Definition of Retreats
Introduction to Centering Prayer Retreats/Workshops - A contemporary presentation of the discipline of Centering Prayer as silent communion with God beyond concepts, words and images.
Introduction to Lectio Divina Retreats/Workshops - Conferences and practice introducing us to the most traditional way of cultivating a friendship with Christ.
The “Welcoming” Prayer Workshop - A spiritual practice of “Letting Go” of feelings, emotions, thoughts and body sensations into the present moment during the ordinary routines of daily life. Prior Centering Prayer experience necessary.
Centering Prayer 3 Day Retreats - Includes conferences renewing the Method of Centering Prayer and a Moderate amount of Centering Prayer in common.
Intensive Centering Prayer Retreats - Provides an opportunity to immerse participants in the practice of Centering Prayer as taught by Contemplative Outreach. The 8 Day Intensive features Parts I, II, III of the “Spiritual Journey” Videotape Series by Fr. Thomas Keating. Prerequisite: 6 months of Centering Prayer experience.
Advanced Centering Prayer Retreats - Provides an opportunity to deepen the practice of Centering Prayer in an Atmosphere of silence and community support. The Advanced Intensive usually features Part IV of the “Spiritual Journey” Videotape series by Fr. Thomas Keating. Attendance at an Intensive Centering Prayer Retreat required.
Post Intensive Centering Prayer Retreats - Provides an opportunity for intensive Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, solitude and silence in community. Attendance at an Intensive Centering Prayer Retreat required.
Formation for Contemplative Outreach Service - Provides training and practice in interiorizing and communicating the essential elements of an Introductory Workshop on Centering Prayer, as well as an opportunity to look at our own Centering Prayer practice in light of the Essentials. Prerequisites are prior attendance at a 8-10-Day Intensive Retreat and the daily practice of Centering Prayer. The Course includes Centering Prayer and presentations by the staff and participants.
21-Day Centering Prayer Immersion Retreat - Unique opportunity for those already established in Centering Prayer to deepen the experience of living the commitment to the contemplative dimension of the Gospel in daily life. Different theme and presenter each week.
Nine Month Course: The Practice of Contemplative Living - An ongoing process of formation enabling participants to create their own unique contemplative lifestyle in the contemporary world. Commitment is one weekend a month for nine months. Prayer, contemplative living and the integration of contemplation and activity are cultivated; the process is aided by the development of relational prayer through contemplative prayer practices.
The Living Flame - A national program on contemplative issues, designed to heighten the awareness of the dynamic of Centering Prayer in the context of the Spiritual Journey, offering guidance and intelligibility needed to stay faithful to the practice. It is an opportunity to receive and share conceptual background at a deeper level, as well as experiential insight, thus building a faith community committed to the Centering Prayer practice. Meets one Saturday a month during seven consecutive months.