Meet Some Oblate Associates
Debbie Doornbos

My journey as an Oblate Associate really began in 1998 when our family moved to Edmonton.  Shortly after arriving I was introduced to the Oblates and the Oblate Parish Mission team, who I subsequently worked with for six years.  It was the beginning of an amazing journey of parish missions, community, and prayer that brought the charism of St. Eugene de Mazenod alive for me.  It was during this period of time that Oblate Associates was emerging as a reality in our area.  It has been twenty years now since this new beginning.  Over the years I have watched and experienced a wonderful unfolding of Oblate Associates.  Being an Oblate Associate  has influenced my work in retreat ministry, and spiritual direction as well as my life as a wife, mother and grandmother.  It is part of what grounds me spiritually, and it brings me into a wonderful community of people, many of whom have become good friends.  As I have shared many times, my heart is at home with the Oblates.  For me that says it all.