Although the teachings of St. Benedict are often associated with monks and nuns, a group of lay people has formed in the county to also follow the ancient philosophy.

Founded in October, the new community of Benedictine oblates meets monthly at St. Fidelis Roman Catholic Church in Meridian.

The interdenominational group was formed by the Rev. Brian Boosel, a Butler native who lives at St. Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, the nation's oldest Benedictine monastery.

An oblate is a lay person who chooses to follow the centuries-old text "The Rule of St. Benedict."

"Oblates are married, have families — are single people. They come from all walks of life. The only criteria is that they seek God," he said.

Boosel, who is director of campus ministry and teaches at St. Vincent College, spearheaded the group because a number of Butler County oblates already were commuting to Latrobe for meetings and other events.

Since oblates typically form in groups of about 20, Boosel suspected the county could easily maintain its own community. Attendance so far has ranged between 15 and 20, he said.

Instead of taking vows or committing to duties, Christians become oblates to study, share and enrich their spirituality, he said.

Written in the 500s, "The Rule of St. Benedict" originally served as a guide for monks and later for nuns.

"We use 'The Rule of St. Benedict' for the monks, but it's kind of adjusted to the lay lifestyle," said Barb Secunda of Summit Township, an oblate since last summer.

Because the text is geared toward a communal, monastic existence, group members note relationships are often key in the text.

"It's a framework for a community of people to live in common with the ultimate goal of seeking nothing but God," said Matt Callihan of Oakland Township, an oblate since 1996. As such, hospitality is among the key principles, Secunda noted.

"If a stranger should come to your door, you should treat them as you would Christ himself," said Ethel Galli of Middlesex Township, a longtime oblate and the pastoral associate at St. Fidelis.

With "ora et labora" — or prayer and work — a motto of the Benedictine community, Christian deeds are often a goal of oblates. However, outward accountability is not a factor.

"(The goal of oblates) is to enrich their own spirituality by following the Benedictine way," Galli explained.

Galli said one benefit of being an oblate is the spiritual network it provides.

"We pray daily and pray for each other, but we have the prayerful support of the Benedictine community at St. Vincent," she said.

"It's very spiritual, very uplifting," agreed Barb Kristufek of Harrisville, who plans to become an oblate this year.

"We're learning to grow in our spirituality by reading the 'Divine Office' and studying 'The Rule of St. Benedict,'" she added.

As part of the international program, which has existed for 15 centuries, those interested in becoming oblates attend initial meetings to acquaint themselves with the program.

The next step is submitting an application to become a novice, a status maintained for at least a year. Novices attend the monthly meetings, which include prayer, education, discussion and fellowship, before making a formal commitment.

Anytime after that year, novices can proceed to oblate status through an oblation ceremony, set up through each group's affiliate monastery. There are about 100 Benedictine monasteries in the United States, Boosel said.

The Rev. Donald Riehl, director of the oblate program at St. Vincent, said Benedictine monks make vows of obedience, stability and conversion. But those concepts apply to the lay lifestyle.

"Oblates don't make vows, but they make promises," he said.

"Obedience is basically listening to the voice of God. Stability means not fleeing from difficulty, but accepting the cross of Christ. Conversion is being ready for growth and change the way God shows us — day to day."

Despite the adaptation, oblates say their commitments are still taken seriously.

"Although promises do not bind under sin like vows, if one should be broken, they nonetheless are not to be taken lightly either," Callihan said.

Callihan says the oblate program adds peace and stability to his life.

As part of the oblate community, "we're reminded to put Christ above all," Kristufek said. "And that kind of brings a peace in my life."

"People are looking for that peace and stability in their daily lives that the world isn't giving," Galli added.

When he began as director in 1988, Riehl said oblate membership averaged between 600 and 700. Today, about 900 people are affiliated with St. Vincent Archabbey, novices as well as oblates.

In addition to the Butler group, several others emerged last year, Riehl said.

While St. Vincent doesn't promote or publicize the program, Riehl noted Pope Benedict's status as an oblate could be contributing to the trend.

"I think there's a thirst for spirituality, but why it's growing at this particular time, I can't say for sure," Riehl said.

The next meeting at St. Fidelis is set for 7 p.m. Jan. 23. For information, call Galli at 724-482-2690, Ext. 223.