8-DAY centering prayer RETREAT
March 4-11 (Sunday to Sunday)
May 13-20 (Sunday to Sunday
June 21 - 28 (Thursday to Thursday)
This retreat will help participants to deepen their contemplative journey in the contemporary world. Integration of contemplation and activity are cultivated in the silence, solitude, community support, and guidance in the time at Bethany. This process is aided through the practice of Centering Prayer and of Lectio Divina, as well as other prayer practices. (Massage Therapist available – not included in the cost.)
Prior Centering Prayer experience is required.
CLICK HERE for more details and to register.
4 Day Intensive centering prayer RETREAT
March 8-11th
This retreat will help participants to deepen their contemplative journey in the contemporary world. Integration of contemplation and activity are cultivated in the silence, solitude, community support, and guidance in the time at Bethany. This process is aided through the practice of Centering Prayer and of Lectio Divina, as well as other prayer practices. Prior Centering Prayer experience is required.
CLICK HERE for more details and to register.
United in Prayer Day
Saturday, March 17
9:30 am to 4:00 pm
To be held at Bethany Retreat Center, this will be a day of prayer in community with members of Contemplative Outreach around the world. Groups in 39 countries will gather on this day. The day will include Centering Prayer, silence, community, and a DVD with Fr. Thomas Keating.
Please bring a bag lunch. Suggested donation $10.00 - $20.00 as you are able. To register, please contact Nancy Cord-Baran by phone, 814-237-1002, or e-mail
Contemplative Outreach of Central PA Chapter Meeting will follow the United in Prayer Day. All are welcome to attend whether you are on the Leadership Team or not (or are interested in joining the Leadership Team). Please let Nancy or Tim know if you have any agenda items.
FORMATION FOR CONTEMPLATIVE OUTREACH SERVICE
Including Presenter's Training
June 1 - 6 - FULL - waiting list available
What is Formation for Contemplative Outreach Service?
The purpose of Formation for Contemplative Outreach Service, including Presenter’s Training, is to provide an intensive Christian community experience in order to better understand and grasp the essentials of the Centering Prayer method and thus be able to share it appropriately with others.
The theory is “Good practitioners make good presenters, facilitators, and administrative helpers.” Because the group spends four days focusing on the Centering Prayer practice itself, they better understand the essentials of Centering Prayer and the many nuances of the practice. This deeper understanding helps them to better recognize that contemplative service is service freely offered without expectation of return.
Contemplative Service is not tied to roles or only those willing to function in a specific way. Rather one sees a need and fills it. Contemplative Service is God in us serving God in others.
The schedule includes:
- One and a half hours of Centering Prayer daily
- Presentations by the staff of one conference of Session one of An Introduction to Centering Prayer each morning.
- Participants present portions of the same material to a small group in the afternoons.
- Presentation by the staff of sessions 2-7 and small group discussion.
- Discussion of Issue
Criteria for Registration: Formation for Contemplative Outreach Service
- Participated in “An Introduction to Centering Prayer”
- Established Centering Prayer practice - minimum of daily two twenty-minute periods - for three years.
- Participated in an 8- or 10-day Centering Prayer Intensive Retreat, either before attending Formation or within one year after attending Formation, and before becoming fully commissioned. If intensive retreats are not geographically available (or) participated in a 5- or 7- day Centering Prayer Intensive Retreat (or) participated in four weekend silent Centering Prayer Retreats over previous 3 years
- Studied Open Mind, Open Heart by Thomas Keating. Preferably has also read/studied Invitation to Love, Mystery of Christ, and/or Spiritual Journey materials by Thomas Keating (Tapes, CDs, DVDs or transcripts).
- Has been recommended by a Chapter Coordinator or Contact Person, or (in an underdeveloped chapter) by a commissioned presenter who is willing to mentor and recommend him/her for full commissioning after serving a minimum of one year as a presenter-in-training.
CLICK HERE for more details and to register.
CENTERING PRAYER 8-DAY POST-INTENSIVE RETREAT
July 29 - August 5 (Sunday to Sunday)
The purpose of the retreat is to assist the participants in entering into a more intimate relationship with God and self. This is facilitated through the cultivation of a deep level of interior silence in a nurturing, supportive environment that combines both solitude and community. The Post Intensive is a next step into a profound silence and stillness in order to facilitate a more intimate union with God. (Massage Therapist available - not included in the cost.) Prior Centering Prayer experience is required. Brochures Available.
CLICK HERE for more details and to register.
