Contemplative Outreach, Ltd.

Present to Presence: A Silent Centering Prayer Retreat
2021-08-15 16:00 - 2021-08-18 12:00 UTC | Mercy by the Sea Retreat and Conference Center, 167 Neck Road, Madison, CT, 06443-0191, United States
August 15 – 18, 2021
Thomas Keating once posed the question: Why go on retreat? His response was “to experience the deepest silence” and “just … [to] be, opening uninterruptedly to God’s presence and to the enormous energy of love that creates and sustains us and the universe…”
Even in our covid world, it’s important to step away from daily life and turn our focus inward. During this retreat, silence will begin after Sunday night’s gathering and end after breakfast on Tuesday. In between, there will be periods of Centering Prayer, lectio divina and eco divina (listening to God in Nature), morning and evening prayer as well as personal time to walk, read, journal or simply gaze at the waters of Long Island Sound in a beautiful summer setting. Single rooms with private baths will be ready at 4 p.m. on Sunday. The program will begin after dinner. All meals from Sunday dinner through Wednesday breakfast are covered by the fee. Call the Center or visit the website to register (see below).
Come listen to the still small voice. Let the deep silence enfold you, embrace you.

5-Day Centering Prayer Retreat
2021-08-16 15:00 - 2021-08-20 10:00 | Mt. Angel, Oregon
Hosted by Contemplative Outreach of Portland (COOP) and Contemplative Outreach of Willamette Valley (COWV).
Experience Deep Silence at recently remodeled St. Benedict’s Guesthouse, Mt. Angel Abbey. Retreat includes 4 nights in a private room, private bath, all meals. Opportunities abound to pray with the monks, walk the stations of the cross in the park-like grounds, or simply soak in expansive views of the Willamette Valley in silence.
The guesthouse is in compliance with State of Oregon Covid-19 prevention recommendations regarding face masks and social distancing. COOP and COWV expect all retreatants to be fully vaccinated at least 2 weeks prior to retreat. Elevator and one ADA room available.
Pre-requisites: daily Centering Prayer practice for 6 months; fully vaccinated for Covid >2 weeks prior.
To register, contact Patricia Lacy. $100 deposit due at time of registration ($50 non-refundable); balance by July 15. Partial scholarships available!

8-Day Intensive/Post-Intensive Retreat
2021-08-16 15:00 - 2021-08-23 10:00 | Mt. Angel, Oregon
Hosted by Contemplative Outreach of Portland (COOP) and Contemplative Outreach of Willamette Valley (COWV).
Dual-track Centering Prayer retreat, silence and sits, Spiritual Journey videos. Includes 7 nights in a private room, private bath, all meals, at recently remodeled St. Benedict’s Guesthouse, Mt. Angel Abbey. Opportunities abound to pray with the monks, walk the stations of the cross in the park-like grounds, or simply soak in expansive views of the Willamette Valley in silence.
The guesthouse is in compliance with State of Oregon Covid-19 prevention recommendations regarding face masks and social distancing. COOP and COWV expect all retreatants to be fully vaccinated at least 2 weeks prior to retreat. Elevator and one ADA room available.
Pre-requisites: daily Centering Prayer practice for 6 months; fully vaccinated for Covid >2 weeks prior.
To register, contact Patricia Lacy. $100 deposit due at time of registration ($50 non-refundable); balance by July 15. Partial scholarships available!

Presence, Prayer and Writing from the Heart Retreat
2021-08-19 16:00 - 2021-08-21 12:00 | Mercy by the Sea Retreat and Conference Center, 167 Neck Road, Madison, CT, 06443-0191, United States
August 19 – 21, 2021
All of us have myriad stories to tell. Some involve your family history, spiritual journey, experiences in Nature or a life-changing situation. Stories can also take many forms — memoir, essay, poem, blog posts, or journal entries — but the most compelling are the ones written from the heart, those that touch and move us and sometimes even transform both the writer and reader. Writing from the heart demands attentiveness, honesty, courage and a commitment to engage with a creative process that pulls us into the unknown where we are often surprised at what surfaces. It’s a journey of discovery. And what can help are presence and prayer.
This writing retreat is structured for those currently working on a project, those who want to start one, or simply desire to spend time in beautiful surroundings playing with words. In addition to Centering Prayer sessions — Silence can be a portal to the Source of creativity and truth-telling — there will be ample opportunities to write, walk, think and just be.
Please see the link below for more information and to register.

Wisdom School: The Imaginal Realm
2021-08-19 16:00 - 2021-08-23 16:00 | Mercy Center Burlingame, 2300 Adeline Drive, Burlingame, CA, 94010, United States
“The imaginal is a meeting ground, a kind of cosmic intertidal zone … In this realm, the fruits of our human strivings — both conscious and unconscious — are offered up to the whole. From this realm, in turn, we receive blessing, inspiration, guidance, and vivifying force, which are ours to share and bestow here below.”
―Cynthia Bourgeault
+
The Mercy Center Centering Prayer Program presents:
Wisdom School: The Imaginal Realm
You are invited to join us at Mercy Center in Burlingame. Rest, reflect, and explore the imaginal realm during this special summertime retreat experience.
This ‘Wisdom School’ will use Cynthia Bourgeault’s e-course video teachings to explore the Imaginal Realm so that we might learn to open ourselves to this world that surrounds and sustains us and to give back, participating in this divine exchange as conscious planetary servants.
The teachings draw from her book Eye of the Heart: A Spiritual Journey into the Imaginal Realm in which she offers us a new cosmic map and perspective of how an attuned and open heart may approach the current challenges we face and receive the assistance necessary for navigation.
There will be an integration of Cynthia’s transmissions and an invitation to a ‘wisdom way of knowing’ through a daily rhythm of periods of video teaching from Cynthia, Centering Prayer, chanting, mindful work, mindful movement, sharing, and contemplative free time.
*In addition to the registration fee, this wisdom school requires extra material costs of $137. Please bring a check with you, made out to Way of Wisdom Knowing. Included in this fee is access to the video teachings to review afterward.
Retreat Leaders:
Heather Ruce, M.A. is a wisdom spiritual director with a background as a therapist and training in a neurophysiology-based approach to trauma resolution. She loves working with individuals as well as facilitating groups and retreats focused on learning and practicing the Wisdom Tradition.
Joy Andrews Hayter, Ph.D. is a spiritual director and Centering Prayer coordinator at Mercy Center. Joy is dedicated to fostering contemplative practices such as Centering Prayer and others within the Christian Wisdom tradition that help us become aware of God’s ever-present love. As a scientist, she sees in the physical world an expression of that love.
Catherine Regan, Ph.D. is a spiritual director, retired psychologist, and adjunct staff member at Mercy Center, primarily serving on the Centering Prayer team. She has a special interest in participating in the reclamation of the Christian Wisdom tradition and fostering the contemplative practices so urgently needed at this time in our world.
Future Centering Prayer Dates at Mercy Center in Burlingame CA:
Fall Triduum Prayer Morning (Online): October 30
Centering Prayer Wisdom Retreat : Dec 3-5
Centering Prayer retreat: Feb 18-20, 2022
Centering Prayer Spring Triduum (Online): April 14-16, 2022
Centering Prayer retreat: May 22-29, 2022
CONTACT
For further assistance, contact us at (650) 340-7474. For more information visit: www.mercy-center.org
These are unprecedented times. If finances are an issue, please email us at registration@mercywmw.org for a learning grant discount code. We want to make sure our offerings are available to everyone.
This event is organized by
Mercy Center Burlingame
A ministry of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. We provide opportunities for people to become more attentive to the presence of the Divine in their lives and in the world, and then respond with care for the Earth and service to others. http://www.mercy-center.org/

Dwell in Silence Eight-Day Retreat
2021-08-20 12:00 - 2021-08-27 13:00 | Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, 120 Boyson Rd, Hiawatha, IA, 52233, United States
A Post-Intensive Eight-Day Centering Prayer Retreat
This post-intensive retreat will consist of continuous periods of Centering Prayer from before sunrise until the dinner hour, with breaks for meals. Attendees may participate in as much prayer as they are called to. Short pauses for entering and leaving the silence will be offered every 30 minutes. There will be no teaching and no reading during this immersion in silence. Veteran retreat leaders Chris Frantsvog and Paul Witmer look forward to hosting you for this journey into deep silence.
Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center is a retreat and conference center focused on ecology, spirituality, and holistic health. It is nestled in a natural setting of 70 acres of prairie and woodland in Hiawatha, Iowa, just north of Cedar Rapids. Prairiewoods is a place of peace and transformation. There will be time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings in prayer and meditation.
Cost is $780, which includes room with semi-private bathroom, (every two rooms share a bathroom) and all meals. A limited number of double occupancy rooms are available. ($710)
Please visit with Chris Frantsvog about prices, scholarships or restrictions you have: (515) 306-1221.
COVID: All participants must be fully vaccinated before attending this retreat.
Space is limited.
Visit the URL below for more information.

Lectio Divina Retreat with Julie Saad
2021-08-20 16:00 - 2021-08-21 15:30 | The Franciscan Center, 3010 N. Perry Ave., Tampa, FL, 33603, United States
CO of Tampa Bay is happy to welcome Julie Saad for a day and a half retreat at the beautiful Franciscan Center campus in Tampa, FL. Julie is returning again to share with us her many years of experience and expertise on the Lectio Divina practice. Lectio is a foundational practice of Scripture meditation which leads into contemplative prayer, and has been a traditional monastic method/practice of reading sacred text since the 5th century with St. Benedict.
Julie has been a part of Contemplative Outreach in Denver since 1994. She is a commissioned presenter in Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina and the Welcoming Prayer. She is the coordinator of the Contemplative Living Experience Program in Denver, is a co-facilitator in the Contemplative Outreach online courses, and currently serves on the Contemplative Outreach governing board. She is a soon-to-be published author of a book on Contemplative Life, the practical application of Thomas Keating’s teaching.
Retreat begins on Friday Aug. 20th at 4 p.m. and ends on Saturday Aug. 21st by 3:30 p.m.
Accommodation Cost: $143 Single; $133 Shared; $58 Commuter (Includes meals).
Please register using the link below.

From Seeker to Sage: Journey to the Unknowable -- A Center Prayer Retreat via Zoom
2021-08-20 17:30 - 2021-08-22 12:30 | Internet – Online
This is a three-day online Centering Prayer retreat via Zoom
August 20th (Friday, starting at 5:30pm Central Daylight Time) to August 22nd (Sunday, ending at 12:30pm CDT)
This is co-sponsered by Contemplative Outreach of New Orleans and the School for Contemplative Living.
The presenter is Susan Komis of Contemplative Outreach, Ltd.
The retreat will consists of Centering Prayer sessions, presentations, Q & A opportunities, and small group gatherings via breakout rooms.
The theme of the retreat is “From Seeker to Sage: Journey to the Unknowable”.
The titles of the presentations are: Introduction, Stages of Prayer & Faith, The Awakening, The Seeker, The Servant, Journey to the Unknowable, and The Sage.
The suggested cost is $39.00 with partial scholarships available.
To register and for more information: go to www.the scl.net and click on ‘Centering Prayer Retreat 2021’ in the second line of the headings.
Contact information: Maggie Dawson at mgdrake@juno.com.
Come join our global contemplative community for our annual Centering Prayer retreat.

10th Centering Prayer and Enneagram Zoom Retreat
2021-08-21 09:30 - 14:30 | Internet – Online
“Centering Prayer and Enneagram” retreat is meant for anyone who wants to advance in their contemplative prayer practice with a deeper knowledge of who we are and why we do the things we do. Knowing who we are is the first step into growing in wisdom. Enneagram personality types will show us what motivates us and why some of us can focus, learn, pray, and have a discipline of life better than others.
This online two-day retreat on zoom is a quick look into the Enneagrammic person in us. When we know what inspires us, then it will be easier for us to pray and play. When we pray well, we will play well, meaning, we will do whatever we do for living joyfully.
Set aside one day and take this program from the comfort of your home. Each session is about 20 minutes long with a 10 minutes break in between. You can interact with Fr. Jos while you are attending just like being in a classroom. You don’t need to download anything or call anyone. Just simply be home in your PJs and have a cup of coffee and relax, learn, and grow. Register now and you will be provided with a secure link for the Zoom Retreat. The seats are limited to a maximum of 75.
09:30 am Introduction and Prayer
10: 00 am Session 1
10: 50 am break
11: 00 am Session 2
11: 50 am Centering Prayer Session
12: 10 pm Lunch break
01: 00 pm Session 3
01: 50 pm break
02: 00 pm Session 4
Please register using the link below.
Reviews:
Over 440 people have taken this simple, easy to understand presentation of Centering Prayer and Enneagram. A three-hour presentation that enhances your Centering Prayer Practice and discipline of prayer. What others say.
“This retreat was very meaningful, and helpful in my prayer life as well as in knowing myself better.” Margaret… London.
“It helped me to deepen my own spiritual practice, and also to learn more about myself.” Lia… Brazil.
“What a blessing I had. I never imagined how easy it would be for me to understand, and how practical the application is. Thank you.” John…. NC.

Be Still and Know: A Contemplative Prayer Weekend
2021-08-27 17:00 - 2021-08-29 13:00 | Wisdom House, 229 East Litchfield Road, Litchfield, CT, 6759, United States
Anchored in silence and the practice of Centering Prayer, this weekend will offer opportunities to let go of our everyday concerns in order to be still and know God ever more intimately. End the summer and start the fall in a prayerful and grace-full way.
The schedule includes three Centering Prayer gatherings, an overview of the practice, evening prayer, lectio divina and other contemplative practices. Remaining hours are unscheduled for private prayer and reflection as well as optional swimming in the on-site pool and labyrinth walk. No previous experience with Centering Prayer is necessary.

Introduction to Lectio Divina
2021-08-28 09:00 - 12:00 | Church of the Redeemer – Worship Center, 5572 Garden Village Way, Greensboro, NC, 27410, United States
Lectio Divina, literally meaning “divine reading,” is an ancient practice of praying the Scriptures. During Lectio Divina, the practitioner listens to the text of the Bible with the “ear of the heart,” as if he or she is in conversation with God, and God is suggesting the topics for discussion.
Please click on the link below for more information and to register.

Welcome Prayer Workshop Online via Zoom
2021-08-29 13:00 - 16:00 | Internet – Online
Online workshop via Zoom. Welcome Prayer practice and discussion led by The Rev. Tom Ward.
Please see the link below to register.

COCEMO 6-Day Intensive/Post-Intensive Retreat
2021-08-29 16:00 - 2021-09-03 13:00 | Kings House Retreat and Renewal Center, 700 N. 66th St., Belleville, IL, 62223, United States
Both tracks of this retreat provide an opportunity to deepen the practice of Centering Prayer in an atmosphere of profound silence and community support.
The post-intensive retreat has up to six one hour Centering Prayer periods daily that consist of two 30 minute sits, with an optional meditative walk in between, along with the viewing of a selection of the Spiritual Journey Video Series by Fr. Thomas Keating.
Participants in both tracks will have the opportunity for interviews with the retreat staff if they so desire. Previous participation in an intensive retreat is a prerequisite to attend the post-intensive.
Daily Eucharist will be available. Daily AM gentle yoga and professional massage therapy may also be available. All are optional.
Retreat Director is Fr. Matthew Flatley. For over thirty years Fr. Flatley has engaged the daily discipline of Centering Prayer. Since 1994 he has taught Centering Prayer and led many retreats and workshops. He is excited to share his passion for contemplative prayer with all who are interested.
See the link below to register.

Advent Centering Prayer Weekend Retreat
2021-08-31 08:00 - 17:00 | Bethany Retreat Center, 1031 Germania Rd, Frenchville, PA, 16836, United States
Bridges to Contemplative Living leads participants on a journey toward personal spiritual transformation and a more contemplative and peace-filled life.
This retreat is designed for those with an established daily practice of Centering Prayer who wish to deepen the transforming love of God in the midst of silence and solitude.
The weekend will include Centering Prayer, conferences with contemplative dialogue, personal time, meals and Sunday liturgy.
Please see the link below to register.

Experience the Welcoming Prayer -- Offered via Zoom
2021-09-11 09:00 - 11:45 | Internet – Online
Come learn the
Welcoming Prayer Practice
and move your relationship with God deeper into everyday life.
September 11, 2021
9 am -11:45 HST (UTC-10)
Free via Zoom
Meeting ID: 821 5855 7952 Passcode: [REDACTED]
“To Welcome and Let Go is one of the most
radically loving, faith-filled gestures
we can make.” — Mary Mrozowski
Join Pulelehua Quirk and
Contemplative Outreach of Hawaii
www.cohawaii.org

Fall Silent Saturday
2021-09-11 09:00 - 12:00 | Holy Spirit Retreat Center, 4316 Lanai Road, Encino, CA, 91436, United States
As the season of Fall approaches, join us for a quiet morning of Centering Prayer and silence. This day is open to beginners as well as those experienced in contemplative prayer or silent meditation. The day provides time for communal prayer, a contemplative walk, private journaling and reflection, and ends with a period of Lectio Divina. All are welcome. A brief introduction to Centering Prayer will be offered for those new to the practice. Register online at hsrcenter.com by September 9th – a donation is gratefully appreciated.

Introduction to Centering Prayer via Zoom
2021-09-11 09:00 - 12:00 | Internet – Online
Are you looking for a way to explore or deepen your relationship with God?
In our introductory workshop to Centering Prayer, you will discover a centuries-old prayer method. Centering Prayer consists of simply sitting in silence with God – beyond thoughts, words, and emotions – and opening our mind, heart and whole being to the Ultimate Mystery. In this workshop, you will learn the basics of Centering Prayer, experience it in a guided setting, and be able to ask questions and share experiences with the presenter and your fellow initiates.
Centering Prayer is based on a Christian contemplative practice first described in The Cloud of Unknowing, written in the latter half of the 14th century. It calls one to abandon any consideration of God’s attributes and actions, and to surrender to God’s influence in our lives. It is a very personal prayer practice but is often practiced in groups. It opens one to God’s infinite love and power to heal, and opens the door to other related prayer practices around forgiveness, and dealing with painful situations and emotions. Introduction to Centering Prayer is a sampling of the practice and its benefits. Basic Centering Prayer is the next step to a committed practice.
Sponsored by Contemplative Outreach of Colorado at The Center for Contemplative Living. Please see the link below to register.
NOTE: Times listed for this event are Mountain Time Zone.

Centering Prayer Introduction Zoom Retreat with Fr. Jos+
2021-09-11 09:30 - 14:00 | Internet – Online
Fr. Thomas Keating describes Centering Prayer as the keystone of a comprehensive commitment to the contemplative dimension of the Gospel, manifesting as a deepening union with Christ, and practical caring for others. This way of praying in silence opens our hearts and minds to consent to God’s presence and action beyond words, responding to the call of the Holy Spirit.
In this small retreat, you will be introduced to the concepts and methods of Centering Prayer. Presented by Fr. Jos, who had been presenting this retreat for several years, will capture your attention and keep you interested and make it enjoyable. Over 200 people have taken this retreat from Fr. Jos to date. You can ask questions just like in any other class even though we will be distanced from each other in person. The blessing of technology will help us become one group even though we will be sitting behind the screens in the comfort of our homes. Here below are topics that will be introduced and reflected in this retreat.
Introduction to Centering Prayer Practice
Prayer As Relationship
Method of Centering Prayer
Thoughts And Use Of Sacred Word
Deepening Our Relationship with God
https://withribbon.com/s/191327
Please register using the link below. Times in Central time zone.

5-DAY Contemplative Retreat at Camp Galilee, Lake Tahoe, Nevada
2021-09-12 16:30 - 2021-09-17 13:00 | Galilee Episcopal Camp and Retreat Center, 1776 Hwy 50, GlenBrook (Lake Tahoe), NV, 89413, United States
Contemplative Outreach of Northern Nevada will hold a five-day, self-directed retreat with God in a praying community, joining with the Alpine beauty of the grounds of Camp Galilee on Lake Tahoe. You are invited to deepen your consent and discover the healing God wants to give us. Our retreat will include silence, several periods of Centering Prayer and walking meditation each day, evening prayer liturgies, contemplative free time for being in nature, swimming, kayaking, reflection with journaling, rest, and creative endeavors in art and nature. Currently, COVID-19 protocols are in place. There are 12 spots available with each spot having your own bathroom and bedroom; meals are individually served. As always, delicious meals are prepared on-site three times a day. The kitchen staff uses mostly local and organic produce. We will be the only group on site at the time. When we gather as a group, we will be outside, masked and socially distant. The cost is $520. We are receiving applications now. A non-refundable registration deposit of $100 for the retreat will hold your spot and needs to be received no later than June 1, 2021.
Please email Patty and Dennis Schreiner brooksp17@gmail.com for an application form as soon as possible.

Basic Centering Prayer via Zoom
2021-09-14 13:00 - 14:30 | Internet – Online
If you have taken the Centering Prayer Introductory Workshop and want to make Centering Prayer a daily practice, this six-week basic course is the next step. Each week, you will view a video-taped talk on the Spiritual Journey by Fr. Thomas Keating, followed by group discussion. The course will cover such topics as prayer as relationship with God, the four levels of scriptural experience, resting in God, Centering Prayer as method, and progress in Centering Prayer.
There are two different times to choose from for this six-week course. Times listed are Mountain Standard Time. Please see the link below to register.

Spirituality in Everyday Life via Zoom
2021-09-14 13:00 - 14:30 | Internet – Online
In this six-week course, Fr. Keating continues to expand on the human condition, using St. Anthony of Egypt as a paradigm of a pilgrim on the spiritual journey and shows how this early desert saint’s struggles mirror ours with the false self. Fr. Keating then takes us beyond the struggle to liberation from the false-self system and from our cultural conditioning. Fr. Keating continues explaining the psychological unloading process that lies at the heart of healing.
He describes four “moments” of Centering Prayer, during which unloading occurs, and compares the process to an archeological dig as the Divine Therapy takes us deeper through layers of our own woundedness. The course will also introduce us to Lectio Divina and the concept of transforming union, as well as the Night of the Sense, which are addressed more fully in Course 4.
The prerequisites are Courses 1 Basic Centering Prayer and 2 Human Condition.
There are two different times to choose from for this six-week course. Times listed are Mountain Time. Please register using the link below.

Body Presence and Contemplative Awareness
2021-09-18 09:00 - 16:30 | Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, 303 Tunxis Road, West Hartford, CT, 6107, United States
Discover a deeper awareness of healing and wisdom accessible to each of us through our bodies. Drawing from the insights and experiential practices of both Welcoming Prayer and BioSpiritual Focusing, we will seek to become more aware of welcoming and holding our feelings with curiosity and loving care.
Periods of Centering Prayer will be offered in the morning and afternoon.

Introduction to Centering Prayer
2021-09-18 10:00 - 15:00 | St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, High Point, NC, 108 W. Farriss Ave., High Point, NC, 27262, United States
Centering Prayer is a receptive method of Christian silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, prayer in which we experience God’s presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself.
This method of prayer is both a relationship with God and a discipline to deepen that relationship.
In this session, we will examine how Centering Prayer can deepen our relationship with God, others and ourselves. We will learn the method of Centering Prayer and how to deal with our thoughts during the prayer period. There will be two periods of Centering Prayer and a time for questions. A boxed lunch will be served.
All are Welcome!
To register click on the link below.
Registration fee is $40.00 and includes a boxed lunch and a copy of Open Mind, Open Heart by Fr. Thomas Keating. Checks may be made payable to Diane Popalis and mailed to:
Diane Popalis ℅ St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
108 W. Farris Avenue High Point, NC 27262
Presenters will be Diane Popalis and Tom Benson, commissioned presenters for Contemplative Outreach.

7-Day Silent Directed Retreat
2021-09-19 19:00 - 2021-09-26 10:00 | Francis House of Prayer, 84 Walnford Road, Allentown, NJ, 08501, United States
Receive the healing and transforming grace of seven days with God, savoring the silence and prayer that open your whole being to God’s Word and Presence. Daily Liturgy, Spiritual Direction and optional Centering Prayer periods are included.
For more information, click on the link below.

Cloud of Unknowing, 8-Week Live Course via Zoom
2021-09-20 12:00 - 14:00 | Internet – Online
Over this eight week course, we’ll embark on a fascinating journey together – one that will lead you toward living in the transforming presence of God within your innermost being.
Each gathering includes time for teaching, silent Centering Prayer, and community conversation
We’ll explore core issues such as:
— The tension between God’s “knowability” and “unknowability”
— The unique role of the Mind and the Heart
— Centering Prayer as a practice grounded in The Cloud
— Mystical understandings of letting go of thoughts in Centering Prayer
— God as the “Ground of Being” and how to experience this Ground through contemplative practice
— Theoretical and (more importantly) experiential understanding of The Cloud’s teaching that “God is your being.”
— The fundamental human facilities of being, am-ness, and is-ness.
— The value AND limits of reason and logic as a way of approaching God

A Conversation with Marie Howard - In-person & Zoom
2021-09-23 11:00 - 13:00 | St. Peter’s Episcopal Church (Vermont), 200 Pleasant Street, Bennington, VT, 05201, United States
The Bennnington, VT Chapter of Contemplative Outreach is honored to welcome Marie Howard from Los Angeles for a special gathering, “A Conversation with Marie.”
We will gather in person and on Zoom at on September 23, from 11 to 1 pm Eastern Time.

Please being your own lunch if you want, beverages will be provided.
In-person, at St Peter’s Episcopal Church, 200 Pleasant St, Bennington, VT
On Zoom – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83308959469?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 833 0895 9469 Passcode: [REDACTED]

Heartfulness workshop - via Zoom
2021-09-23 18:30 - 20:30 | Internet – Online
In the Heartfulness 9-week series, Fr. Thomas Keating reminds us that we are called by God to open to a new reality that is our true Self … the image and likeness of God. The path to this true Self and all its fruits and gifts is the challenge of becoming fully human, and to become fully human is to become fully divine. This is the fullness of life itself, a life abiding in the grace and truth of Christ, while at the same time, fully being the unique person you are. Fr. Thomas calls this the journey of heartfulness, and says that Centering Prayer might be thought of as heartfulness. Centering Prayer as contemplative prayer is a reflection on the mysteries of faith that has been digested and reflected upon and expressed in acts of love until it has simplified into a movement of the will that is becoming quasi-permanent – a way of occupying the mind and transferring it to the heart so that with practice it becomes more “heartfulness” than “mindfulness”.
This is a 9-week series beginning on Thursday, September 23 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm Mountain Time. Please register using the link below.

Morning of Prayer: Healing of the Pandemic -- Via Zoom
2021-09-25 09:00 - 12:00 | Internet – Online
Contemplative Outreach San Antonio invites you to join us as we unite in prayer to heal our world of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a free, online-only event.
We will pray for the victims of COVID-19; for their families, friends, and co-workers; for those who continue to suffer from the effects of the pandemic; and for the eradication of COVID-19 and all its variants.
The morning of prayer will include periods of Centering Prayer and prayerful intentions of losses and challenges resulting from the Coronavirus pandemic.
Please register to receive an invitation and a Zoom link: https://cosa-contemplativeoutreach.org/morning-of-prayer/
The event times are Central Daylight Time.

Intro to Centering Prayer Workshop-IN PERSON or ZOOM
2021-09-25 09:00 - 12:30 | Center for Contemplative Living in Elm Grove WI, 890 Elm Grove Road, The Village Court, WI, 53122, United States
“For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from God.”
– Psalm 62:5
During these challenging times Centering Prayer is a way to draw closer to God. It is a Christian form of meditation that serves as a method of movement into contemplative prayer, a way to open oneself to the Divine Presence and, through the healing of the Holy Spirit, to be of greater service to those around us.
The benefits of Centering Prayer are experienced more in daily life than during the time of Centering Prayer:
We may find ourselves becoming more tolerant and less judgmental.
We may be able to come back into balance more easily after an emotional upset.
A greater understanding of the needs of the human family emerges and leads us to respond with acts of mercy and compassion.
When: Saturday, September 25, 2021, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm Central Time
Where: Center for Contemplative Living, Elm Grove, WI./Zoom is Optional
Cost: $20 is suggested. However, no one will be turned away.
Sponsored by: Contemplative Outreach of Southeastern Wisconsin (COSEW).
The Centering Prayer Introductory Workshop familiarizes participants with the method of Centering Prayer and its conceptual background and offers two opportunities to experience the prayer. The program will be led by Contemplative Outreach trained presenters.
If requested, the Zoom link information will be sent separate from the registration confirmation email.
If you have any questions about this course, or about Zoom, please contact Jack Dierks by email dierks.jack@gmail.com or phone or text at (414) 688-1677.
Pleas see the link below to register.

Six Continuing Sessions to the Introduction to Centering Prayer: ZOOM ONLY
2021-09-28 19:00 - 20:30 | Center for Contemplative Living in Elm Grove WI, 890 Elm Grove Road, The Village Court, WI, 53122, United States
“Centering Prayer is a practice that sensitizes us to God’s presence that is already there.”
– Thomas Keating
The inner world is not always familiar to us. Designed for beginners, longtime practitioners have benefited from revisiting the basics from a new level. Bring your questions as we together become grounded in this prayer based on the monastic practices of the desert.
The class consists of a 30-minute video teaching by Fr. Thomas Keating, and facilitated discussion. The book Open Mind Open Heart by Thomas Keating is the text to the class.
Fruits of Centering Prayer include:
• responding rather than reacting to the events of life
• nature our ability to live in the present moment
• develop a nonjudgmental attitude of ourselves and others
Dates: Tuesday evenings, September 28, October 5, 12, 19, 26 and November 9
Time: 7:00 to 8:30 PM Central Time
Sponsored by: Contemplative Outreach of Southeast Wisconsin
Donations accepted (suggested $25) NO ONE WILL BE TURNED AWAY DUE TO COST!
Contact and Facilitator: Christine Bender, admin @contemplativeoutreachwisconsin.org, 720-987-7433
The Zoom link information will be sent together with the registration confirmation email.
Please see the link below to register.
