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ST. FRANCIS DE SALES VIDEO

WHO ARE WE?

The Oblates are an international congregation of Catholic priests, brothers and sisters founded by Blessed Louis Brisson, OSFS, and Venerable Mother Mary de Sales Chappuis, VHM, in France in the 19th century. We exist “to continue the saving work of Christ” (Constitution 170) and “make an effective contribution to the salvific mission of the Church in the world” (Constitution 183). We evangelize through (1) Catholic education, (2) missionary work and (3) pastoral ministry (Constitution 184). Coming to America in 1893, Oblates administered and staffed many Catholic high schools and parishes with grade schools, evangelizing and educating thousands, especially youth and young adults.

Congregations enrich the Church through their charisms and spiritualities. Oblates orient their ministry, embrace the Gospel and grow in holiness through the very accessible, orthodox, enduring and universally acclaimed spirituality of St. Francis de Sales, Doctor of the Church, and his spiritual daughter and coworker St. Jane de Chantal.

If you are attracted to, or interested in, the joy, optimism and wisdom of Salesian spirituality, … or find yourself thinking about priesthood, or becoming a religious brother or sister, … or have a passion for the salvation of souls, especially youth evangelization and education, then please contact us.

Every summer, with the help of lay missionaries and staff, we run Catholic Youth Camps for parish youth groups and Catholic high schools. This LifeTeen® inspired ministry offers a wonderful opportunity for aspirants to live and work with us for a month or two and discern. If you are feeling the Lord’s call to consecrated discipleship or priesthood, please reach out to us today!
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"GO, THEREFORE, AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS" – Matt 28:19

YOUTH EVANGELIZATION
Over the millennium, miracles, testimonies, heartfelt prayer and the Sacraments have awoken faith and led many to deep, life-long relationships with Christ and His Church. Like so many before us, we too offer our lives to fulfill the great commission of Jesus Christ: "Make disciples of all nations."

"HOW MUCH BETTER IS WISDOM THAN GOLD" – Prov. 16:16

CATHOLIC EDUCATION
Jesus spoke of the seed "that fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep, and when the sun rose it was scorched, and it withered for lack of roots." – Matt 13:5-6
Youth camps and retreats awaken the seed; education, prayer and service grow the roots. St. Francis de Sales considered education the eighth sacrament. St. Teresa of Avila recommended well-educated spiritual directors over devout ones. Oblate schools strive for graduates who are not only well educated but genuinely devout.

"LIVE IN CHARITY AND ASSOCIATE IN CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY" – St. Augustine

PARISHES — THE CENTER OF CATHOLIC LIFE
Campus ministry, student retreats and summer camps are all important apostolates in Oblate schools. But only the parish church offers Catholics a lifetime of opportunity to meet Christ through the Sacraments, in Sacred Scripture and through the People of God gathered. Life-long perseverance and devotion bears a rich harvest.
Below are three of the many parishes and parish schools staffed by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales.

"WHERE TWO OR THREE ARE GATHERED TOGETHER IN MY NAME, THERE I AM IN THE MIDST OF THEM.” – Matt 18:20

COMMUNITY LIFE
One of the main differences between diocesan and religious priesthood is community life. Through the perpetual profession of poverty, chastity, and obedience, religious commit themselves to specific congregations and to living and working together for the Kingdom of God.
Community life is similar to the experience of brothers in a large family. Some brothers have similar interests and interact often, others not as much. But they are all and always brothers. 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 community 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.

"GREAT OCCASIONS FOR SERVING GOD COME SELDOM, BUT LITTLE ONES SURROUND US DAILY." – St. Francis de Sales

SALESIAN SPIRITUALITY
Salesian Spirituality flows from the lives and teachings of St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622) and St. Jane de Chantal (1572-1641). During their lifetimes and far beyond they have helped countless souls grow in holiness and live for Christ. Together they founded the Sisters of the Visitation of Holy Mary, a community of contemplative women. In time, one of their sisters, Venerable Mother Mary de Sales Chappuis, convinced Blessed Louis Brisson to found the Oblates. Many other religious congregations and lay organizations went on to embraced Salesian Spirituality as well, as witnessed by the North American Salesian Network. Below are a few of the many websites devoted to St. Francis de Sales and Salesian Spirituality.

BRINGING THE GOSPEL TO ALL

From time to time, the Holy Spirit calls an Oblate to the missions or some unique apostolate in the Church. The Provincial and community at large joins in their discernment. Once approved, the congregation joins in their spiritual and material support. We share two examples below: Fr. Mike Depcik, OSFS, one of only a handful of Deaf priests in the world and Fr. Tom Hagan, OSFS, founder of Hands Together, who lives Jesus in the slums of Cite Soleil Haiti.

"THE HARVEST IS ABUNDANT BUT THE LABORERS ARE FEW." – MATT. 9:37

Considering a job or career? Perhaps God is calling you to embrace a vocation and mission — to become a fisher of men and a spiritual father. The PEACE the world cannot give is the FRUIT of uniting our will to the loving WILL of GOD.

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete." – John 15:11
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