Introduction

Cell groups are reserved for those that have made their Final Oblation in affiliation with Sacred Heart Monastery unless other arrangements have been made. Please contact Carol Olson, Lead Dean, for more information.

Cell Group Formation

Ongoing formation is a lifelong commitment and often takes place in a context of a community. Participation in monthly community meetings of the Nebraska Benedictine Oblates provides an opportunity for ongoing formation within a Benedictine community.

Following an individual’s Final Oblation, to supplement attendance at the monthly community meetings, opportunity is available to participate in a small group (cell group), which allows for a more personal and intimate setting for encouragement and support in continuing one’s formation.

Oblates gather in cell groups for common prayer, study of The Rule, discussion of applying The Rule in life settings, and discussion of readings relevant to Benedictine life and practice. Cell groups meet on different days and times, as well as frequency (some meet every other week, others meet once a month). Small groups provide opportunities that are not feasible in the larger community meetings.

Cell groups are a vital resource to enable loving connections with fellow Oblates where one’s growth and service in the Benedictine tradition can be strengthened and matured. The model is the ancient small houses (cellae) of the monks.

In order to coordinate the overall effectiveness of the cell group communities, an Oblate who has an interest in joining a particular cell group can make this request to the Oblate Deans. If there is a preference for a particular group, or if logistical considerations make one group more accessible than another, the Oblate Deans will make every effort to accommodate the request. In addition, the cell group leader will be contacted about the request and the decision.

The Deans can also provide further information about availability of all cell groups currently meeting. When a person makes a request for membership in a cell group, the request will be considered at the next monthly meeting of the Deans with attendance to begin following approval. If there are extenuating circumstances which makes attendance at one particular cell group of high priority, contact the Deans when making this request.

Grand Island Cell Group: 2018–2019

Brother Lawrence Cell

Leader: Jeanette Nordhues
Meetings: The fourth Monday of the month beginning at 4:30 p.m. in the home of Joan Hopkins, 1611 W. Charles St., Grand Island.

Hastings Cell Group:

2018–2019

Saint Scholastica Cell

Leader: Lee Ostdiek
Meetings: The fourth Saturday of the month beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the Guadalupe Center, 421 N. Kansas, Hastings.

Lincoln Cell Groups:

2018–2019

Beginners’ Cell

Leader: Marti Fritzen
Meetings: Monthly on the fourth Sunday at 7:00 p.m., beginning with Vespers in the chapel at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital. Then the group goes to the Platte Room for its gathering.
The Rule of Benedict (RB 73:8) says that the rule is for beginners; we are all beginners and all are welcome to this cell.

Hildegard von Bingen Cell

Leader: Carol Roettmer Brewer
Meetings: Every other Saturday, beginning at 8:00 a.m. with Morning Prayer in the chapel at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital. Following a time for quiet reflection, the members of this cell then gather in Sheridan B for lectio divina and conversation on a topic or the reading. Following this, members may gather in the cafeteria for breakfast and fellowship.
Details: Find out more.

Pax Christi Cell

Leader: Lorene Ludy
Meetings: Monthly on the third Tuesday from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Mary Lu Long’s house, 1615 Brent Blvd., Lincoln.

Preferring Christ Cell

Leaders: Charlotte Liggett
Meetings: Monthly on the fourth Sunday at 7:00 p.m., beginning with Vespers in the chapel at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital.
Readings come from Preferring Christ by Norvene Vest.

Cell Group Readings: 2017–2019

Text: New Seeds of Contemplation, Thomas Merton, A New Direction paperback, ISBN 978-0-8112-1724-8.
The cell groups will spend time with this book from the fall of 2017 through the spring of 2019. Here is the guide for readings and reflection.