Srubas, Rachel M.

PERSONAL:

Married Ken S. McAllister. Education: McCormick Theological Seminary, graduated; University of Illinois at Chicago, graduated.

ADDRESSES:

Home—Tucson, AZ.

CAREER:

Works variously as a Presbyterian clergywoman, an oblate (associate) of the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, a spiritual director, a retreat leader, a preacher, and a teacher.

WRITINGS:

Oblation: Meditations on St. Benedict's Rule, Paraclete Press (Brewster, MA), 2006.

Contributor to periodicals, including Spirit and Life, Christian Century, American, and Best American Poetry.

SIDELIGHTS:

Presbyterian clergywoman Rachel M. Srubas is also an oblate of the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, a monastic religious order. An oblation is an offering to God, and an oblate is one who is affiliated with the order so as to follow the Benedictine vows in his or her private life. Srubas, who is also a poet, published a collection of her spiritual writings in Oblation: Meditations on St. Benedict's Rule. The book includes prayerful and personal reflections on various excerpts of the Rule of St. Benedict, which Srubas explains were inspired by the Holy Spirit and the spirit of St. Benedict. A contributor to the St. Benedict Catholic Worker recommended the book to "all who desire a deeper understanding of Benedictine practice." Sharon Cross, a reviewer for the St. Anthony Messenger, wrote that the book offers "a warm welcome to everyone who may be curious about this 1,400-year-old tradition." Library Journal contributor Graham Christian remarked that Oblation casts "fresh light on a little-known practice and should interest many readers."

BIOGRAPHICAL AND CRITICAL SOURCES:

PERIODICALS

Library Journal, January 1, 2006, Graham Christian, review of Oblation: Meditations on St. Benedict's Rule, p. 126.

ONLINE

St. Anthony Messenger Online,http://www.americancatholic.org/Messenger/ (November 1, 2006), Sharon Cross, review of Oblation.

St. Benedict Catholic Worker,http://www.sbcw.org/ (May 24, 2007), review of Oblation.