Contemplative Outreach, Ltd.

Communion to Community: "That We May Be One"
2024-04-13 09:00 - 12:00 (Asia/Dubai) | The Cathedral of St Matthew the Apostle, 1725 Rhode Island Ave, NW, Washington, DC, 20007, United States
Reflecting on the teachings of Fr. Thomas Keating and Beatrice Bruteau, Colleen Thomas will lead us in exploring the heart of Jesus’ teaching in the Gospel of John 17. In this Gospel, Jesus’ final prayer can be summed up as “that they may be one, as we are one.” As we commune with God through Centering Prayer, we become one with God.
Yet like the prayer itself, becoming one with others is not always so easy. Together we will reflect on the contemplative path as a movement beyond personal healing and transformation towards a prophetic and collective healing.
“Community is how being, even Absolute Being, and therefore all being fundamentally is.” -Beatrice Bruteau
See the link below to register.

Weaving a Nest for Stillness: A Silent Contemplative Retreat
2024-04-12 16:00 - 2024-04-14 16:00 UTC | Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, 303 Tunxis Road, West Hartford, CT, 6107, United States
This silent, contemplative weekend retreat invites you to engage with the Sacred in nature. Anchored in three Centering Prayer gatherings, the weekend will offer lectio and terra divina (sacred earth), body sensing-awareness practice, and evening prayer on Saturday. There will also be unstructured time for personal reflection, exploring the grounds, walking the labyrinth, reading, journaling, and rest. No experience with Centering Prayer is required.
The retreat will be facilitated by Claire Rusowicz and Anne Simpkinson. Claire is a spiritual director, retreat director, and spiritual director supervisor, with over 25 years of experience working with groups and individuals in Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts. A former staff associate and Program Director at Mercy by the Sea Retreat Center, she helps develop and facilitate its with Anne. Based in CT and MA, she works in private practice and serves as a guest retreat director in both states.
Anne has practiced Centering Prayer (CP) since 1996. While living in New York City, she served as co-coordinator of the Contemplative Outreach Chapter for three years and as a Centering Prayer facilitator at St. Bartholomew’s and St. Ignatius Loyola churches. A Commissioned Introductory CP workshop leader, she currently facilitates Centering Prayer groups and retreats, contemplative prayer, and contemplative writing retreats in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Please see the link below to register.

Centering Prayer Intensive Retreat
2024-04-08 18:00 - 2024-04-14 13:30 UTC | Monastery of St. Gertrude, 465 Keuterville Road, Cottonwood, ID, 83522, United States
This 7 days / 6 night Centering Prayer retreat provides an opportunity to deepen one’s established Centering Prayer practice by building to 4 1/2 hours of prayer time at mid week. During the retreat , one is held in prayer by the sisters of St. Gertrude’s Center for Benedictine Life community located on the Camas Prairie in Central Idaho. The Spirit Center offers a quiet setting to support your retreat; including private rooms with baths, meals, daily prayer with the sisters and / or Eucharist, hiking trails, museum and gift shop.
Please see the link below.

Introduction to Centering Prayer In-Person Workshop
2024-03-27 16:00 - 17:15 (America/New_York), 2024-03-20 16:00 - 17:15 UTC, 2024-03-13 16:00 - 17:15 UTC, 2024-03-06 16:00 - 17:15 UTC | Grace Lutheran Church – PA, 205 South Garner Street, State College, PA, 16801, United States
Centering Prayer Introductory Program
Do you seek the still, quiet voice of God? The Centering Prayer Introductory Program will help us to understand the Indwelling Presence of God within each of us, and offer prayer periods to experience this Presence. We will explore our intimate relationship with God through Christian contemplative prayer, which has been a part of our Christian heritage for centuries. We will explore the benefits of Centering Prayer in ordinary life. Time will be
allowed for practice of the prayer and discussion of the practice each Wednesday afternoon from 4-5:15 p.m. throughout Lent 2024.
The program will be presented starting on Ash Wednesday at 4 p.m., February 14, 2024 for the seven weeks of Lent at Grace Lutheran Church 205 South Garner St, State College, PA 16801. A donation of $20 per person is requested, which includes a book. Please note that no one seeking to experience this form of prayer is ever turned away due to any financial constraints.
The program will be presented through the local chapter of Contemplative Outreach by Mary Kay and Doug Laplante, experienced practitioners of Centering Prayer. For more information email Mary Kay at mklaplante11@gmail.com or to sign up, please call or e-mail Sherri Rider at (814) 238-2478 or srider@glcpa.org

Centering Prayer Lenten Series - via Zoom
2024-03-27 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-03-20 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-03-13 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-03-06 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-02-28 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Internet – Online
Catholic Prison Ministries Coalition is offering a weekly Centering Prayer opportunity during Lent to introduce how Centering Prayer can support ones’ ministry and about the profound effect of Centering Prayer on those living ‘Inside.’ Each week a formerly incarcerated person with a CP practice will co-present with Rev. Hampton Deck a member of Contemplative Outreach Prison Outreach Service Team and facilitator of Centering Prayer groups in prison.
Please see the link below to register.

The Very Rev. Michael Battle, Ph.D. - ​Contemplative Prayer and African Christian Mysticism
2024-03-23 09:00 - 15:00 (America/Denver) | Internet – Online
The essence of African Christian mysticism (founded in the desert tradition of monasticism) is not taught but caught. Such mysticism is a whole way of life. It is not an esoteric doctrine or a predetermined plan of ascetic practice. It is important to understand this, because there really is no way of talking about the way of prayer, or the spiritual teaching of God’s life. African Christian mystics did not try to systematize the way to God; instead, they relied upon the experience of a lifetime of striving to re-direct every aspect of body, mind, and soul to God. There was no Protestant or Catholic dichotomy of salvation based upon grace or work because salvation was caught up in how the community is so much more than the sum of individuals striving for heaven. And yet, personal prayer and personal salvation could be better understood through interpersonal prayer and interpersonal salvation. This is summed up today through the contemporary lens of African Christian mysticism known as Ubuntu: I in You and You in Me. In short, African contemplative prayer is not only an activity undertaken each day, but also a life continually turned towards God.
This event will include session of Centering Prayer.
About Michael Battle:
The Very Rev. Michael Battle, Ph.D. has an undergraduate degree from Duke University, received his master’s of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, a master’s of Sacred Theology from Yale University and a PhD in theology and ethics, also from Duke University. He was ordained a priest by Archbishop Desmond Tutu in 1993. Battle’s clergy experience, in addition to his current church work, includes serving as vicar at St. Titus Episcopal Church in Durham, NC, rector at Church of Our Saviour, in San Gabriel, California; rector at St. Ambrose Episcopal Church, Raleigh, N.C.; and interim rector or associate priest with other churches in North Carolina and in Cape Town, South Africa.
In his Peace Battle Institute he works on subjects of diversity, spirituality, prayer, race and reconciliation. Almost since its inception, he has served as pastor and spiritual director to hundreds of clergy and laity for CREDO for the Episcopal Church. He has also served as chaplain to Archbishop Tutu, Congressman John Lewis, the House of Bishops and, in 2008, was chaplain to the Lambeth Conference of Anglican Bishops. He is a featured keynote speaker and has led numerous clergy and lay retreats, including the bishops’ retreat of the Province of the West Indies. In addition, Battle has served as vice president to the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, Arun Gandhi’s Institute for Nonviolence. Battle and his wife, Raquel, were married by Archbishop Tutu and are parents to two daughters, Sage and Bliss, and a son, Zion. All of whom were baptized by Archbishop Tutu as well.
Recording Note: All registrants will receive a copy of the Zoom recording link for a period of 30 days. This recording will be available within 2 weeks of the event. A professionally edited audio or video recording will be available for permanent purchase from Broadlands Media beginning May 1, 2024. More information will be provided when available.
This is a hybrid presentation being conducted both in person at The Center for Contemplative Living in Denver, CO and online via Zoom videoconference.
Time listed is Mountain Time. (Denver, Colorado)
Click the website link below to register. Scholarships are available.

Jesus is the way and shows the path to his Father through his own contemplative practices - via Zoom
2024-03-19 15:30 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Internet – Online
The contemplative prayer ministry of Sts. Simon and Jude parish invites you to join us as Fr. Bill Sheehan OMI shares his own spiritual journey and the teachings of Fr. Thomas Keating to help guide us on our journey to our heavenly Father. We will see that Jesus shows us the way to his God through his own contemplative practices. From Jesus’ actions, we can learn to let go of the obstacles that keep us from being who God created us to be.
March 19 from 3:30 – 5:00pm Pacific Time via Zoom. There is no charge for this event but we will gratefully accept your free will donation to support our Centering Prayer ministry. Checks may be made payable to Saints Simon and Jude Church Centering Prayer Ministry and sent to this address: Sts. Simon and Jude Church, 20444 Magnolia Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92646.
RSVP to Jack Gerken by emailing Jack@gerken.org by March 13.

Practices for Contemplative Living: Going Deeper
2024-03-16 09:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | St. Walburga Monastery, 851 N. Broad Street, NJ, 7649, United States
Join a group of Centering Prayer practitioners to support each other on the contemplative path. Modeled after what was formerly known as the 9-month course, the program will be based on Julie Saad’s book, “Contemplative Life: Discovering Our Path to the Heart of God“. All are welcome. We meet the 3rd Saturdays of October 2023 through April 2024. Overnight accommodations are available. In March, we will review how we are doing with incorporating contemplative practices in daily life.
Explore a different contemplative practice each month:
• October 22 – Fundamentals of Centering Prayer and Holy Listening
• November 18 – Guided Meditation (Stepping Stones)
• December 16 – Advent Day of Prayer with Fr. Carl Arico
• January 20 – Logging
• February 17 – Spiritual Reading
• March 16 – Going Deeper in Daily Life
• April 20 – Lectio Divina
Further information and registration are available at: https://centeringprayernj.com/events/, or contact Eileen McCaffrey Schuman at coordinator@centeringprayernj.com.

Lent Silent Saturday
2024-03-16 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | Holy Spirit Retreat Center, 4316 Lanai Road, Encino, CA, 91436, United States
During Lent, this quiet morning, free from daily activities, gives participants time for a communal gathering in silence and Centering Prayer. Along with scheduled prayers and contemplative walks is unstructured time for private journaling or reflection, and enjoyment of the beautiful grounds of Holy Spirit Retreat Center.
The day is open to beginners as well as those experienced in contemplative prayer or silent meditation. All are welcome. A brief introduction to Centering Prayer will be offered for those new to the practice.
Registration online at hsrcenter.com is appreciated, but not required.
A free will offering is gratefully appreciated.
For more information contact Marilyn Nobori at centeringprayer@hsrcenter.com or 818-815-4480

Becoming An Everyday Contemplative
2024-03-16 08:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, 303 Tunxis Road, West Hartford, CT, 6107, United States
Contemplative Enrichment Day with Judith Valente
“Stillness is … opening up an emotionally clutter-free space and allowing ourselves to feel and think and dream and question,” author Brene Brown says. This is an extraordinary time when there is much chaos in our country and the world, many demands on our time, and personal pressures. This day explores simple, concrete practices we can adopt to maintain a contemplative calm, learn to embrace the current moment, and create enough space to become “everyday contemplatives.”
This program will be offered both in-person and online via Zoom. Information on how to access the program on Zoom will be sent to participants in advance.
This program will include a morning and an afternoon session of Centering Prayer.
Judith Valente is an award-winning journalist and poet and a lay Benedictine Oblate who guides frequent contemplative retreats. She has written several spirituality books including most recently, How to Be: A Monk and A Journalist Reflect on Living & Dying, Purpose & Prayer, Forgiveness & Friendship, co-authored with Trappist Brother Paul Quenon. Judith is also author of The Art of Pausing and a contemporary guide on The Rule of St. Benedict titled, How to Live.
Please use the link below to register.

Lenten Silent Saturday with Fr. Bill Sheehan, OMI: In-Person or Zoom
2024-03-16 08:30 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church, 26001 Muirlands Blvd, Mission Viejo, CA, 92691, United States
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work
with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
– Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)
Shepherd of the Hills UMC Centering Prayer Ministry is blessed to have Fr. Bill with us giving three conferences with Q&A following each.
In-Person: Shepherd of the Hills UMC – 26001 Muirlands Bl., Mission Viejo, CA. 25.00 each, Breakfast will be provided upon your arrival.
Zoom: $10.00 each.
Registration is Required. Scholarships available. Questions or help registering, please notify Jill Yamada: jillprays@aol.com
Lenten Silent Saturday with Fr. Bill Sheehan, OMI

11th-Step Retreat
2024-03-15 15:00 - 2024-03-17 15:00 UTC | Bethany Retreat Center, 1031 Germania Rd, Frenchville, PA, 16836, United States
This retreat is for people who participate in any 12-step recovery program to introduce or expand and deepen the experience of contemplative prayer as part of a daily 11th-Step practice ourselves, in silence, saying nothing, asking for nothing, just being and allowing our Higher Power to be with us.
The retreat will offer an environment of solitude and silence in community with time for reflection, fellowship, and a 12-step meeting. for those new to contemplative prayer, the retreat is an introductory Workshop on Centering Prayer in the context of 12-step recover.
Please see the link below to register.

Wisdom School Retreat: Invitation to a Wisdom Way of Knowing
2024-03-11 - 2024-03-16 | All Souls Interfaith Gathering, 291 Bostwick Farm Road, Shelburne, VT, 05482, United States
Join us for a rhythm of practice, learning, and integration in togetherness and solitude.
The Wisdom stream is at the contemplative headwaters of every religious tradition including Christianity. Wisdom takes many shapes and forms and is more concerned with the transformation of the human being than on a set of right beliefs. The Christian Wisdom lineage is about learning to listen to the Divine within and see that we are deeply interconnected in a larger whole of which we are meant to responsibly take part in. This kind of listening and seeing requires that we include our three centers of knowing—mind, feeling, and body—in the spiritual organ of the heart which sees from wholeness and oneness.
Join us for a Wisdom School for beginners on the path and experienced practitioners, designed to bring a rhythm of practice, learning, and integration in togetherness and solitude in order to invite a ‘wisdom way of knowing.’ With periods of teaching, Centering Prayer, chanting, embodiment practices, lectio divina, contemplative sharing and free time, this Wisdom School will explore the core tenets of the Christian Wisdom Tradition through the lineage of Cynthia Bourgeault. We will focus on the Wisdom tradition as the Way of the Heart, the organ of spiritual perceptivity, and dive deeply into the three centers of intelligence (mind/intellectual, feeling/emotional, body/sensation-al) which comprise it. Wisdom Schools prepare us to live more consciously and to show up in the world holding our post as planetary servants.
Retreat Schedule (please note that schedule is subject to change)
First evening:
7:00-8:30 pm Opening Evening
Daily schedule:
* Breakfast on your own
9:00 am Chanting and Centering Prayer
9:30 am Break
9:45 am Morning Session
11:15 am Break
11:30 am Embodiment Practice/Movement, or Conscious Work
12:00 pm Lunch (talking optional) followed by contemplative free time
2:00 pm Chanting and Centering Prayer
2:30 pm Break
2:45 pm Afternoon Session
4:15 pm Break
4:30 pm Contemplative Practice
5:45 pm Dinner (talking optional)
7:00-8:30 pm Evening session – reflection, discussion, synthesis of day’s work, ending with chanting and centering prayer
Last day:
* Breakfast on your own
9:00 am Chanting and Centering Prayer
9:45 am Final Teaching
11:00 Closing Circle
12:00 End & Departure
Retreat Facilitator: Heather Ruce

Heather facilitates Wisdom practice circles, groups, retreats, and Wisdom schools. She offers teaching and guidance in various embodied Wisdom, contemplative and mindfulness practices including Centering Prayer, Christian meditation, sacred chanting, lectio divina, conscious work, and sacred gestures. She has had many companions, guides, and teachers along the way, all of whom have contributed to who she is and the work that she does. Her work is especially informed by her Masters education in family systems therapy and depth psychology and the teachings of Cynthia Bourgeault in the Christian Wisdom Tradition, and Steve Hoskinson in the integration of trauma healing and complexity science through his model Organic Intelligence.

United in Prayer, United in Spirit
2024-03-09 | St. Mary on the Lake Peace and Spirituality Center, 1663 Killarney Way, Bellevue, WA, 98004, United States
Seeking to build on Father Thomas Keatings’ work in interfaith spirituality and dialogue, Contemplative Outreach of Puget Sound North will again offer an interfaith version of United in Prayer as an in-person day retreat. Participants will be guided by presentations and periods of contemplative prayer/meditation consonant with the faith traditions of Christianity, Judaism, Islam and Zen Buddhism. Guides will include a Presbyterian Pastor versed in the Celtic traditions of Christianity, a Rabbi who leads a meditative synagogue and teaches the mystical tradition of Kabbalah, an Islamic Imam who guides a Sufi community, and a professed religious member of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace who is also a Zen master.
Please see the link below to register.

Around the Circle: A Contemplative Enneagram Soul Journey
2024-03-08 15:00 - 2024-03-11 13:00 (America/New_York) | Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, 303 Tunxis Road, West Hartford, CT, 6107, United States
Overnight Retreat – Enneagram Formation with Rev. Nhien Vuong, J.D., M.Div.
Learn how the entire Enneagram circle–and not just your own Enneagram type–can enrich your contemplative life. This intensive is for you if you already know your type and want to explore how the ancient wisdom of the Enneagram can support a world in which everything belongs.
DISCOVER what it means to “listen around the circle” for what triggers and excites you.
INTEGRATE disowned parts of your wholeness.
DEEPEN your practice of inner and outer hospitality through an array of contemplative practices engaged in conscious community.
Rev. Nhien Vuong, J.D., M.Div., is an international Enneagram thought leader and keynote presenter who spiritually companions individuals around the globe using a contemplative, compassion-based approach to the Enneagram. An ordained Unity minister and accredited Enneagram Professional, Nhien is the founder of Evolving Enneagram, a community-based business whose team of professionals offers transformational programming to seed and sustain our collective awakening. Nhien is currently authoring a book on contemplative practices and the Enneagram.
Please use the link below to register.

Weaving a Nest for Stillness
2024-03-08 15:00 - 2024-03-10 13:00 (America/New_York) | Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, 303 Tunxis Road, West Hartford, CT, 6107, United States
Overnight Contemplative Retreat with Claire Rusowicz and Anne A. Simpkinson
This silent contemplative retreat invites you to engage with the Sacred in nature. Anchored in three Centering Prayer gatherings, the weekend will also offer lectio and terra divina (sacred earth), body sensing-awareness practice, and evening prayer on Saturday. There will also be unstructured time for personal reflection, exploring the grounds, reading, journaling, and rest. No experience with Centering Prayer is required.
Please register using the link below.

9-Day Intensive, Post Intensive Retreat
2024-03-06 15:00 - 2024-03-14 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Mercy Center Auburn, 535 Sacramento Street, Auburn, CA, 95603, United States
This retreat offers three tracks simultaneously: Intensive I, Intensive II and Post Intensive. For everyone, there will be 3 sets of two 30 minute periods of Centering Prayer daily. Intensive I and Intensive II will watch video talks from Fr. Thomas Keating’s Spiritual Journey. Intensive I focuses on “The Human Condition and the Spiritual Journey”. Intensive II focuses on “Divine Love: The Heart of the Christian Spiritual Journey”. The Post Intensive has no videos and an additional hour of Centering Prayer each day. You choose the track that works best for you. Any of the tracks may be repeated multiple times. If this is your first Intensive retreat of this length, we suggest you choose Intensive I. We recommend Intensive I before Intensive II.
Lectio Divina and a contemplative Eucharist will be offered daily, as well as optional soul-friending with the staff. Throughout the retreat, we will be in silence.
Pre-requisite: A daily practice of Centering Prayer for 6 months or longer.
The retreat will be facilitated by Susan Turpin, Fr. Bill Sheehan, OMI, and Marty Badgett. Susan, Marty, and Fr. Bill have served within the Contemplative Outreach community for many years and led many Centering Prayer retreats and workshops.
The retreat begins Wednesday, March 6 with registration from 3:00 to 5:00, an opening session at 5:00pm, and dinner at 6:00pm. We end on Thursday, March 14 at 11:00am (lunch optional).
The fee includes all meals and lodging. Rooms are single with a sink in the room; bathrooms are shared.
If you are traveling by air, the Contemplative Outreach staff can arrange transportation from the Sacramento airport to the Mercy Center. Please book your arrival on the beginning day for 1:30pm or earlier and your departure on the ending day for 1:30pm or later. Let us know your flight information. A $25/one way, $50 round trip cash or Venmo contribution is appreciated.

Facilitator Training Workshop
2024-03-02 10:30 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
The purpose of this workshop is to empower people with a very strong commitment to the practice of Centering Prayer to facilitate Centering Prayer groups. It is impossible to overestimate the importance of the attendee’s commitment to the practice. Everything worthwhile we do as facilitators springs from the Prayer. The topics we will attempt to deal with include the basics of facilitating a Centering Prayer group, dealing with the practical and getting the fundamentals right. The emphasis will be on the application of the topics to our Centering Prayer group experience: what actually happens in a group and in our lives. Facilitating Faith Sharing, answering questions and group dynamics, are some of the topics covered.
Location:
Monfort Heights Library
3825 West Fork Rd,
Cincinnati, OH 45247
Please see link below.

Virtual Silent Saturday with Fr Bill Sheehan - via Zoom
2024-03-02 08:30 - 14:30 (America/Halifax) | Internet – Online
A Silent Saturday provides a few hours that are set aside for Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, spiritual teaching and reflection. “Come rest awhile with the Lord” in preparation for Holy Week.
Fr Bill will discuss “Finding the Place of the Heart … Encouragement to go Deeper” so that we may listen to the Spirit praying in us, enlivening, enlightening and guiding us. God has pitched a tent on the fertile soil of our hearts.
Fr. Bill is a priest and member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. He was present at the Lama retreat convened by Fr. Thomas Keating OCSO which founded Contemplative Outreach. He has led countless Centering Prayer workshops and retreats for Contemplative Outreach.
Register by sending an email to rbrtgorman@protonmail.com and a Zoom link will be sent to you a few days in advance.
Program begins at 8:30 am Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Introduction to Centering Prayer
2024-03-01 14:00 - 2024-03-03 13:30 (America/New_York) | Holy Cross Monastery – New York, 1615 Route 9W, West Park, NY, 12493, United States
Whether your interest is deepening your relationship with God, relief from the stress of daily life, or learning about contemplative prayer, why not take some time this winter to learn and practice Centering Prayer? There will be plenty of time to rest and enjoy the beautiful contemplative oasis of Holy Cross Monastery in the Hudson Valley. The intention for this weekend retreat is to introduce you to the practice of Centering Prayer or refresh your understanding of your practice. Inquirers into Centering Prayer and beginners are welcome.
Br. Bernard Delcourt, is the Associate Director of Holy Cross Monastery. Bernard is a Contemplative Outreach commissioned presenter. Bernard has been a monk since 2004. Before becoming a monk, he was an investment banker and then a life and business skills coach. He is a spiritual director and regularly visits General Theological Seminary in New York to offer spiritual direction to students and staff.
Register by e-mail or phone with our Guesthouse Manager, Donna Mallory at 845-384-6660 ext 1 or at guesthouse@hcmnet.org.

Introduction to Centering Prayer In-Person Workshop
2024-02-28 16:00 - 17:15 UTC | Grace Lutheran Church – PA, 205 South Garner Street, State College, PA, 16801, United States
Centering Prayer Introductory Program
Do you seek the still, quiet voice of God? The Centering Prayer Introductory Program will help us to understand the Indwelling Presence of God within each of us, and offer prayer periods to experience this Presence. We will explore our intimate relationship with God through Christian contemplative prayer, which has been a part of our Christian heritage for centuries. We will explore the benefits of Centering Prayer in ordinary life. Time will be
allowed for practice of the prayer and discussion of the practice each Wednesday afternoon from 4-5:15 p.m. throughout Lent 2024.
The program will be presented starting on Ash Wednesday at 4 p.m., February 14, 2024 for the seven weeks of Lent at Grace Lutheran Church 205 South Garner St, State College, PA 16801. A donation of $20 per person is requested, which includes a book. Please note that no one seeking to experience this form of prayer is ever turned away due to any financial constraints.
The program will be presented through the local chapter of Contemplative Outreach by Mary Kay and Doug Laplante, experienced practitioners of Centering Prayer. For more information email Mary Kay at mklaplante11@gmail.com or to sign up, please call or e-mail Sherri Rider at (814) 238-2478 or srider@glcpa.org.

Welcoming Prayer Part 2 – via Zoom
2024-02-26 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | Internet – Online
“God doesn’t take away our difficulties…God joins us in our difficulties.” Thomas Keating
In the Welcoming Prayer we invite the Holy Spirit’s healing presence into the pain, the anxiety, and fear we experience in our everyday lives. The Welcoming Prayer helps to dismantle acquired emotional programs that underly what we are experiencing. It addresses them where they are stored – in the body. Gradually, over time, with prayer repeatedly bringing them into the light, the perfect love of the Most Holy, they are healed, removing the obstacles that keep God’s all-powerful grace from flowing in and through us and out into a world in desperate need..
Please see the link below to register.

Welcoming Prayer
2024-02-24 09:30 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | First Fruits, Elm Grove, WI, 890 Elm Grove Rd, Building 2, Lower Level, Elm Grove, WI, 53122, United States
