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Our Vision
- Contemplative Outreach of St. Louis is a spiritual network of individuals and small faith communities committed to living the contemplative dimension of the Gospel in everyday life through the practice of Centering Prayer. The contemplative dimension of the Gospel manifests itself in an ever-deepening union with the living Christ and the practical caring for others that flows from that relationship.
- The mission of Contemplative Outreach of St. Louis is to share the method of Centering Prayer and its immediate conceptual background. We also encourage the practice of Lectio Divina, particularly its movement into Contemplative Prayer, which a regular established practice of Centering Prayer facilitates.
- We identify with the Christian Contemplative Heritage. While we are formed by our respective denominations, we are united in our common search for God and the experience of the living Christ through Centering Prayer. We affirm our solidarity with the contemplative dimension of other religions and sacred traditions, with the needs and rights of the whole human family, and with all creation.
Explanations of our Events and Programs are shown below.
All activities are ecumenical.
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Introduction to Centering Prayer
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS:
- DATE: Saturday, January 17, 2009
LOCATION: St. Patrick’s Church
Rectory Meeting Room
405 South Church St
Wentzville, MO 63385
- DATE: Saturday, February 21, 2009
LOCATION: Our Lady of the Rosary Church
Check back soon for presentation room
11725 Bellefontaine Road
Spanish Lake, MO 63138
TIME: Registration opens at 8:30 am, Presentation 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
COST: $25/person (All sessions included) No charge for repeat attendees. Please bring brown bag lunch.
REGISTRATION: Please print out the registration form found on this website and mail with payment. If unable to print, mail payment with name and event date.
UNDERSTANDING AND EXPERIENCING CENTERING PRAYER: If you’ve never attended an Introduction or went to one prior to 2004, you’ll want to make plans to attend now. The refined format brings a new clarity and insight to the essentials of this basic offering on Centering Prayer. During the 4 short talks on Saturday, you’ll learn where this prayer came from, its scriptural basis, why thoughts are natural and integral to the prayer and the role of consent in a relationship with God. Presenters will instruct you in the simple guidelines and lead periods of Centering Prayer so you can experience it for yourself. Local presenters are commissioned by the Contemplative Outreach Resource Center in Butler, NJ.
After the workshop, the course continues with 90-minute gatherings over the next weeks to help you develop your prayer practice. At these sessions you will pray as a group, gain additional conceptual background presented by Thomas Keating on video and have time for questions and discussion. Many participants go on to form a Centering Prayer Group that meets regularly for ongoing prayer practice and support.
Silent Saturdays
2009 DATES: February 14, April 11, June 13, August 8, October 10, December 12
LOCATION: St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 1551 Bennett Ave., Warson Woods, MO
TIME: 8:45 – 11:00 am
COST: There are no fees for this series, but a free will offering will be gratefully accepted.
REGISTRATION: Not necessary. Walk-ins are always welcome.
HALF-DAY MINI RETREATS
This popular respite offers three 30-minute Centering Prayer periods with one optional Meditative Walk and a 10-minute break. We respectfully request that visiting and socializing remain outside the prayer room and that latecomers enter only during the walk or break to maintain a contemplative atmosphere. At 11:00...departure or time for fellowship while we clean up!
L.E.A.P. into Community - The Learn, Eat And Pray Series
2009 DATES:
- Friday, May 1 - 6:00 – 8:30 pm
- Saturday, July 11 - 8:30 – 11:00 am
- Friday, Sept. 11 - 6:00 – 8:30 pm
- Saturday, Nov. 7 - 8:30 – 11:00 am
LOCATION: St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 1551 Bennett Ave., Warson Woods, MO
COST: There are no fees for this series. Donations are optional and gratefully accepted.
REGISTRATION: Not necessary. Please bring a potluck dish (from kitchen or store) to share.
L.E.A.P. Gatherings
This continuing series is open to all - whether you’ve been practicing Centering Prayer for 20 years, 20 months or 20 days. The purpose is to join others who are on the Spiritual Journey and feed bodies, minds and souls. Feel free to bring your friends.
Topics
Will be announced (when they are confirmed) in the monthly e-mail newsletters as well as on this website. Please check back.
Format
We will open each gathering by visiting while sharing potluck food. Then there will be a period of Centering Prayer followed by the program. At the conclusion, you’re invited to continue in fellowship while cleaning and straightening up the room!
17th Annual United in Prayer Day
DATE: Saturday, March 21, 2009
LOCATION: St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 1551 Bennett Ave., Warson Woods, MO
TIME: 8:45 am to 1:30 pm.
COST: $15.00 includes catered lunch
REGISTRATION: Due March 14. Please print and mail registration form with payment.
This day is set aside annually as an opportunity to pray concurrently with all members of Contemplative Outreach around the world. We will begin and end with periods of Centering Prayer and during lunch, view a new video presentation featuring Fr. Thomas Keating. Beverages will be provided.
Spring Weekend Retreat
2009 DATES: Friday, Feb. 27 - Sunday, Mar. 1
LOCATION: Marianist Retreat Center, 4000 Hwy 109, Eureka, MO 63025
TIME: Registration begins Friday at 4:30 pm, with dinner at 6:00 Concludes on Sunday after lunch.
COST: $210 (private room and bath, linens and meals provided). Deposit of $100 due with registration by Jan. 15. Balance due: Feb. 1
REGISTRATION: Registration opens January 1, 2009. Print and mail registration form with deposit or full fee.
NEW FORMAT: Open 12-Step Double Track Retreat
“The Contemplative Dimension of the 12 Steps”
- Track I - Introduction to Centering Prayer in the context of 12-Step Recovery presented by commissioned 12-Step Centering Prayer Workshop presenters
- Track II - Advanced Conferences on The Welcoming and Forgiveness Prayers presented by National Faculty and Living Flame presenter, Mary Dwyer.
All participants may:
- choose Track I or Track II when registering,
- attend on-site 12-Step meetings, if desired,
- sign up for one-on-one “Soulfriending”,
- spend individual quiet time in prayer and meditation,
- join in gentle yoga stretching sessions, and
- gather for scheduled silent Centering Prayer periods throughout the weekend.
IMPORTANT NOTE: These retreats typically fill very quickly, so to be sure you can attend, send your registration as soon as possible after January 1, 2009. Deposit of $100 must accompany registration.
Servant Leader Formation Workshop
A Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. National Program
DATE: Friday, July 10 - Friday, July 17
LOCATION: Marianist Retreat Center, 4000 Hwy 109, Eureka, MO 63025
TIME: Registration begins Friday at 4:30 pm, with dinner at 6:00 Concludes at 12 noon Friday after lunch
COST: TBA (private room and bath, linens and meals provided) Deposit of $100 due with registration. Balance due date: June 18
REGISTRATION: Print and mail registration form with deposit or full fee.
FORMAT: This training is designed for all who wish to become more involved in the mission of Contemplative Outreach. It is especially helpful for those who plan to serve in leadership roles of their local areas. Contact Susan Komis if interested. Partial scholarships may be available.
FORMATION FACILITATOR: Susan Komis
Fall Weekend Retreat
2009 DATES: Friday, October 30. - Sunday, Nov 1
LOCATION: Marianist Retreat Center, 4000 Hwy 109, Eureka, MO 63025
TIME: Check-in begins Friday at 4:30 pm, with dinner at 6:00. Concludes on Sunday after lunch. Optional Eucharist follows.
COST: $200 (private room and bath, linens and meals provided).
Deposit of $100 due with registration. Balance due by Oct. 15
REGISTRATION: Print and mail registration form with deposit or full fee.
RETREAT DIRECTOR: To be announced. Please check back.
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12-Step Weekend Retreat
2009 DATES: Friday, November 13 - Sunday, November15
LOCATION: Marianist Retreat Center, 4000 Hwy 109, Eureka, MO 63025TIME: Registration begins Friday at 4:30 pm, with dinner at 6:00. Concludes on Sunday after lunch
COST: $210 (private room and bath, linens and meals provided). Deposit of $100 due with registration. Balance due by Nov. 1
REGISTRATION: Print and mail registration form with deposit or full fee.
RETREAT DIRECTOR:
Fr. Bill Sheehan
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Contemplative Outreach of St. Louis
11939 Manchester Rd #402
St. Louis, MO, 63131
Phone: 314.918.8288
Co-Coordinators:
Michael Kramer
Pat Simon
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