monastic community and does not form a distinct unit within the Church, there are no regulations in the modern canon law of the Church regarding them. One consequence is that non-Catholic Christians can be received as oblates of a Catholic monastery. Similarly in Methodist monasteries, non-Methodist Christians can be received as oblates. The same is the case with many Anglican monasteries, which accept non-Anglican Christians as oblates. Conventual oblates There is a small number of conventual or claustral oblates, who reside in a monastic community. If the person has not done so previously, after a year's probation they make a simple commitment of their lives to the monastery, which is received by the superior in the presence of the whole community. More on the level of committed volunteers, they would share in the life of the community and undertake, without remuneration, any work or service required of them. They are not, however, considered monks or nuns themselves. Often they wear a religious habit similar to, but distinct from, that of the monks or nuns. A conventual oblate may cancel this commitment at any time; and it is canceled automatically if the superior sends the oblate away for good reason, after simple consultation with the chapter. Religious congregations that use "oblate" in their name There are several religious orders (i.e., living the consecrated life according to church law) that use the word "oblate" in their name, or in an extended version of their common name. These are not oblates like the oblates (secular) and (regular), and should not be confused with them. Examples include the: Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate Oblates of the Virgin Mary Oblates of St Frances of Rome (founded 1433 in Italy, as a community of professed oblates living in common) Oblate Sisters of Providence Oblates of St. Joseph Oblates of Saints Ambrose and Charles Notable oblates Saint Boniface Bede St. Henry II, Holy Roman Emperor St. Hildegard of Bingen St. Frances of Rome Servant of God Dorothy Day Kathleen Norris (poet) Walker Percy Gottschalk of Orbais Cardinal Francis Eugene George, O.M.I. Saint Bishop Eugene de Mazenod, O.M.I. Cardinal Jean-Marie Rodrigue Villeneuve, O.M.I. Servant of God Romano Guardini See also Third order References External links Oblates of Saint Brigid of Kildare Monastery Oblates of St. Frances of Rome International Benedictine Oblates Community of Jesus Oblates The Monastery of Our Lady and Saint