Hyning Oblates
“A lay Associate is a person who feels a calling from God to lead a contemplative and spiritual life in the world, a life modelled on the wisdom of Cistercian values and practices, and who seeks a community of like-minded people...”
What is an Oblate?
Oblates, sometimes known as lay associates, are lay people who have a special link with us and wish to deepen their spiritual connection. Each associate discerns with one of the sisters the way God is calling them to live out their association and there will be regular retreat days during the year. We welcome oblates from all the different Christian traditions. At Hyning our group includes an Anglican vicar, a Methodist lay worker and married and single Catholics.
If you are interested in becoming an oblate or finding more about why people feel called to be an Oblate or lay associate, especially a Bernardine oblate, read more about why people have joined the wider Cistercian family below. If you are interested in more details, contact Sr. Mary Helen at Hyning for further information.
A Vocation
Click below to see a video from one of our oblates, Maureen Ryan Craig, an oblate in formation, describing how she sees her vocation as a Bernardine Cistercian oblate. Maureen made her first commitment in March 2015 and renewed it for three years in March 2017. She made her final commitment in April 2024.
“Our daily commitment to love God and others is like a refreshing drop of water which nourishes our relationship with the crucified Christ whom we encounter in the midst of this suffering world.”
Why I Wanted to Become an Oblate
I am Julie-Anne (Julie).
I became a Catholic in 2002. As part of my instruction, my then parish priest, Fr Martin, took me to The Monastery of Our Lady of Hyning, where I stayed for a week under the watchful care of Sr Mary Antony. It was the best decision the Lord led me to make, and I have never looked back since.Over the years, I quietly practised my faith through attending Mass, praying the Rosary, praying the Divine Office, and serving within my parish. As time went on, however, I felt called to deepen my spiritual life and grow closer to God in a more intentional way.
I found myself drawn to the Benedictine way of life, especially the wisdom and balance found within the Rule of St Benedict. The idea of adapting my daily life around prayer, stability, humility, and service spoke deeply to my heart. Becoming an Oblate felt like the natural next step in my journey of faith — not leaving my life behind, but learning to live it more faithfully and prayerfully in the spirit of St Benedict.
This calling has become even more meaningful through the different ways I now serve within my Church. I am a Eucharistic Minister in a nursing home, a member of the Society of St Vincent de Paul(SVP), and part of the Alpha Course team within my parish. These roles have helped me to grow in compassion, service, patience, and listening, while reminding me that Christ is present in those we serve each day. Before approaching Sr Mary Helen, I spent around six months praying and discerning whether this was truly where God was leading me. I have now been in formation for twelve months, with Sr Michaela as my spiritual guide, and I will make my first promise on 27 May 2026. During this time, my faith has continued to grow. I have spiritually learned more, prayed more deeply, and understood more fully how the Rule of St Benedict can shape everyday life. It has been a fruitful and rewarding journey, and I look forward with gratitude and hope to the next stage.
I have also been greatly blessed with the support of my family — especially my mum and my daughter, Tasha — as well the people of my parish, St Bede’s Catholic Parish, including Fr Mark, Sr Dorothy, Sr Benedicte, and a small circle of supportive parishioners.
Have a look at the ceremony on TikTok
Helen, one of our oblates, writing an icon.
Why I chose the 'Oblate journey'
I have been married to Hermann for 40 years and we have 5 children. I was taught by the Bernardine Cistercians at Slough so from my teens the sisters were a great influence. I started visiting Hyning Monastery on an annual retreat from my deanery once our children were older. I was drawn into the daily prayer life of the Church, drawn to a simpler life centred on Jesus Christ. At the same time visiting the community at Hyning was my rescue, my ‘safe place’, a place of healing and space to process what was happening in my life. When the younger two of our five children were studying for GCSEs I studied for a degree in Theology with Maryvale Institute, Birmingham, by distance learning. We were advised to regularly see a spiritual director. Sr Stella agreed to be my ‘spiritual friend’. I became aware of the Oblates and realised that this was a path I could take. I had had a traumatic few years and my life was changing significantly. I committed for a year and then a year again. By following the life of prayer and daily reflecting on scripture, ‘resting in Christ’, I came through the time of crisis. I have reached a point of stability so in September 2019 I committed for three years with my fellow Oblate, Diane. I enjoy and am spiritually refuelled by the Oblate days when we come together to pray and share. I value being part of the Hyning community. It is very special to accompany each other on our journey into the perfect love that is the Trinity.
“My journey into the faith began when I was received into the Roman Catholic Church. It continues now as I begin to discover the Benedictine way with others who are exploring the oblate life with me. Although there are times when it is difficult, it is a life enhancing experience. And knowing that we have the prayers and love of the Sisters at Hyning is immensely encouraging. To those who might be wondering whether to join us I would simply say: ‘Come and see.’”
“All my adult life I have happily concentrated on being a good and diligent Martha as a wife, mother and teacher. Now that I am older I recognise that I need a better balance in my spiritual life. I want to be a Martha and a Mary, spending more time sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to Him. I believe that being an Oblate will provide the support, structure and discipline I need to acheive this goal.”
“I became an Oblate (here at Hyning Monastery) in December 2009. As a retired Anglican priest I feel that I am at the beginning of a new and exciting journey in my Christian discipleship in Benedictine monasticism. ‘There is neither Jew nor Greek, circumcised nor uncircumcised’, (Presbyterian, United Reformed, Episcopalian, Roman Catholic, Methodist, nor Anglican.) All are truly one in Christ Jesus.”
For some useful links that might be of interest in regard to becoming an Oblate/Lay Associate, please see our links page.
