Oblates of St. Scholastica  Monastery 

by TERRY BAKER, GUEST WRITER

In the age of fast paced technology,  never-ending changes and stresses, of broken relationships and society’s constant clamor, there is a place of refuge.  There is a place of quiet prayer, reflection, leisure, and work.  The place I speak of is St. Scholastica Monastery in Fort Smith, Arkansas.  This Benedictine monastery is a place that not only offers  women a place to practice their religious vocation, but also equally important, a place for the laity to join them in living out the Rule of Benedict.  This rule written by St. Benedict over 1500 years ago continues to offer a plan for living that is equally relevant today.  Today, men and women of faith seeking to grow their spiritual lives and make sense of this world join the Sisters of St. Scholastica  by becoming Oblates.  Just as the Sisters have practiced a balance of prayer, work, and leisure, so too, do the men and women Oblates learn from them to do the same. 

This past year, the Oblates have focused on the promise of obedience.  What does obedience mean?  How do I as a married woman practice this virtue? Learning the true meaning of obedience, humility, and strength can be a challenge.  Learning to listen to God, I have found, is really what this is about.  God, of course, hasn’t sent me a text; instead my husband and I listened to our Oblate Directors and became willing to assist in changes that will hopefully move us forward.  No longer will we sit and wait to be fed, rather we (all oblates) will take responsibility for our oblate “vocation”.  

In 2025-2026 I have found myself in  the new role of Oblate coordinator, working with the directors to plan our Oblate Sundays.   A formal document of behavior expectations has been implemented.  Individual ministries have been formed with each group determining what topic they will study or what activity they will engage in.  An Oblate directory is being created along with a pictorial that will be able to be updated and will become part of the archives at St. Scholastica.  Oblates assist the monastery with hospitality, pray daily for vocations, follow the Liturgy of the Hours, and join the Sisters in adoration, Mass, and other activities. 

Driving onto the grounds of the monastery, Oblates are encouraged to leave the world at the curb and enter into the monastic rhythm that has sustained and nourished so many men and women over the centuries.  This year we have also looked forward to growing our program and preparing for the future.  We are encouraged to invite others looking for spiritual renewal to join us.  We have an obligation to leave the next generation a vibrant and flourishing Oblate program.  May God bless the work of our hands.