be given me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel". Endowed with different gifts according to the grace he has been given, and always knowing that he is preceded by the Holy Spirit, the Oblate is aware of the importance of bearing witness to Christ.
Oblates across the world
Oblates live and serve across multiple countries and cultures. Regional structures adapt formation and accompaniment to local language and context while maintaining the same essential commitments.
There are 835 Oblates present in five different regions around the world.
Oblates in each region
Include observer, beginner and Oblates.
Testimonials
Aušra,
Oblate - Europe
"...Yes, oblates are often very close to the Church, but I really feel immersed in an atheist world: through my work, my family, where the majority of people are not believers. The oblate life is therefore very precious to me, for keeping this faith alive and helping it grow."
"... Another point that is dear to my heart in what I experienced in the Family of Saint John is the prayer of adoration lived together. It's wonderful to be able to pray together in silence! We are together, we pray together, but in silence. And this silent prayer allows both a witness of prayer and an acceptance of others. I have rarely seen this elsewhere."