INTRODUCTION to the MISSIONARY OBLATE PARTNERSHIP:

The Missionary Oblate Partnership is a group of individuals from the United States who share St. Eugene de Mazenod’s conviction that “nothing should be left undared” in the call to reveal the power of Christ’s love to the world. They take their inspiration not only from St. Eugene but also from St. Paul’s letter to Philemon: “I give thanks to my God always, remembering you in my prayers, as I hear of the love and the faith you have in the Lord Jesus and for all the holy ones, so that your partnership in the faith may become effective in recognizing every good there is in us that leads to Christ. (vv. 4-6)

They are men and women who seek a deeper connection with the Body of Christ. This connection includes not only philanthropy but spiritual development and a personal encounter with the poor whom the Oblates serve. The Partners consider themselves co-missionaries with the Oblates throughout the world. In the words of Arthur Pingolt, the President of Oblate Partnership, “The goal is not to fix the world’s problems: that’s God’s work. Rather, what Oblate Partners and donors do is to make it possible for the Oblates to be present with the world’s poorest. We, then, become part of Christ’s presence, from this deeper understanding of what true compassion means.”

Their members include the Governor of the State of Colorado, the owner of the New Orleans “Saints” football team, the ambassador of Zambia to the United States, as well as several Honorary Oblates. Some of them have been greatly blessed materially; they wish to share their blessings with the people whom the Oblates serve. Others are “ordinary people” who are willing to make sacrifices so that the gospel might be preached to the poor.

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US PROVINCE OF MISSIONARY OBLATES OF MARY IMMACULATE ENDORSED AS OBLATE MISSIONARY SOCIETY (OMSI) Inc.

Formation of new entity will support Oblates' mission to the poor

WASHINGTON, DC, The United States Province (USP) of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate has announced the formation of The Oblate Missionary Society (OMSI), based in Washington, DC, effective immediately. With the blessing of the Archdiocese of Washington, the announcement was made by the US Province of Missionary Oblates (USP), which governs the ministerial and administrative affairs of the Oblates in the United States, a Roman Catholic community of 4,500 priests and brothers who serve the poor in over 70 countries on every continent.

"The creation of OMSI will help assure the Catholic identity and mission of our Province," said Very Rev. Louis Lougen, OMI, Provincial for the USP. "All religious orders are experiencing arduous challenges especially in the present time and economy, and this commitment to OMSI will provide leverage and accountability for the goals and expectations of the United States Province for many years to come."

As ministry needs continue to grow, the USP, with its 400-plus priests and brothers, is increasing its reliance on active fundraising and outreach into communities as a high priority for this missionary group of men. The Oblates receive support from individuals, planned giving and institutional giving, and have been operating fundraising organizations such as The Oblate Partnership in Charleston, NC; The Missionary Association of Mary Immaculate in Belleville, Il; and Oblate Missions in San Antonio, TX over the last half-century.  "The reach of OMSI will have a significant influence on the direction and mission of the Oblates both here in the US," added Fr. Lougen. "and more than ever in our missionary work among to the poor and needy around the world."

The USP has now incorporated these entities into one that will hold to the highest standards in policies and governance, consistent with the Oblate charism and gospel values for its staff, benefactors, government and church. OMSI will introduce a comprehensive approach to development with a long-range strategy.

OMSI will now oversee the fundraising efforts of the USP, operating under the legal incorporation of Oblate Missionary Society, Inc., in the state of Delaware. OMSI is dedicated to responsible stewardship and accountability for all monies collected in order to support Oblate ministries.

The OMSI Board will consist of the four Washington-DC based administrative team members of the USP, including Father Lougen, and lay members with experience and understanding of the Oblate charism who can add considerably to the wide-ranging mission of the USP.

"I am confident that this will strengthen the Missionary Oblates’ capacity to respond to mission challenges here in the U.S. and enhance our worldwide efforts," added Father Lougen. "The creation of OMSI ultimately will help the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate respond more effectively in its service to the Church, provide the necessary means of sustenance for our missionary Brothers and priests and assure the future through vocation and formation programs.”