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. 

Calendar View shows specific dates. Click on linked headings for a registration form. All activities are ecumenical.

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Introduction to Centering Prayer

TIME: Registration opens at 8:30 am, Presentation 9:00 am to 2:30 pm
COST: $25/person (All sessions included) No charge for repeat attendees. Please bring brown bag lunch.
REGISTRATION: Please print out the registration form 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 “intention and 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.

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Silent Saturdays

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!

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United in Prayer Day

TIME: 8:45 am to 1:30 pm.
COST: $10.00 includes catered lunch
REGISTRATIONS: Due March 10. 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 “A Taste of Beauty, Truth and Goodness” featuring Fr. Richard Rohr and Fr. Thomas Keating. Beverages will be provided. Cost: $10 includes catered lunch.

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Spring Weekend Retreat

TIME: Registration begins Friday at 4:30 pm, with dinner at 6:00 Concludes on Sunday after lunch. Optional Eucharist Saturday evening.
COST: $200 (private room and bath, linens and meals provided). Deposit of $100 due with registration. Balance due date: Feb. 15
REGISTRATION: Print and mail registration form with deposit or full fee.

THEME: “Lectio Divina: Praying the Scriptures” the most traditional way of cultivating friendship with Christ. It is listening with the “ear” of the heart. The daily encounter with Christ and reflection on His Word leads beyond mere acquaintanceship to an attitude of friendship, trust and love. As we encounter God in the Word, our minds and hearts are slowly transformed. Participants will:

• learn how to pray the Scriptures using the method of Lectio Divina,
• have the opportunity to practice this method privately and with a group, and
• gather for Centering Prayer periods throughout the weekend.

RETREAT DIRECTOR: Mike Potter - National Faculty Lectio Divina Team Leader

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Facilitator Formation Workshop

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 experienced facilitators of Centering Prayer Groups who wish to learn to present the Facilitator Basic Skills Workshop to new facilitators in their local areas. Contact Susan Komis or Bonnie Shimizu if interested. Partial scholarships may be available.

FORMATION FACILITATOR: Bonnie Shimizu

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Fall Weekend Retreat

TIME: Registration 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. 17
REGISTRATION: Print and mail registration form with deposit or full fee.

RETREAT DIRECTOR: 

Br. Stephen Glodek      ________________________________________________________________________________________________

12-Step Weekend Retreat

TIME: Registration begins Friday at 4:30 pm, with dinner at 6:00. Concludes on Sunday after lunch
COST: $200 (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