Overview

Reaching for God is a compendium of Benedictine life and prayer for oblates. It brings together in one volume the essence of Benedictine spirituality-its history, its relevance through the ages and in the present, and a summary of the most fundamental gifts and values it offers for living a meaningful life. Here, the meaning and purpose of the oblate way of life is explained in a clear and encouraging way. Werner offers guidance and examples of prayer to enrich any spiritual life. Sister Roberta Werner, OSB, having worked as a teacher, caregiver, and educational administrator, is now the assistant oblate director at St. Benedict's Monastery in St. Joseph, Minnesota. In this role, she guides an oblate discussion group, contributes to oblate newsletter publications, has set up an oblate library, and makes the spiritual journey with the many oblates who connect with her and with the monastery in their search for God.

Full Product Details

Author:   Roberta Werner
Publisher:   Liturgical Press
Imprint:   Liturgical Press
Dimensions:   Width: 13.70cm , Height: 1.30cm , Length: 21.00cm
Weight:   0.255kg
ISBN:  

9780814635513

ISBN 10:   0814635512
Pages:   208
Publication Date:   20 May 2013
Audience:   General/trade ,  General
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Available To Order  
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Table of Contents

Contents Acknowledgments    xi Introduction    xiii 1. Benedictine Spirituality as Related to Oblate Life/Living    1      The Essence of Benedictine Spirituality    1      What/Who Is an Oblate?    1      Why Become an Oblate?    2      The Partnership of Oblate and Monastery    3 2. The Rule of Benedict: The Source of Benedictine Spirituality   4      History of Saint Benedict and the Rule    4      The Rule and Oblate Living    5           Renowned Witnesses to Oblate Living    5           Paul Claudel: Some Specifics of One Oblate’s Spiritual Journey    6           Reflections and Insights on the Rule of Benedict    11      Selected Contemporary Interpretations of the Rule of Benedict    17 3. Benedictine Life Gifts/Values for Oblates    20      Prefer Nothing to Christ (RB 72)    20      Seek God Daily    21      Conversion of Heart    21      Stability and Fidelity    23      Listening and Loving Obedience    24      Balancing Prayer and Work    26      Community    30       Hospitality    32      Humility    34      Silence    36      Authenticity    38      Reverence and Respect    41      Joy    43      Peace    46      Humor    47      Beauty    50      Moderation    53      Compassion    56      Important Elements of Benedictine Life    61           Lectio Divina    61           Liturgy: Office of the Hours    63           Eucharist    65           Societal and Social Justice Concerns    66           Stewardship and Care for the Environment    67           Equality and Uniqueness of Persons    68           Sacredness of Life    69           Leisure    69           The Arts and Artisans / Beauty    71           Service    73 4. History of the Oblate Movement    79      General History of the Oblate Movement    79           Oblation: Origins to the Nineteenth Century    79           Oblation: America 1900–2000    88      History of the Oblates of Saint Benedict’s Monastery:             An Example of the Oblate Evolution in America    90 5. The Importance of the Laity in the Work of the Church and the World    96 6. The Oblate Program    105      How to Begin: The Entering Process    105       Discerning the Call    105      Steps in Oblate Formation    106           Conditions for Becoming an Oblate    106           Oblation 107           Ongoing Formation    108           Church Regulations for Oblates    108           Transfer of Oblation    109      Guidelines for Oblates of Saint Benedict    109 7. Reading List    111      Books on the Rule of Benedict and Benedictine Values    111      General Books for Spiritual Growth    117      Some Sources of Benedictine History    121      Some Sources about Monasticism and Christianity    122      Some Biographical-Type Reading    123      Miscellaneous and General Sacred Reading    124 Appendix A: Directives for Oblate Life    130      Directives    130      Revised Decree on Indulgences for Oblates    131      Ongoing Formation    131 Appendix B: Prayers    133      Morning Prayer (examples in outline form)    133      Morning Prayer (alternate)    134      Evening Prayer (examples in outline form)    135      Evening Prayer (alternate)    137      Compline (Night Prayer)    137 Appendix C: Lectio Divina Guide    140      Appendix C (alternate 1): Lectio Divina Guide    141      Appendix C (alternate 2): Lectio Divina Guide    142 Appendix D: Benedictine Saints and Calendar (abridged)    144 Appendix E: The Medal of Saint Benedict    169  Appendix F: Example of a Monastery’s Spiritual Support for Oblates    175 Appendix G: Websites for Information on Benedictines and Oblates    177 Appendix H: How to Form a New Oblate Discussion Group    179 Notes    180

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Roberta Werner, OSB

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