Spring/Summer 2001 Newsletter

President's Letter

Dear Friends,

    Through the years, as Executive Director, I have watched Contemplative Outreach grow and expand beyond anyone's expectations - except the Holy Spirit's. Now, in my new role as President I am greatly encouraged by all the support received from those who are deeply committed to the vision and foundations of Contemplative Outreach. I envision a wonderful future ahead for all of us as we thrive and grow in God's love and service. 

    This year, our Annual Conference Meeting will be held in the Dominican Republic from October 10th to the 15th. We are very excited because it is the first time we are going outside of the USA for a large international gathering. In 1986 the Dominican Republic was the first place outside of the USA to form a Contemplative Outreach Chapter. We felt it was fitting to hold the meeting there. The theme for the meeting is Contemplative Outreach: Toward a Global Transformation. Our focus will be all our international chapters. 

    Thank you for your generous response to our annual direct mail appeal. We appreciate your kindness and financial support. 

    We have more RESOURCES available, three videotapes on the practices that bring the fruit of Centering Prayer into daily life. An Introduction to Lectio Divina with Fr. Carl J. Arico, The Prayer of Forgiveness with Sr. Bernadette Teasdale, Contemplative Service with David Frenette. I am sure you will enjoy the new addition to our video library. 

    Two new books by Fr. Thomas Keating are available, Fruits and Gifts of the Spirit and St. Therese of Lisieux. Follow their links to our bookstore. 

    The videotape series, The Contemplative Dimension of the 12 Steps has received wonderful reviews. We are delighted that so many people are enjoying the tapes. Thank you for your orders! 

    Our Contemplative Outreach Study Program is available to anyone with an established daily practice of Centering Prayer. Contact Bonnie Shimizu at 970-927-3858 or bjs@rof.net for more information on how to register. 

    Susan Komis, Chair of the Coordinator's Communication, offered workshops on Leadership and Facilitator Formation in several of our Chapters. If your Chapter would like to know more about this workshop, contact Susan at 888-350-5088 or susankomis@earthlink.net. 

    I invite you to visit our website at www.contemplativeoutreach.org often, we have new information posted each week. The website is a natural way for a network like Contemplative Outreach to keep in touch. Let us know how you like the website. Feel free to email this office with your comments, suggestions, and questions at office@coutreach.org. 

    We had 175 participating groups for our United Day of Prayer on March 17th. Many of the participants most enjoyed creating a silent bond across the globe. Plan on joining us next year, the third Saturday in March. 

    Spring is the time of year when everything blooms forth with new life. My prayer is that we will all take the time to be renewed and refreshed during this season.

With a grateful spirit,

Gail Fitzpatrick-Hopler, President

Other Spring/Summer 2001 News Articles

Fr. Keating's Commentary | President's Letter  |  Spanish Corner  |  A Poem  |  Book Reviews  |  Updates