About Third Order and Oblates

When I was invested as a Benedictine Oblate Novice in our parish, some parishioners asked me what it meant and what happened during the investiture. One church server even thought I was a new convert to the Catholic Church.

To explain it simply. In the hierarchy of the Catholic Church, the First Order is for priests and friars. The Second Order is for religious sisters and nuns who also take vows like the first order. Lastly, the Third Order is for lay people. They live out the charism or spirituality of a religious order while living in the world. Examples are the Third Order Carmelites and Benedictine Oblates.

Some well-known Third Orders are the Carmelites, Dominicans, Franciscans, Augustinians, and Servites. I myself once became an aspirant in the secular branch of the Order of Discalced Carmelites and Third Order Carmelites. 

Members of these groups usually make promises to live according to the spirituality of the order. Oblates, on the other hand, are people who are spiritually attached to a specific Benedictine monastery. Like yours truly. The purpose of the Third Order or becoming an oblate is to deepen one’s faith and live the charism of the order while remaining in the secular world.

Each order has a different charism. For example, those drawn to prayer and contemplation may be attracted to the Carmelite spirituality. Because of this, there is usually an observation or formation period to help a person discern if that path is truly for them.

Let me quote: (From online source:)

"Third Orders are usually connected to mendicant orders like the Franciscans, Dominicans, and Carmelites. Oblates are connected to monastic communities such as the Benedictines.

Third Order members often gather in local groups or chapters. Oblates are usually connected directly to one monastery. Third Order members often take part in apostolic or charitable works related to their order. Oblates follow the Benedictine spirit of prayer and work, living it in their daily life at home. Members of Third Orders are sometimes called tertiaries. Members connected to a monastery are called oblates, which comes from a Latin word meaning “to offer oneself.”

In the end, there are many ways to grow closer to God and deepen our faith. These spiritual families are gifts that help us live a more Christ-centered life.