United States

The Oblate School of Theology is a graduate and professional school founded in 1903 by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate to educate young men to serve as Oblate priests and brothers in the United States and foreign missions.

At present, it educates a diverse population of students including those in priestly formation, lay students who will serve as lay ecclesial ministers and others who simply want to deepen their knowledge of theology.

Example of the School’s programs, besides those leading to priesthood are:

OST Students with San Antonio Archbishop

The Ministry to Ministers Program started in 1981 and that provides intensive spiritual and theological sabbatical experience for priests and religious men and women who have been in ministry for a number of years;

The Lay Ministry Institute that opened its doors in 1982; and

The Instituto de Formación Pastoral that was started in 1985.

These last two programs prepare candidates theologically and spiritually in certificate programs for pastoral lay ministry.

In 1992, the Oblate School of Theology assumed the responsibility for the Oblate Renewal Center that offers a variety of programs and retreats to respond to the needs of the local church.

Mariam Garden

O’Shaughnessy Library

Oblate Media and Communication is a media ministry of the United States Province of Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Founded in 1982, its purpose is to evangelize through electronic media and to

“… bear witness to the message announced by Jesus and handed on by the Catholic Church” (OMCC Mission Statement).

Oblate Media produces a variety of programs including: catechetical programs aimed at teaching and strengthening faith in audiences ranging from pre-school through adulthood and documentary programs that focus on issues of peace and justice in addition to faith.

The Mississippi Bluff, where the Ecological Center is located.

The Oblate Ecological Initiative is a ministry of the US Province that reflects the Oblates’ efforts to respond to the priority of Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation. The Initiative intends to respond to questions such as:

“What does it mean to be a person of faith in a continually emerging Universe?”

Learning to cook with herbs.

by exploring Creation’s Integrity, offering a deepened sense of connection with the Cosmic Christ through its two components: la Vista Ecological Learning Center and the Community-Supported Garden.

Through seasonal celebrations, weekend retreats, discussion courses, and Earth-literacy programs:

La Vista Ecological Learning Center assists participants of these gatherings to appreciate and integrate the emerging worldview into their spirituality and each part of their daily lives;

The Community-Supported Garden, created in 2001, promotes sustainable farming practices to its local members.