Contemplative Outreach, Ltd.

Contemplative Living II: Daily Life as Prayer (Online)
2026-01-01 00:00 - 2026-01-26 23:59 UTC | Internet – Online
January – April 2026
Further enrich your contemplative living and embrace the practice of living each day as a form of prayer. In Contemplative Living I (CL I,) the focus was on deepening your interior prayer life, leading to the awareness of God’s presence in all that is. The interior life cultivated in CL I brings you to greater humility and vulnerability and lowers your defenses. You might think of it as standing naked before the God of Love.
In Contemplative Living II (CL II,) the focus shifts towards increased intentionality in how you are living your daily life. You likely have a better understanding of what blocks you in deepening your relationship with God, others, and even with yourself. You are now more capable of looking at your part in relationships and what gets in the way of being and becoming the person God created you to be. Building on the contemplative practice learned in CL I, in CL II you will assess where you are in your life and how you can make choices aligning with your authentic self.
Course Objectives
To deepen established daily practice of Centering Prayer
To integrate contemplative awareness into everyday activities and interactions
To foster contemplative sensibilities and a listening heart in decision-making in daily situations
To create contemplative Rule of of Life that supports ongoing transformation, making daily life as prayer
Please see the link below for more information and to register.

Epiphany Half Day Centering Prayer/Welcoming Prayer mini-retreat via Hawaiʻi (1st Saturday of every month)
2026-01-04 09:00 - 11:30 (Pacific/Honolulu) | Internet – Online
Online Half Day Centering Prayer/Welcoming Prayer mini-retreat via Hawaiʻi (1st Saturday of every month)
FREE
First Saturdays online retreats are a special time where we explore our Centering Prayer practice. We are looking forward to sharing Physio-Divina (Moving) practices, Visio-Divina (visual-Art) practices. Lectio-Divina (Sacred Text) practices in addition to the Centering Prayer and Welcoming Prayer practice that are our foundation. Pulelehua, Liedeke, and Margie welcome others if you are called to join us.
We hope you will join us from wherever & whenever you are! An approximate Schedule in Hawai’i Time (UTC -10)
8:45am Room open to for early connections
9:00 Welcome and introductions
9:15 Welcoming prayer
9:45 Centering prayer
10:15 Break
10:30 A centering Practice on Epiphany and Reflections
11:15-11:30 Closing Prayer
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/92185854158?pwd=[REDACTED]
Zoom Meeting ID: 921 8585 4158 Passcode: [REDACTED]
Website: http://www.cohawaii.org
Phone (628) 400-2644
Email: cohawaii@gmail.com
All sessions are freely offered, donations are welcome, no registration is needed.

New Year Silent Saturday
2026-01-10 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | Holy Spirit Retreat Center, 4316 Lanai Road, Encino, CA, 91436, United States
Begin the new year by deepening your relationship with God. Join us for a quiet morning of Centering Prayer and silence. The day provides time for communal Centering Prayer, contemplative walks, 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.
Please arrive by 8:45am.
A free will offering is gratefully appreciated
Registration online at www.hsrcenter.com is appreciated but not required.
For more information, please email Sr. Chris at centeringprayer@hsrcenter.com
(Photo by Simon Berger, Unsplash)

Living Flame 1 Program – via Zoom
2026-01-10 11:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Internet – Online
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR LIVING FLAME 1 PROGRAM HAPPENING IN 2026
The first retreat day: January 10 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm and then each month on the dates shown below for the next six months.
Dates: 2026 – Jan. 10, Feb. 14, Mar. 14, Apr. 11, May 9, June 13, July 11
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM EST (-5 UTC)
The Living Flame 1 Program is offered on Zoom for individuals, and small groups of six people or fewer who gather in-person. This program is hosted by Contemplative Outreach’s Living Flame Service Team.
LF 1 is open to everyone who has had a consistent daily Centering Prayer practice for a year or more and who has reflectively read Open Mind, Open Heart by Thomas Keating. This will support a more engaged participation and assimilation of the program content. Additional suggested resources are Keating’s Invitation to Love and Intimacy With God.
Living Flame is a seven-day in-depth spiritual formation program presented over seven months by commissioned presenters of Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. It’s designed to heighten the awareness of the dynamics of Centering Prayer in the context of the spiritual journey. Registration and participation in the program is a commitment to all seven sessions. Topics for the Living Flame Program are noted in the Living Flame brochure
Each retreat-like day is facilitated in a five-hour scheduled format which includes: two periods of Centering Prayer; two presentations with Q&A; small group sharing; silent breaks and time for a meal.

Centering Prayer Introductory Workshop - via Zoom
2026-01-17 12:30 - 15:30 (Europe/Helsinki) | Internet – Online
Are you seeking a path to explore or strengthen your inner connection with God at the centre of your being? Centering Prayer is a practice that leads to contemplation by opening oneself to God’s love, healing, and inner goodness; moreover, it nurtures the soul’s desire to grow in kindness and compassion towards all.
The online workshop offers a glimpse into this practice through short inputs on the method of Centering Prayer, along with times of silent practice together. You are most welcome, whether you are a beginner or simply desire to refresh your practice.
Please see the link below for more information and to register.
12:30-3:30pm CET (UTC +2)

God in the Cosmos: How Hildegard of Bingen and Teilhard de Chardin Invite Us into the Sacred
2026-01-24 08:30 - 16:30 UTC | Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, 303 Tunxis Road, West Hartford, CT, 6107, United States
In order to expand our vision of God, we explore the lives and spirituality of two extraordinary mystical scientists, Hildegard of Bingen and Teilhard de Chardin. These mystics radically lived their experience of Divine Presence in and through creation. Born centuries apart, they were mystics with a cosmic vision as well as scientists who seamlessly wove together their faith with the science of their time, creating powerful visions of the universe. This day includes “Eco-Divina”, a practice contemplating the deep interconnection of all being.
This event also includes sessions of Centering Prayer.
Please see the link below for more information and to register.

Centering Prayer Introductory Workshop
2026-01-24 09:00 - 12:30 UTC | Holy Spirit Retreat Center, 4316 Lanai Road, Encino, CA, 91436, United States
Contemplative Prayer is God’s personal and unique gift to each of us. If we are open to this gift, it will profoundly affect our lives and relationship with God, others, and the world. Centering Prayer is a form of contemplative prayer. It is a method of prayer that opens us to interior transformation and deeper intimacy with God and others. The workshop includes four presentations and the practice of Centering Prayer.
Please arrive by 8:45am.
For more information, please contact Sr. Chris at 818-815-4480 or centeringprayer@hsrcenter.com
Register at www.hsrcenter.com by January 21st with a non-refundable deposit of $10.00
)Photo by Juan Davila, Unsplash)

Love is Love is Love Terra Divina Online Half-Day Welcoming prayer – Centering Prayer: mini-retreat (1st Saturday of every month)
2026-02-01 09:00 - 11:30 UTC | Internet – Online
Online Half Day Centering Prayer/Welcoming Prayer mini-retreat via Hawaiʻi (1st Saturday of every month)
@ 9:00 am – 11:30 am UTC-10
FREE
First Saturdays online retreats are a special time where we explore our Centering Prayer practice. We are looking forward to sharing Physio-Divina (Moving) practices, Visio-Divina (visual-Art) practices, Terra-Divna (Nature) Lectio-Divina (Sacred Text) practices in addition to the Centering Prayer and Welcoming Prayer practice that are our foundation. Pulelehua, Liedeke, and Margie welcome who wish to join us.
We hope you will join us from wherever & whenever you are! Schedule in Hawai’i Time (UTC -10)
8:45am Room open to for early connections
9:00 Welcome and introductions
9:15 Centering Prayer Focus on Love
9:45 Welcoming Prayer Embodied Love
10:05 Centering Prayer
10:35 Break
10:45 Centering Prayer Love is love is Love Reflections
11:15-11:30 Closing prayer
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/92185854158?pwd=[REDACTED]
Zoom Meeting ID: 921 8585 4158 Passcode: [REDACTED]
Website: http://www.cohawaii.org
Phone (628) 400-2644
Email: cohawaii@gmail.com
All session are freely offered, donations are welcome, no registration is needed.

Centering Prayer Intensive & Post-Intensive Retreat
2026-02-09 16:00 - 2026-02-15 13:00 UTC | Knobs Haven Retreat Center, 515 Nerinx Road, Nerinx, KY, 40049, United States
An opportunity to deepen the practice of Centering Prayer in an atmosphere of silence and solitude within community.
There are two tracks:

The Intensive – for anyone who hasn’t been on a Centering Prayer Intensive Retreat, includes video presentations by Fr. Thomas Keating;
The Post-Intensive, for those who have previously attended an Intensive, offers a deeper silence.

Please see the link below for more information and to register.

3-Day Contemplative Retreat
2026-02-19 17:00 - 2026-02-22 14:00 (Europe/Paris) | Sacred Heart Monastery, Missiezusters Klooster, 20, Steyl, Venlo, 5935 BX, Netherlands
“In silence, God ceases to be an object and becomes an experience.”
— Thomas Merton
Sharing silent prayer in the context of a retreat offers a profound experience of soul-to-soul connection — with fellow practitioners and with all living beings.
This 4-day retreat is designed to nourish the soul’s deep longing for intimacy with God, inviting participants into a transformative journey through contemplation and the sacred practice of silence.
Held entirely in silence, the retreat includes:
Two daily input sessions to deepen understanding of the Centering Prayer method and reflect on the contemplative path;
Multiple periods of Centering Prayer each day;
Opportunities for soul sharing with the guide (if desired);
Personal time for reflection and journaling.
It is recommended that: Participants have attended either a weekend Centering Prayer retreat or a one-day introductory workshop and maintain some level of ongoing practice.
Please see the link below for more information and to register.

Anam Cara: Thomas Merton, and Pursuing Relationships That Enlighten Our Lives
2026-02-21 08:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, 303 Tunxis Road, West Hartford, CT, 6107, United States
Though Thomas Merton craved the solitude of a hermitage and the silence in which “God shines there and is immediately found,” his mysticism and writing life were deeply fed and influenced by special friendships that he developed both in person and through a prolific correspondence that connected him to writers and spiritual thinkers all over the world. Sophfronia Scott will discuss how we can find and nurture similar bonds today to the great benefit of our lives and work.
This event includes sessions of Centering Prayer.
For more information and to register, please see the link below.

Blooming in Centering Prayer with Visio Divina ONLINE
2026-03-01 09:00 - 11:30 (Pacific/Honolulu) | Internet – Online
Blooming in Centering Prayer with Visio Divina Online (1st Saturday of every month)
May 4 @ 9:00 am – 11:30 am UTC-10
FREE
a half day Centering Prayer/Welcoming Prayer mini-retreat via Hawaiʻi (1st Saturday of every month)
First Saturdays online retreats are a special time where we explore our Centering Prayer practice. We are looking forward to sharing Physio-Divina (Moving) practices, Visio-Divina (Visual-Art) practices, Terra-Divina (Nature), Lectio-Divina (Sacred Text) practices in addition to the Centering Prayer and Welcoming Prayer practice that are our foundation. Pulelehua, Liedeke, and Margie welcome all who wish to join us.
Dates 2024 ( the zoom link is the same for all these dates): March 2, April 6, May 4, June 1, July 6, August 3, September 7, October 5, November 2, December 7
We hope you will join us from wherever & whenever you are! Schedule in Hawai’i Time (UTC -10)
8:45am Room open to for early connections
9:00 Welcome and introductions
9:15 Centering Prayer
9:40 Break
9:45 Centering Prayer
10:10 Break
10:20 Visio Divina and Reflections
11:15 Closing prayer
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/92185854158?pwd=[REDACTED]
Zoom Meeting ID: 921 8585 4158 Passcode: [REDACTED]
Website: http://www.cohawaii.org
Phone (628) 400-2644
Email: cohawaii@gmail.com
All session are freely offered, donations are welcome, no registration is needed.

9 Day Intensive I, Intensive II, and Post Intensive Retreat
2026-03-04 - 2026-03-12 | Mercy Center Auburn, 535 Sacramento Street, Auburn, CA, 95603, United States
This retreat offers three tracks simultaneously: Intensive I, Intensive II, and Post Intensive. See flyer for more information.
The Post Intensive retreat will be in a separate prayer room with separate staff.
Pre-requisite:
A daily practice of centering prayer for 6 months or longer.
Single rooms with a sink in the room. Shared bathrooms.

Introduction to Centering Prayer
2026-03-06 08:00 - 2026-03-08 17:00 UTC | Holy Cross Monastery – New York, 1615 Route 9W, West Park, NY, 12493, United States
Introduction to Centering Prayer in a retreat setting
March 6, 2026 – March 8, 2026
$310 overnight
$100 commuter
More info at: https://holycrossmonastery.com/event/introduction-to-centering-prayer-3/
To register, please contact our Guesthouse Office by phone at +1-845-384-6660, ext. 3002 or email guesthouse@hcmnet.org.

Learning and Opening to the Body’s Experience of Living in God
2026-03-06 15:00 - 2026-03-08 13:00 (America/New_York) | Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, 303 Tunxis Road, West Hartford, CT, 6107, United States
Jesuits, Fr. Edwin McMahon and Fr. Peter Campbell, incorporated the embodied practice of Focusing into the larger context of BioSpirituality. Their work allows us to know ourselves as parts of the greater Whole, the Body of Christ. This weekend opens us to experience BioSpiritual Focusing and explore, among other things, the embodied experience of grace and becoming a living expression of love. We’ll learn to reconnect to ourselves, one another, and to God, the Reality in whom we live and move and have our being.
This retreat includes sessions of Centering Prayer.
Please see the link below for more information and to register.

2026 United in Prayer Global Zoom Gathering
2026-03-06 19:00 - 2026-03-07 15:00 (America/New_York) | Internet – Online

Flowing Oneness: The Contemplative Vision of Thomas Keating
2026-03-18 - 2026-03-22 | Garrison Institute, 14 Mary's Way, Route 9D, Garrison, NY, 10524, United States
In this eagerly awaited Centering Prayer teaching retreat, Centering Prayer master teachers David Frenette and Cynthia Bourgeault once again team up to explore the late teachings of Fr. Thomas Keating and what they have to offer our own continuing spiritual evolution today.
As Thomas more and more fully embraced his nondual awakening, he began to write and see from a perspective rarely attained in the Christian mystical tradition, significantly “growing” the Christian spiritual roadmap in the direction of his signature brand of “flowing oneness.”
Through teaching, dialogue, guided meditations — and mostly through the practice of Centering Prayer itself — David and Cynthia will jointly explore how he charts this new course —and more important, how he has planted practical seeds to bring our practice of Centering Prayer to the next level.
Practicing Centering Prayer in light of the God of unity consciousness grounds us, more and more, in a reality that cannot be shaken by the crises of separation, disruption, and disintegration we are living through. From greater oneness through Centering Prayer flows the subtlety of contemplative service: God in us serving God in others.
Commuter option available. Please see the link below for more information and to register.

Being Bravely Yourself: Navigating a Personal Contemplative Enneagram Journey
2026-03-21 08:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, 303 Tunxis Road, West Hartford, CT, 6107, United States
This day will be filled with Contemplative Breathing and Awareness practices that remind us of Jesus’ commandment to love ourselves, as we love others. Using spiritual wisdom grounded in the Enneagram, this experiential time will open our hearts, minds, and bodies to our original blessing: being made in the image of G-d. Together, we will discover that Divine Love is deepened in ourselves and our communities when we live our unique, authentic lives, beloved of G-d and part of the tapestry of life.
This event includes sessions of Centering Prayer.
Please see the link below for more information and to register.

Living the Questions with Rainer Maria Rilke
2026-04-11 08:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, 303 Tunxis Road, West Hartford, CT, 6107, United States
In one of his Sonnets to Orpheus, Rilke invites us to “desire the change!” Transformation was one of his central themes. But how do we find the courage to do this? This retreat invites us to explore his invitation to “live the questions,” and indeed to “live everything” as the path toward that end. We’ll explore his invitation to live into “the Open,” and discover our lives as belonging to “the Whole.” Come to practice doing what Rilke called the “heart-work” of life.
This event includes sessions of Centering Prayer.
Please see the link below for more information and to register.

Contemplative Outreach of Northern Nevada - Centering Prayer Intensive Silent Retreat
2026-04-26 - 2026-05-01 | Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center, 660 Hwy. 50, Zephyr Cove, NV, 89448, United States
Contemplative Outreach of Northern Nevada (CONN) is hosting an Intensive silent retreat. The retreat begins Sunday April 26 and ends Friday May 1, 2026. Check in begins at 4pm Sunday 4/26. The retreat concludes Friday at 12 Noon, with a celebratory lunch.
The retreat will be held at Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center. The web address is https://www.zephyrpoint.org if you would like additional information about the center.
Information is also available at the CONN website: https://www.contemplativeoutreachnv.org
For further information about the retreat or to reserve your place please contact:
Cathy Wayne
925-586-3627
sgtmom167@gmail.com

6-Day Contemplative Retreat
2026-04-27 17:00 - 2026-05-03 14:00 (Europe/Paris) | Sacred Heart Monastery, Missiezusters Klooster, 20, Steyl, Venlo, 5935 BX, Netherlands
“Here, in this unforeseen defencelessness, is granted the contemplative experience… that the present moment, just the way it is, is already, in its deepest actuality, the fullness of union with God we seek.”
– James Finley
Through the practice of Centering Prayer, we open ourselves to the ongoing process of transformation—within ourselves and in our relationships with others and with all of Creation.
As we remain faithful to this practice, a compassionate way of seeing and being begins to unfold. It creates space for the soul’s natural sense of awe and wonder to be rekindled, allowing us to experience creation with renewed reverence.
This retreat offers a rhythm of deepening silence and spiritual nourishment, including:
Two daily input sessions exploring themes of silence, contemplation, the Centering Prayer method, and the transformative journey.
Multiple guided Centering Prayer periods each day.
Opportunities for soul companionship, if desired.
Personal time for reflection, journaling, walking in nature, and rest.
It is recommended that: Participants have attended at least one weekend retreat in silence and have a regular practice of Centering Prayer.
Please see the link below for more information and to register.

6-Day Intensive and Post-Intensive Centering Prayer Retreat
2026-05-03 15:00 - 2026-05-08 13:00 (America/New_York) | Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, 303 Tunxis Road, West Hartford, CT, 6107, United States
This retreat offers two tracks simultaneously: intensive and post-intensive. Everyone attending will share three sets of two 30-minute periods of Centering Prayer, daily. The intensive retreat will hear and discuss teachings based on Fr. Thomas Keating’s The Spiritual Journey. Instead of teachings, the post-intensive retreat includes an additional hour of Centering Prayer each day. You choose the track that works best for you. Lectio Divina will be offered daily, as well as optional soul-friending with the staff. Silence is maintained throughout the retreat.
Please see the link below to register.

Praying with Creation: Encountering God in a Theophanic Universe
2026-05-16 08:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, 303 Tunxis Road, West Hartford, CT, 6107, United States
The Ancient Church understood the natural world as an expression of God’s creative love. On this day of enrichment, we’ll explore a Trinitarian vision of Creation as ‘theophanic’, or ‘God-revealing’. We’ll engage with prayer practices to enter into the love relationship between Creator and Creation, including practices of Immanence, Ascent Transcendence, and Descent. Participants will learn resources for reimagining their relationship with the natural world, and developing daily and weekly habits to increase their contact with God in Creation.
This event includes sessions of Centering Prayer.
Please see the link below for more information and to register.

Centering Prayer Introductory Workshop: In person and online
2026-05-30 08:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, 303 Tunxis Road, West Hartford, CT, 6107, United States
In this introductory workshop, you will learn the ancient method and principles of Centering Prayer practice in a quiet, reflective atmosphere. We will cover the history, psychology, and theology of the practice. Two prayer sessions and a question-and-answer session are included.
Please see the link below to register. $50 offering. Scholarships are available.

The Tree of Life: Esoteric Christianity and the Perennial Mystical Tradition: In person and online
2026-06-06 08:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, 303 Tunxis Road, West Hartford, CT, 6107, United States
Esoteric Christianity delves into the hidden, mystical dimensions of Christian teachings, emphasizing personal spiritual experience over doctrine. It deeply explores divine wisdom, inner transformation, and powerful, energizing symbols. The Perennial Mystical Tradition explores the fundamental and universal truths of spirituality. It emphasizes direct, personal encounters with the Divine and transcendent experiences, suggesting that at their core, all spiritual paths lead to the same ultimate reality. Together, they offer a profound, unifying spiritual perspective. Fr. Michael expertly guides us through this day of learning and experience.
This event includes sessions of Centering Prayer.
For more information and to register, please see the link below.

10-day Contemplative Listening, aka "Post Post" retreat
2026-06-09 - 2026-06-18 | Mercy Center Auburn, 535 Sacramento Street, Auburn, CA, 95603, United States
This is a retreat for those who have attended multiple intensive and post-intensive 8-10 day retreats and find themselves desiring yet longer sessions of Centering Prayer in community. See flyer for more information.
Pre-requisite: Two or more post-intensive Centering Prayer retreats given by Contemplative Outreach. This is a guideline, not a rule. Please speak with us if you have questions.
Rooms are single with a sink in the room; bathrooms are shared.
Please see the link below for more information and to register.

9-Day Centering Prayer Retreat
2026-09-09 15:00 - 2026-09-17 13:00 (America/New_York) | Jesuit Retreat Center, 5629 State Rd, Parma, 44134, United States
This retreat offers an in-depth experience of silent prayer for those who already have an established practice of Centering Prayer of 6 months or more. It is an opportunity for deeper union with God through communal sharing of silence and stillness.
• For those making their first intensive retreat, the “intensive” track will offer daily 3 sets of two 30-minute periods of Centering Prayer including an intervening meditative walk before breakfast, lunch and dinner. You will also view videos twice daily from The Spiritual Journey series of talks by Fr. Thomas Keating.
It is TBD whether or not a second intensive track will be offered.
• The “Post-Intensive” track is normally for those who have previously participated in two or more intensive retreats. The post-intensive participants will have additional optional sessions of Centering Prayer and no group education time.
The retreat is based on the Snowmass intensive retreat structure and will be facilitated by Contemplative Outreach staff who include Fr. Bill Sheehan, Marty Badgett, Bob and Kathleen Gorman.
• Fr. Bill Sheehan has been an integral voice for Centering Prayer since the founding of the movement with Fr. Keating and others at Lama, New Mexico in 1983. Over the past four decades, he has continually provided his wisdom and presence to the Centering Prayer community at countless retreats.
• Marty has served on numerous Intensive retreats while Kathleen and Bob have served alongside Marty and Bill the past 3 years.
DETAILS: The Jesuit Retreat Center in Cleveland is surrounded by 57 acres and is the perfect place to deepen your relationship with God. Arrival 3 p.m. September 9 and Departure after lunch September 17. The retreat center is 15 minutes from the Cleveland Hopkins International airport in Parma, Ohio.
COST:
$1000 includes private room with hallway bath
$1250 includes private room w/bath
All rooms come with breakfast, lunch and dinner.
$250 nonrefundable deposit.
When registering by mail, please include a check payable to Contemplative Outreach of Columbus.
Mail to:
Contemplative Outreach of Columbus
1101 N Grove Ave,
Oak Park, IL. 60302
For more information or to register contact Bob Gorman at rbrtgorman@protonmail.com

9-Day Centering Prayer Retreat: Intensives I, II, and Post
2026-09-09 16:30 - 2026-09-17 11:00 (America/Halifax) | Jesuit Retreat Center, 5629 State Rd, Parma, 44134, United States
SEPTEMBER 9-17, 2026
This retreat offers an in-depth experience of silent prayer for those who already have an established practice of Centering Prayer of 6 months or more. It is an opportunity for deeper union with God through communal sharing of silence and stillness.
This retreat offers three tracks simultaneously: Intensive I, Intensive II, and Post Intensive.
• Intensive I and II: Daily there will be 3 sets of two 30-minute periods of centering prayer including an intervening meditative walk before breakfast, lunch and dinner. You will also view videos twice daily from The Spiritual Journey series of talks by Fr. Thomas Keating. If this is your first centering prayer retreat of this length, we suggest you choose Intensive I.
• The Post-Intensive track is normally for those who have previously participated in two or more Intensive Retreats. The Post-Intensive participants will have additional optional sessions of Centering Prayer and no group education time.
Fr. Bill Sheehan will offer a contemplative Eucharist. Optional soul-friending with staff is available. The retreat will be facilitated by Contemplative Outreach staff.
Nonrefundable deposit for all registrations is $100. Questions or to register: email rbrtgorman@protonmail.com.
Or register by mail with a check payable to Contemplative Outreach of Columbus:
Contemplative Outreach of Columbus
1101 N Grove Ave,
Oak Park, IL 60302
SCHEDULE:
• Arrival: Wednesday, Sept 9, from 2 pm to 4 pm.
• Opening session: 4:30 pm, dinner at 5:30 pm
• Retreat ends: Thursday Sept 17th 11 am (noon lunch optional).
TRAVELING TO JESUIT RETREAT CENTER PARMA, OHIO: The Cleveland Hopkin International Airport is 15 minutes from the Jesuit Retreat Center which is located at 5629 State Rd. Cleveland, Ohio 44134.
RETREAT PRICES MEALS INCLUDED:
Single Room Private Bath $1500
Double Room Private Bath $1100
Single Room Communal Bath by gender $950
Double Room Communal Bath by gender $800
(a $100 non-refundable deposit will be required when you register)

4-Day Contemplative Retreat
2026-09-30 17:00 - 2026-10-04 14:00 (Europe/Paris) | Sacred Heart Monastery, Missiezusters Klooster, 20, Steyl, Venlo, 5935 BX, Netherlands
“In the stillness of Centering Prayer, we learn to rest in God, not as an idea, but as a living presence that transforms us from within.”
– Cynthia Bourgeault
Sharing silent prayer in the context of a retreat offers a profound experience of soul-to-soul connection — with fellow practitioners and with all living beings.
This 4-day retreat is designed to nourish the soul’s deep longing for intimacy with God, inviting participants into a transformative journey through contemplation and the sacred practice of silence.
Held entirely in silence, the retreat includes:
Two daily input sessions to deepen understanding of the Centering Prayer method and reflect on the contemplative path;
Multiple periods of Centering Prayer each day;
Opportunities for soul sharing with the guide (if desired);
Personal time for reflection and journaling.
It is recommended that participants have attended either a weekend Centering Prayer retreat or a one-day introductory workshop and maintain some level of ongoing practice.
Please see the link below for more information and to register.
