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November 15, 2012
During our convocation meetings at San Alfonso Retreat House in Long Branch, NJ this week, we were thrilled to honor Jeff and Brenda Vredenburg with the honor of Redemptorist Oblate.
Jeff and Brenda are longtime members of our parish of St. Clement’s in Saratoga Springs, NY. In addition to serving on our music ministry team, they were also an important part of our extended family when our skilled-nursing care residence was located on the parish grounds. Though our men receiving skilled-nursing care relocated to Maryland almost four years ago, Jeff and Brenda continue to care for the gardens and shrines on the former St. John Neumann Residence property. Whether raking leaves, cutting the grass, playing the piano, or just offering a ride to a doctor’s appointment or a trip into town, the Vredenburgs have spent much of their lives working alongside the Redemptorists, helping to further our mission to preach the Gospel to the poor and most spiritually abandoned.
What is a Redemptorist Oblate?
The honor of Redemptorist Oblate is the highest recognition given to a lay person by the worldwide Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (the Redemptorists). Oblates work closely alongside the Redemptorists to further our mission to preach the Gospel, especially to the poor and most abandoned. They also share our spirituality.
As an Oblate, a person shares in the spiritual benefits of the prayers and good works of the Redemptorists, and is considered a member of the community.
Unlike Oblates you might hear about related to the Dominicans or other religious orders, Redemptorist Oblates are NOT a secular third order. For Redemptorists, the title of Oblate is an honor that is bestowed on a person, rather than something an individual seeks out of a desire to be part of the mission and spiritual works of a religious community.
Thank you, Jeff and Brenda, for the gift of your friendship and your partnership in preaching plentiful redemption to the ends of the earth!