Contemplative Outreach, Ltd.

Entering the Mystical Mandala: Centering Oneself in the Sacred Circle
2022-09-07 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Siena Retreat Center, Racine WI, 5637 Erie St, Racine, WI 53402, Racine, WI, 53402, United States
This retreat will explore the universal symbol of the sacred circle known as the “mandala” and why we are naturally drawn to this sacred shape. Together we will experience how and why entering the process of creating and working with mandalas fosters physical, psychological and spiritual grounding in our lives. Attendees will be invited to create four mandalas as part of the retreat. The retreat will include opportunities for art sharing where participants can process their experience in creating their mandala art. No previous art ability is needed to participate in this retreat. Everyone, experienced artist or not, will benefit from attending and creating. Basic art supplies will be offered to each participant, but you are free to bring your own favorite art-making supplies as well.
Mandala creating and conferences will be surrounded by the gift of silence as well as regularly scheduled group Centering Prayer sessions. Do not be afraid to meet your spiritual inner artist. All are welcome!

Praying with the Ear of our Heart-A Lectio Divina Retreat
2022-09-07 15:00 - 2022-09-10 12:00 UTC | Bethany Retreat Center, 1031 Germania Rd, Frenchville, PA, 16836, United States
The focus of the retreat will be a Lectio Divina Introductory Workshop based on Fr. Thomas Keating’s teachings of the Four Senses of Scripture. The experience of praying with Holy Scripture will be supported by Centering Prayer periods with ample time for personal reflection and/or exploring the many trails on the partially wooded 140 acres in the hills of Pennsylvania.
Lectio Divina reveals the four senses of Scripture-the literal, the allegorical, the moral/behavioral and the unitive in a Spirit-led, transformative experience of relationship with the Divine. Come and let the Spirit speak to your heart as you “hear” scripture revealed through this ancient monastic prayer form.
Led by: Elizabeth Graboski-a longtime contemplative prayer practitioner and a commissioned presenter of Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina for Contemplative Outreach. Currently serves with Contemplative Outreach Central Pennsylvania local chapter for the Spiritual Enrichment and Formation for Facilitators of Centering Prayer Groups.
Bethany Retreat Center
1031 Germania Rd, Frenchville, PA 16836
Offering: $397.00 (Cost includes accommodations, all meals & retreat)
Deposit: $75.00
Arrival: 3:00-5:00 on Wednesday, September 7, 2022
Departure: 12:00 pm on Saturday, September 10, 2022
*Commuter option available. Call to inquire.

How Contemplation Can Heal A Violent World
2022-09-10 | Christ Episcopal Church, Columbia MD, 6800 Oakland Mills Road, Columbia, MD, 21045, United States
In the 25th Anniversary celebration of Contemplative Outreach of Maryland and Washington DC (COMW), the Right Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton, Bishop of Maryland, COMW co-founder, will lead a full-day program on how contemplation is as relevant as ever in today’s world of violence at all levels of our lives, both domestically and globally. Indeed, Centering Prayer, as one form of contemplation, is a method for stilling our mind, and in silence opening our hearts to peace and understanding, thereby creating a foundation for a nonviolent response to any event that occurs in our lives.

12-Step Introductory Workshop on Centering Prayer as 11th-Step Practice - via Zoom
2022-09-10 08:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Internet – Online
Centering Prayer as an 11th Step Practice Introductory Workshop and a presentation on The Human Condition
We have discovered that even when we live with great resolve, determination, and effort, we cannot heal ourselves. Yes, there are things we can do, but we came to believe that healing is the work of our higher power. As we consent to God’s presence and action within us through the Centering Prayer practice, we open ourselves to the exact healing we most need.
Four continuing sessions also by Zoom Saturdays 9:00-10:00 am Central Time
September 17th, 24th, and October 1st, and 8th

Centering Prayer: An 11th-Step Practice - Introductory Workshop via Zoom
2022-09-10 08:00 - 12:30 UTC | Internet – Online
We have found Centering Prayer to be a meaningful method for our daily 11th-step meditation practice. To share this method with others in 12-step recovery, we are offering this workshop to teach participants about the practice of Centering Prayer. We will also have a talk about the human condition, which will help explain why we need a daily 11th-step practice. Times noted are in Central Time (Chicago).
In addition to the workshop on September 10th, registration includes continuing sessions on the four Saturday mornings following the workshop. These optional sessions will each last for about an hour and will allow workshop participants to join us to: 1) practice Centering Prayer together, 2) learn more about the prayer practice and 3) ask questions. These continuing session will be held September 17 and 24 and October 1 and 8 at 9AM Central Time.

Autumn Silent Saturday
2022-09-10 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | Holy Spirit Retreat Center, 4316 Lanai Road, Encino, CA, 91436, United States
This Fall morning provides for a communal practice of Centering Prayer, a contemplative walk, private journaling and reflection, and ends with a period of Lectio Divina. 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.
For more information, please contact Marilyn Nobori at 818-815-4480 or cpcoordinator@hsrcenter.com
Please register online at www.hsrcenter.com by September 7th. A free will offering is gratefully appreciated.

Introduction to Centering Prayer Workshop
2022-09-10 09:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | St. Mary’s Sewanee: The Ayres Center for Spiritual Development, 770 St. Mary's Lane, TN, 37375, United States
In this workshop participants will learn the method of this way of praying as well as some of the conceptual background that underlies it. They will also have an opportunity to experience this prayer. Suggestions will be offered to enable participants to continue this practice on a daily basis.
This is a one day workshop and lunch is included.
Scholarships are available for those with financial needs. Contact the Reservations Office to request an application. 931-598-5342 or Reservations@stmaryssewanee.org

Body Presence and Contemplative Awareness – BioSpiritual Focusing Day of Presence - via Zoom
2022-09-10 09:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Internet – Online
Discover a deeper awareness of healing and wisdom accessible to each of us through our bodies. During this day we’ll establish BioSpiritual Focusing’s place in Body Awareness Practice and then progressively and experimentally introduce participants to the focusing concepts which will conclude with a demonstration and discussion of Focusing. Participants will be invited to welcome and hold their feelings with curiosity and loving care in order to achieve integration into greater wholeness. The day provides the necessary foundations to pursue further practice and study of BioSpiritual Focusing.
This event is offered via Zoom. Please register using the link below to receive connection details.

Eight-Day Centering Prayer Post-Intensive Retreat at Holy Cross Monastery
2022-09-13 14:00 - 2022-09-20 14:00 (America/New_York) | Holy Cross Monastery – New York, 1615 Route 9W, West Park, NY, 12493, United States
The Eight-Day Centering Prayer Post-Intensive Retreat offered from Tuesday, September 13 to Tuesday, September 20, 2022, provides an opportunity to deepen the practice of Centering Prayer in an atmosphere of profound silence and community support. This retreat follows the Contemplative Outreach guidelines for the Post-Intensive Retreat including eight 30-minute Centering Prayer periods daily. Most days are spent in grand silence, when all are asked not to speak or make eye contact.
Retreat leaders: Leslee Anne Terpay and Br. Bernard Delcourt are available for soul-friending. During the retreat, one will experience integrating contemplation and action through silence, solitude, community and the rhythm of this Episcopal Benedictine monastic community’s worship and prayer life including daily Holy Eucharist. An established practice of Centering Prayer of at least a year or more and past attendance at a Contemplative Outreach Intensive Retreat is highly recommended.
Tuesday check-in is from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Vespers begins at 5:00. Dinner then follows. Orientation begins at 7:15. The retreat concludes with lunch on the following Tuesday. (Daily Holy Eucharist is available at 9:00 a.m.). Cost for the retreat is $850. The retreat fee includes a single room and all meals. Shared single occupancy bathrooms in the hallways. Register by e-mail or phone with our Guesthouse Manager, Ms. Donna Mallory at 845-384-6660 ext 1 or at guesthouse@hcmnet.org. A nonrefundable and non-transferable deposit is required. We accept deposits and payments via all major credit cards, PayPal or personal check. We offer hospitality assistance for some programs, if you’d like to visit but find the cost too burdensome. The Guest House requires all guests to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
If you have questions about the content of the retreat please contact retreat leader: Leslee Terpay at co-leslee@comcast.net.
To find out more about Holy Cross Monastery, visit their website at: www.holycrossmonastery.com

The Word of God, in Silence and Sound: Centering Prayer in the Context of the Divine Office
2022-09-16 15:00 - 2022-09-18 13:00 (America/New_York) | Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, 303 Tunxis Road, West Hartford, CT, 6107, United States
Contemplative Immersion Retreat with Fr. Justin Lanier
This contemplative immersion retreat will flow through periods of Centering Prayer, walking meditation, teaching, and the simple chant of the Divine Office. The seasons of the night and day will be marked with the corresponding praying the Offices of Matins, Lauds, Prime, Terce, Sext, None, Vespers, and Compline as an expression and support of our intensive Centering Prayer weekend. There will be a basic instruction in chant at the start of our retreat, and no prior musical training or experience is required.
Fr. Justin Lanier serves as Priest and Curate of Saint Clement’s Church, Philadelphia. He is a retreat leader with a devotion to intensive contemplative immersion practice. He conducts Centering Prayer workshops and classes in contemplative practice and theology. Fr. Justin’s early training includes monastic formation at Saint Benedict’s Trappist Monastery, Snowmass, Colorado, under Dom. Joseph Boyle, O.C.S.O., and Fr. Thomas Keating, O.C.S.O., as well as at Tofukuji Rinzai Zen Training Monastery, Kyoto, Japan, under Keido Fukushima Roshi.

Virtual Silent Saturday with Fr. Vinny McKiernan CSP - via Zoom
2022-09-17 08:30 - 14:30 (Asia/Shanghai) | Internet – Online
A Silent Saturday provides a few hours that are set aside for Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, spiritual teaching and reflection.
Fr. Vinny will discuss “The Humanity of Jesus” as well as Karl Rahner’s quote: “The Incarnation is the ineffable outrageousness of the absolute Godhead in person falling stark naked into our narrow creaturehood.”
Fr Vinny is a Paulist priest. He was introduced to Centering Prayer at the Cistercian Monastery in Spencer, Massachusetts in the mid-70’s through the monks Basil Pennington and William Menninger. He has led countless Centering Prayer workshops and retreats.
Register by sending an email to rbrtgorman@gmail.com and you will receive a link to the event.

Introduction to Centering Prayer (In-Person)
2022-09-23 17:30 - 2022-09-25 11:30 UTC | Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center, 916 Convent Road, AL, 35055, United States
September 23-25, 2022
Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center
Cullman, AL
Presenter: Sister Mary McGehee
In an Introductory Workshop one learns this way of prayer by means of lectures, discussion, and practicing the method of prayer. The day has a beautiful atmosphere of silent listening from the heart. There are four talks during this daylong workshop: Prayer as Relationship, the Method of Centering Prayer, “Thoughts” and the Use of the Sacred Word, Deepening our Relationship with God and Integrating Prayer into Daily Life.

7-day Silent Centering Prayer Retreat
2022-09-24 11:30 - 2022-09-30 13:30 UTC | Saint Benedict Center, 1123 Road I, Schuyler, NE, 68661, United States
The natural progression of the contemplative is deeper into the heart of God where the Presence of God can be experienced in the freedom of silence and solitude. No distractions, no hurrying, no ‘to-do’ lists. We can engage in ‘the discipline of slow.’ Being present. Noticing what is.
“Every time you listen with great attentiveness to the voice that calls you beloved, you will discover within yourself a desire to hear that voice longer and more deeply.” ~Henri Nouwen
Nebraska Contemplative Outreach and South Dakota Contemplative Outreach are co-hosting this years’ 7-day retreat offered at Saint Benedict Center in Schuyler Nebraska.
St. Benedict Center is a beautiful place to relax and listen with a supportive community. A silent retreat allows space to hear more intimately the words of Jesus …
“Come away with me to a quiet place and rest awhile.” ~Mark 6:31
Our retreat begins Saturday, Sept. 24th at noon for lunch. We will conclude Friday, Sept. 30th after the noon meal. Central Time zone.
Prerequisite: Attendance at a weekend silent retreat is recommended as well as having a daily Centering Prayer practice.
Single room, all meals and programming will be provided for $650.
Register here.
Space is limited to 20 participants.
After payment is made, please email Cathy.c@cox.net with the following information:
Name, address, phone, email, arrival time, departure time, and previous silent retreat experience.
Deadline is Sept. 9, 2022

Listening with the Heart – a Centering Prayer & Lectio Divina Retreat
2022-09-26 15:00 - 2022-09-30 10:00 (America/Denver) | Mt. Angel, Oregon
DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO SEPTEMBER 10. PLEASE CONTACT BENNETH HUSTED TO REGISTER: bhusted@easystreet.net
Listening with the Heart will be a unique opportunity to experience Lectio Divina (the ancient practice of holy reading) from eclectic sources followed by contemplative sharing on a background of grand silence and intensive Centering Prayer practice.
Expansive views of the Willamette Valley, opportunities to pray with the monks, walk the beautiful grounds, or simply soak in the peaceful atmosphere, will enhance your experience. All guestrooms are private with private baths.
A covid safety plan is in place with everyone fully vaccinated, silent meals, social distancing, and masks-on inside buildings. We request covid testing within 24 hours prior to arrival.
Deposit of $100 due at time of registration. Full fee is $650, with deadline for final payment extended to August 31. Payments may be made online via PayPal.
Reserve your place today!
Contact Benneth with questions or to register manually: bhusted@easystreet.net
Contact Patricia to request a partial scholarship: patricia.a.lacy@gmail.com

Centering Prayer Information Meeting
2022-09-28 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 885 Shore Road, Cape Elizabeth, 04107, United States
Join the St. Alban’s Centering Prayer Group on Wednesday, September 28, at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time (New York) to learn about this ancient form of spirituality.

A Creation Spirituality Primer – Explore this Alternative Way of Living the Spiritual Life – via zoom
2022-09-29 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | Internet – Online
Creation Spirituality is a way of being spiritual with roots in Jewish, dialectical, blessing-based thinking in contrast to the Greek platonic, dualistic, original sin-based spirituality that has dominated western Christianity for centuries. The presentation will explore this alternative way of living the spiritual life.
A period of Centering Prayer will begin the workshop

Centering Prayer Introductory Workshop
2022-10-01 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.
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.

Centering Prayer Introductory Workshop
2022-10-01 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 open to this gift, it will profoundly affect our lives and relationship to 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 to God and others. The workshop includes four presentations and the practice of Centering Prayer.
Arrive at 8:45am.
Register online at www.hsrcenter.com by September 28th with a non-refundable deposit of $10.00
For more information, please contact Marilyn Nobori at 818-815-4480 or cpcoordinator@hsrcenter.com

Workshop with Carmen Acevedo Butcher: The Cloud, The Presence and Centering Prayer - via Zoom, Oct 1, 12-2pm ET
2022-10-01 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Internet – Online
Hosted by Contemplative Outreach, Ltd.
Carmen Acevedo Butcher will help inspire us to reflect and understand more deeply the books, The Cloud of Unknowing and The Practice of Presence, and their relationship to Centering Prayer. The workshop will include reflections from Carmen, questions from participants and a period of Centering Prayer. The workshop will be offered live online (Zoom).
Carmen is an internationally acclaimed speaker, author, educator, and poet. Carmen’s translation of Cloud of Unknowing (Shambhala Pocket Library, 2018) won an Author of the Year award from the Georgia Writers Association in 2010. Her tenth book, Practice of the Presence, is a revolutionary translation of the wisdom of Brother Lawrence, releasing in 2022 from Broadleaf Books.
This workshop will be recorded.

The Welcoming Prayer Workshop with Mary Dwyer
2022-10-07 10:00 - 15:00 UTC | Christ United Methodist Church, 410 N. Holden Rd., Greensboro, NC, 27410, United States
The Welcoming Prayer is a method of consenting to God’s presence and action in the midst of the ordinary routines of our daily lives. To practice Welcoming allows us to make choices free of the domination of the false-self system. We begin to respond rather than automatically react to life on life’s terms. As the originator of Welcoming Prayer, Mary Mrozowski stated: “To welcome and to let go is one of the most radically loving, faith-filled gestures we can make in each moment of each day. It is an open-hearted embrace of all that is in ourselves and in the world.”
The purpose of the Welcoming Prayer is to deepen one’s relationship with God through consenting to God’s presence and action in the ordinary activities of daily life. In this way, the Welcoming Prayer supports all forms of prayer, like Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina, which share the purpose of growing in relationship with God.
Mary Dwyer has been involved with Centering Prayer and the Welcoming Prayer since the mid 1980’s. She lived with Mary Mrozowski, the founder of the Welcoming Prayer practice, and others in the Chrysalis House in Warwick, New York where the Welcoming Prayer was first taught. Mary is a former Chairperson of The Contemplative Outreach Governing Board and served on its faculty. She also previously served as Coordinator for the Living Flame program and on the Welcoming Prayer Service Team.
Lunch (a sandwich, cookie and drink) will be served.
Registration may be made online at www.nexusjourney.org or by calling 336-323-8957

The Welcoming Prayer Retreat led by Mary Dwyer
2022-10-07 18:00 - 2022-10-09 12:00 UTC | St. Francis Springs Prayer Center, 477 Grogan Road, Stoneville, NC, 27048, United States
Mary Dwyer has been involved with Centering Prayer and the Welcoming Prayer since the mid 1980’s. She lived with Mary Mrozowski, the founder of the Welcoming Prayer practice, and others in the Chrysalis House in Warwick, New York where the Welcoming Prayer was first taught. Mary is a former chairperson of the Contemplative Outreach Governing Board and served on its faculty. She also previously served as coordinator for the Living Flame program and on the Welcoming Prayer Service Team.
For full details and to register, go to Nexus Journey at http://www.nexusjourney.org/retreat01.html

Fr. Carl Arico | Dying to New Life: Journey through Aging - via Zoom
2022-10-08 09:00 - 12:15 UTC | Internet – Online
Free
Saturday, Oct 8 | 9:00 AM – 12:15 PM Central Time | FREE ONLINE EVENT VIA ZOOM
Offered by Contemplative Outreach of San Antonio, Texas, USA
For whoever wants to save his own life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
~ Matthew 16:25
I am telling you the truth a grain of wheat remains no more than a single grain unless it is dropped into the ground and dies. If it does die then it produces many grains. ~ John 12:24
Let us explore the practical implications of the wisdom contained in these two passages. What are the elements in our life and the practical rhythms that we can enter into each day to live out the implications found in these Scriptures?
I remember an interviewer asking Fr Thomas Keating, “you seem to be implying that our life is a life of diminishment. That’s not going to attract too many people.” There was a long pause and he answered as I remember it, “well it’s not my idea” with a twinkle in his eye and a wonderful smile.
Let us look at that through the lens of healing, forgiveness but above all the celebration of life.
Facilitator
Fr. Carl J. Arico is a retired priest of the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey. He is a founding member of Contemplative Outreach, an international organization dedicated to sharing the contemplative path through the practice of Centering Prayer. Fr Carl is a workshop and retreat leader, the presenter of parish missions, and the author of a book entitled, A Taste of Silence. He is 87 years old, living in the present moment and open to whatever needs to be healed, forgiven and celebrated in the time he has left.
Please see the link below to register.

Fall Day of Prayer with Fr. Carl Arico - via Zoom
2022-10-08 09:00 - 12:15 (America/Chicago) | Internet – Online
“Dying to New Life: Journey Through Aging”
I am telling you the truth a grain of wheat remains no more than a single grain unless it is dropped into the ground and dies. If it does die then it produces many grains. ~ John 12:24
Let us explore the practical implications of the wisdom contained in these two passages. What are the elements in our life and the practical rhythms that we can enter into each day to live out the implications found in these Scriptures?
Fr. Carl: “I remember an interviewer asking Fr Thomas Keating, ‘You seem to be implying that our life is a life of diminishment. That’s not going to attract too many people.’ There was a long pause and he answered as I remember it, ‘Well it’s not my idea’ with a twinkle in his eye and a wonderful smile.”
Let us look at that through the lens of healing, forgiveness but above all the celebration of life.

Father Vincent Pizzuto - Holy Transgression: Discipleship and the Incarnation - a hybrid event
2022-10-08 09:00 - 15:00 (America/Denver) | Internet – Online
This is a hybrid presentation being conducted both in person at The Center for Contemplative Living in Denver, CO and Online via Zoom videoconference. Breakfast snacks and a light lunch will be provided for in-person participants. This event will include two sessions of Centering Prayer in additional to Father Pizzuto’s talk.
Father Vincent Pizzuto will be joining us for a full-day event titled “Holy Transgression: Discipleship and the Incarnation.” In this presentation, Father Pizzuto will be speaking to us about Jesus’ coming as a manifestation of a whole new world view: the Kingdom of God.
The gospel narratives are replete with the theme of transgression. Routinely, Jesus drew his teachings and parables from the natural world, familiar to those around him, and used the most mundane images to shock his listeners into seeing the new world that was breaking upon them. In this new world—the kingdom of God, as he called it—the very idea of holiness and what it meant to be holy was radically challenged and transformed. No longer was holiness to be identified with something “set apart,” as the original Semitic root (qdš) implies. Rather, the in-breaking of the kingdom was just that, the realm of God breaking into the realm of humanity. This is why Jesus’ actions and teachings consistently emphasized the spirit of the law over the letter. He insisted that no religious observance was of greater importance than the practice of compassion and indiscriminate love for all.
Thus, not only does Jesus transgress social and religious boundaries in his teaching and actions, but so too as the “Incarnate One” does he transgress the very boundaries between heaven and earth. Throughout our Retreat, Fr. Vincent will examine this theme of “transgression” in the gospels as a lens through which to understand and embody an authentic contemplative Christian discipleship in the modern world. We will gradually unfold contemplative discipleship as a call, a vocation, that begins as an encounter with Christ that is as communal as it is personal. It begins with the end of my world and the in-breaking of the kingdom. It begins with a death to myself, and the rising of Christ within. And thus, we will come to see that contemplative discipleship is thoroughly cruciform, patterned on the paschal mystery of Christ’s dying and rising. It begins and ends in paradox. In order to live fully in Christ, I must lose my life for the sake of the Gospel.
About Father Vincent
Father Vincent Pizzuto, Ph.D. is Professor of New Testament Studies and Christian Mysticism in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at the (Jesuit) University of San Francisco. He received his Ph.D. in New Testament Exegesis from the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium (2003). He has since published and presented internationally in the areas of New Testament Christology, ecological discipleship, marriage equality, inter-religious dialogue, Christian mysticism and contemplative Christian spirituality. In 2018 he published his second book, Contemplating Christ: The Gospels and the Interior Life, with Liturgical Press, to be released in Spanish, Contemplar a Cristo: Los Evangelios y la vida interior, in January 2022 by Desclée de Brouwer. As an Episcopal priest Fr. Vincent serves as Vicar of St. Columba’s Episcopal Church and Retreat House in Inverness, California. Working for the advancement of contemplative Christianity, he has reinvigorated the mission and ministry of St. Columba’s through the introduction of contemplative eucharistic liturgies, public lectures, online courses, directed retreats, thought provoking sermons, an online blog and a weekly online study of his book through the Meditation Chapel.
Time listed are Mountain Time
Register using the link below

Praying With Jesus
2022-10-13 16:00 - 2022-10-16 12:00 UTC | Mercy Center Burlingame, 2300 Adeline Drive, Burlingame, CA, 94010, United States
The prayer that is commonly known as The Lord’s Prayer is one that many memorized as young children. And even though we may recite it often, there is more to this prayer than our English translations have to offer.
When approached from its Aramaic roots, the Prayer of Jesus reveals a vision and path of following in the way of Jesus that is both inspiring and imminently practical.
Drawing upon the work of Neil Douglas-Klotz and using a balance of teaching, chanting, sacred movement, guided meditation and Centering Prayer, this time set apart will allow retreatants to enter into a deeper relationship — both with the Prayer of Jesus and following in the way of Jesus.
We are planning a spacious schedule so that you will have time to walk the beautiful Mercy grounds, and to do other deeply relaxing practices that we’ll talk about. Bring a journal and pen if you like. There is a lovely craft room at Mercy Center but bring additional art supplies if you prefer.
Retreat Leaders:
Henry Schoenfield, M.Div., PCC is a spiritual director, professional certified coach and UCC pastor. He loves working with individuals as well as facilitating groups and retreats based in the contemplative Christian path.
Carol Squire After 35 years creating and leading non-profit organizations in Africa and the Indian sub-continent, Carol now devotes her passion and energy to sharing the 4th Way Work, an ancient spiritual path periodically revived by Sufis and 4th Way Teachers, in particular G.I. Gurdjieff. She works with the Gurdjieff Movements and Ideas, somatic and emotional literacy, sound and energy healing,
Please register at www.mercy-center.org or telephone 650-340-7474
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.

Harvesting Grace: An Eco-Spirituality Contemplative Retreat
2022-10-14 16:00 - 2022-10-16 16:00 UTC | Mercy by the Sea Retreat and Conference Center, 167 Neck Road, Madison, CT, 06443-0191, United States
“When (Jesus) asked his disciples to ‘look at the lilies of the field,’
I think he was asking them to read the book of nature as the book of God. …
The lilies do not simply reflect God; rather God is being God in the lilies.”
– Ilia Delio, Making All Things New
This contemplative retreat invites you to engage with the Sacred in nature and encounter God as the Creating and Sustaining Spirit of all. It will be a time to rest in body and “rest in the grace of the world.” Anchored in Centering Prayer (CP), the weekend will offer scheduled options including terra divina (sacred earth) exercises, a labyrinth walk (weather permitting) and a communal prayer service on Saturday evening. However, there will also be plenty of open time to explore the grounds, read, journal, or simply enjoy the beauty of the land and waters of Long Island Sound.
No Centering Prayer experience is required. This weekend is for both beginners and long-time practitioners.
Claire Rusowicz is a certified spiritual and retreat director and a spiritual director supervisor. She co-facilitates weekly online Centering Prayer groups.
Anne Simpkinson has been practicing Centering Prayer since 1996. An Introductory CP workshop leader, she has led retreats and Quiet Days in New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. While living in New York, she served as co-coordinator of Contemplative Outreach for three years. She co-facilitates the weekly online Centering Prayer groups with Claire.
See the link below to register.

Waking Up with the Enneagram: A Guide for your Contemplative Journey
2022-10-15 09:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, 303 Tunxis Road, West Hartford, CT, 6107, United States
Contemplative Enrichment Day with Rev. Nhien Vuong, J.D., M.Div.
The Enneagram is an extraordinary framework for transformational development. A multi-dimensional model of consciousness, the Enneagram equips each of us with a highly precise roadmap for embodying our divine potential. In this introductory Enneagram workshop, you’ll gain insights into how the Enneagram maps our personality-based obstacles to Presence and provides a path from egoic to unitive consciousness. A focus is to explore the relationship between the Enneagram and Centering Prayer, Welcoming Prayer, Fr. Keating’s “emotional programs for happiness,” and contemplative silence, solitude, and stillness.
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.
Reverend Nhien Vuong, J.D., M.Div., is a contemplative Enneagram counselor, consultant, global community builder and founder of Evolving Enneagram. An ordained Unity minister and Accredited Enneagram Professional, Nhien presents on an international stage, offering a compassionate, interspiritual path of transformation without dogma using the Enneagram as a guide for our individual and collective awakening. For the past several years, Nhien has had the honor of presenting at some of the largest Enneagram events worldwide.

Praying with Sacred Images - via Zoom
2022-10-16 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Internet – Online
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
– Matthew 5:8
Contemplative Outreach of Maryland and Washington invites you to join us Saturday, Oct. 16 for half-day retreat (via Zoom) focusing on “Praying with Sacred Images” led by Rev. Carole Crumley.
Jesus tells his followers that there is a graced way of seeing that draws us toward God. Praying with holy icons, an ancient-yet-ever-new spiritual practice, is a vital way of training the contemplative eye for this graced way of seeing. It is a precious means of teaching, prayer and opening to divine presence. Praying with sacred images is a way of schooling the spiritual eye, inviting us deeper into the wholeness/oneness of God and sensitizing us to letting everything we see become a potential icon of God.
Our time will include some sharing of our own experiences of praying with sacred images as well as time to be together in prayer with a holy icon.
Rev. Carole Crumley is the retired senior program director of Shalem Institute and former canon educator and founder of the Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage at Washington National Cathedral. A sought-after retreat and conference leader, Carole continues to teach and lead pilgrimages to sacred sites in Europe, the Middle East, and the U.S. Carole is a lover of storytelling, moveable feasts, and country music.
Please see the link below to register.

Weekend Intensive Centering Prayer Retreat
2022-10-21 17:00 - 2022-10-23 13:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Benedict Inn – Beech Grove, IN, 1402 Southern Avenue, Beech Grove, IN, 46107-1160, United States
This intensive weekend Centering Prayer retreat will be an opportunity to deepen the practice of Centering Prayer in an atmosphere of profound silence with community, and in solitude. The retreat will be held on the peaceful and beautiful grounds of the Sisters of St. Benedict of Our Lady of Grace Monastery, Beech Grove, Indiana, USA.

Centering Prayer Weekend Retreat
2022-10-21 17:00 - 2022-10-23 13:00 UTC | Holy Spirit Retreat Center, 4316 Lanai Road, Encino, CA, 91436, United States
This retreat offers practitioners and anyone new to Centering Prayer an opportunity to practice silence in a communal setting and expand our understanding of the conceptual background of the practice.
The weekend is structured around six short DVD presentations from Contemplative Outreach (known as the Continuing Sessions) with discussions on the prayer and practice following each DVD. Otherwise we will maintain silence throughout our time together, especially through our meals, sits and contemplative walks.
Prerequisite: Centering Prayer Introductory Workshop or a regular practice of Centering Prayer
Fee: $300 per person/single room; $200 per person/commuter
Click on the link below, then on Featured Events, then on Extended Retreats. Then scroll down to register for the correct retreat. Or you may email the organizer.
