"We all have a vocation. We believe that God has called us to this life to fill a special need that no one else can accomplish.”
St. Francis de Sales
Vocations: The Oblate Way of Life
A Calling
Perhaps God is calling you to embrace a vocation and mission — to become a fisher of men and women and a spiritual father. The peace the world cannot give is the fruit of uniting our will to the loving Will of God.
OBLATE ASSOCIATE PROGRAM
The Associate Program helps college students discern a vocation to the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales as a religious brother or priest. Through individual meetings with the Vocation Director, small group meetings with other Associates and Oblates, retreats during school breaks, and summer internships at Camp DeSales, the Associate discerns a religious vocation while practicing his faith in a normal college setting.
Donate to Vocations via Mail
Oblate Development Office, P.O. Box 87, Childs, MD 21916-0087
Community Life
One of the main differences between diocesan and religious priesthood is community life.
Through the perpetual profession of poverty, chastity, and obedience, the Church creates religious families. Like any large family, some brothers have similar interests and interact often, others not as much. But they are all brothers, bonded by history, profession and purpose. In times of celebration and times of grief, they are there. In support of one another's prayer life, moral life and personal life, they are there. In accomplishing works for God that could never be done by one person or in one lifetime, they are there. The best way to learn if a religious family is a good fit for you is to spend time with them. The Oblate associate program and summer Catholic Youth Camp internships are two ways to do just that!
In their own words….
Salesian Reflections on Vocations and Religious Life
Questioning Your Call?
Like many things in life, a vocation path is not necessary linear. In this episode of Open Seat, Mr. Chris Allen, OSFS, when he was a novice, shared his remarkable vocation story: discernment, his decision to leave the Oblates, the life he built afterward, and the unexpected path that led him back! His story is a powerful reminder that God's call is patient, persistent, and often unfolds in ways we never expect.
Fr. Joe Newman, OSFS, reflects on his journey, shares profound insights on Salesian Spirituality, unconditional love, and how he came to be an Oblate!
WE "LIVE JESUS!"
...In community
...In schools
...In summer camps
...In youth evangelization
...In parishes
In this two part series, Fr. Michael Newman, OSFS, his shares his incredible life story filled with divine intervention, the power of faith and gratitude, the unexpected events that lead him to his calling.
Prerequisites and Stage of Formation
Prerequisites
21-45 years of age
a practicing Roman Catholic for at least two years after having received all the Sacraments of Initiation
open to learning and living religious life, including personal and private prayer, community living and ministry
open to live religious poverty, celibate chastity, and obedience
free of significant family and financial obligations (some school debt is allowed)
in good physical and mental health
a college graduate with a bachelor’s degree
Donate to Our Formation Efforts
Your gift helps us cover the annual cost for housing, education, and spiritual formation, which exceeds $60,000 for each seminarian. Your support of our seminarians ensures that the Oblates may continue to disseminate the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales, our primary mission and ministry on behalf of the Church.
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