Those interested in becoming an Oblate should contact the Director of Oblates at Queen of Angels Monastery. Over a period of time, the Oblate candidate comes to know the Sisters and discerns his or her call to being an Oblate. After a period of preparation, the candidate makes a formal promise – Act of Oblation – to share the Benedictine way of life and monastic values.

The commitment is not binding in the same way that religious vows are, but it brings the Oblate into the Sisters’ family and engages him or her fully in the prayer, work and spiritual life of the community.

Inquirer Stage: The first stage in the process of becoming a Benedictine Oblate is a time of inquiry. Its purpose is to help one become familiar with the Rule of St. Benedict under the guidance of the Director of Oblates, with the support of the Benedictine Sisters and the Oblate community. It is a time of discernment as one explores at a profound level one's interest in the Benedictine life. This stage generally takes one year.

Candidate Stage: The Inquirer becomes a Candidate in the Oblate community after completion of the Inquiry Stage. The focus of this stage is on deep prayer practice (as one's life circumstances allow) and deepening awareness of Benedictine Spirituality through reading, participation at meetings, and study of the Rule of St. Benedict. The Candidate Stage generally takes one year also.

Benedictine Oblate: After successful completion of the Candidacy stage, one may request acceptance as a full Oblate. If one chooses oblation, the Oblate promises in a ceremony before the Prioress of the Monastery and the Benedictine Sisters, Oblates, family, and friends to live according to Benedictine spirituality in affiliation with the Queen of Angels Monastery. The oblation and its promise is not a vow, but is a free gift of oneself to God.