Contemplative Outreach Newsletter
Volume 17, No. 2, Fall 2003/Winter 2004

Our Annual Conference in San Diego, CA, September 24 - 28, 2003 was a delightful success. Our enrichment program featured “Back to Basics”, a renewal of the Introductory Program on Centering Prayer. We are in the process of updating these materials. They will be sent to all commissioned presenters upon completion. It is a very exciting time in our history. Contemplative Outreach will be celebrating its 20-year anniversary beginning at the Annual Conference in Toronto, Canada, September 28 – October 3, 2004. Mark your calendars and plan to join us for this historic event.

I am delighted to announce that Marie Howard, our new Special Events Coordinator, has been kept very busy contacting all our chapters to set up our 2004-2005 Anniversary Chapter Enrichment Tour. Fr. Thomas, Fr. Carl Arico, Marie and I will be visiting Chapters offering enrichment, personal contact and fundraising events. Interested? Contact Marie Howard at MRHfamlife@aol.com or give her a call at 310-823-5863. (See pg 18)

Exciting news! Madeline Soo was appointed International Outreach Coordinator at the June Board of Trustees meeting. We welcome Madeline’s willingness to serve the growing needs of the International Chapters. (See pg 5)

To find out more about how the Board of Trustees serves Contemplative Outreach please read the short article on page 4.

Mark your calendars and plan to join The United Day of Prayer, March 20, 2004. This day will feature a new video by Fr. Thomas Keating entitled: “Discovering the Divine DNA”. (See pg 3)

I am happy to report that our NEW ONLINE BOOKSTORE makes it possible for many more people to buy our resources . I’m also pleased to announce a new book to add to our collection, The Daily Reader of Contemplative Living, excerpts from the works of Fr. Thomas Keating compiled by Stephanie Iachetta. In addition, Meridith Schifsky has illustrated an Inspirational 2004 Poster Calendar with quotes by Fr. Thomas. (See pg 14)

The 2004 Coordinator Servant-Leadership Formation is scheduled for July 23-30, 2004. This popular course, especially designed for coordinators, contact persons and leadership team members, fills up fast. If you would like to register or hear more about it, please contact: Susan Komis at 888-350-5088 or email her at susankomis@earthlink.net 

With a grateful spirit, Gail Fitzpatrick-Hopler, President

Peacemaking // The President's Letter // Invitation to Generosity
The Board of Trustees // Sought Through Prayer & Meditation
The Spanish Corner // International Outreach // Updates