Since 1984 Contemplative Outreach's primary goal has been to assist parishes, churches, and places of prayer establish an ongoing Centering Prayer Program. We provide Introductory Workshops in Centering Prayer, establish ongoing Centering Prayer groups, conduct retreats and train teachers of Centering Prayer and facilitators of the Centering Prayer groups. We also encourage the dynamic process of Lectio Divina, particularly its movement into contemplative prayer. We have a priority of commitment to those institutions and groups that wish to actively participate in the Centering Prayer Program.

An Introduction To Centering Prayer

A contemporary presentation of the discipline of Centering Prayer as silent communion with God beyond concepts, words and images. Instruction of the Method of Centering Prayer, consisting of a one day workshop (six hours) & six to twelve weekly sessions. 

Centering Prayer and the 12 Steps (The 11th Step)

The purpose of this weekend is to introduce or expand the experience of Centering Prayer as a part of a daily 12 Step Practice and to stimulate a desire and resolve to practice prayer and meditation on a daily basis. To schedule a workshop contact Madeline Soo at MLSOO@wi.rr.com, (414) 961-2610.

Lectio Divina and its Movement into Contemplative Prayer

Conferences and practice introducing us to the most traditional way of cultivating a friendship with Christ, emphasizing an experience of the contemplative dimension of scripture.

Centering Prayer Weekend Retreats 

A retreat with supervised increased periods of Centering Prayer and continuing education in the conceptual background. Includes conferences renewing the method of Centering Prayer and a moderate amount of Centering Prayer in common.

Centering Prayer Intensive Retreats & Post Intensives

Provides an opportunity to immerse participants in the practice of Centering Prayer as taught by Contemplative Outreach. The 10 Day Intensive features Parts I, II, III of the “Spiritual Journey” videotape series by Fr. Thomas Keating. May be modified from 5 to 10 days.

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, Prior Centering Prayer Retreat experience required. May be 5, 7, 8, 9 or 10-day.

Post Intensive Centering Prayer Retreats

Provides an opportunity for intensive Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, solitude and silence in community. Prior Centering Prayer Retreat experience required. May be 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10-day.

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.

Formation for Contemplative Outreach Service

The purpose of the course is to help participants move towards greater clarity in their understanding of the essence of the Centering Prayer method. It is designed to provide practice in interiorizing and communicating the essential elements of the Centering Prayer method and thus being able to share it appropriately with others.

Contemplative Outreach Ltd. Study Program 
    in the Christian Contemplative Tradition

The twelve week course is divided into two parts and covers contemporary expressions of the Christian contemplative tradition and then reaches back, during the last six weeks to the beginnings of the systematic practice of contemplative prayer among the desert monks of Syria, Egypt and Palestine. Objectives of this course include facilitating a deeper understanding of the depth and richness of the Christian contemplative tradition and the chance to engage the study material beyond the intellectual level in order to find the living tradition as we personally interact with it in our everyday lives.

For more information, call:
Bonnie Shimizu (970) 704-1501 or email bjs@rof.net

See also the article in the Spring/Summer Contemplative Outreach Newsletter entitled, "Contemplative Outreach Study Program."

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. 

For information contact: 
   Walden, NY -  Cathy McCarthy  (845) 778-2102 
        Nine Month Course, Part II: A Deepening of Contemplative Living also available.
    Denver, CO - Rose Meyler  (303) 863-0932

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. 

View the Contemplative Outreach Reaching Out to the World video.

Prier dans le secret  La méthode de la prière de consentement