On Palm Sunday, March 16, 2008, at Blue Cloud Abbey, Marvin, SD Melissa Fountain became a novice in her Benedictine oblate vocation.  The words used in the ceremony of investiture symbolize a dedication of oneself to a more intensely Christian life. After a year spent as an oblate novice, Melissa may participate in a ceremony called the act of final oblation and become a permanent member of the monastic family at Blue Cloud Abbey.  In doing so, she joins other Oblates here at Good Shepherd, Tammy Briggs, Bonnie Makinson, Mary Forsberg and Gene Makinson.