Contemplative Outreach News

Volume 12, Number 1 · Spring  1998

Contents

Resting In God's Presence
Thomas Keating, O.C.S.O.

Centering Prayer as taught by Contemplative Outreach is a fairly nuanced practice. You can't always rely on what people say about the instruction they received. I have found that even after several years, people may not have fully understood how to do Centering Prayer. This becomes apparent during the intensive Retreats or the Formation Workshops in which there is a careful review of the method itself.

One objection to Centering Prayer is as follows: "One is advised to let go of the sacred word just to rest in God's presence." That advice has to be taken in its proper context and depends on certain steps going before.

First of all, letting go of the sacred word in Centering Prayer is not a deliberate choice. Still less is it a permanent disposition. The whole thrust of Centering Prayer is to encourage us to let go of all thoughts. A "thought" in Contemplative Outreach terminology is any perception whatsoever including memories, plans, visualizations, external or internal sensations, feelings, and self reflections. Any kind of reflecting, even to make a choice, is a "thought," and hence, an invitation to return to the sacred word.

In the beginning our advice is: Resist no thought, retain no thought, react emotionally to no thought, and when you notice you are thinking about some thought, return ever so gently to the sacred word. One does not think about whether to return to the sacred word or not. One simply returns to it when thoughts are attracting one's awareness to a particular object.

We recommend the "discrete" use of the sacred word rather than its constant repetition. By this we mean using it as much as one needs it. This may be continuously at first. Beginners need it whenever they notice they are thinking about some other thought. In following this advice, we note the fact that the sacred word may become indistinct or even disappear for a limited period of time. When thoughts again engage our attention, we return to the sacred word as before. Thus, a disposition of alert receptivity is gradually formed.

Later we suggest returning to the sacred word or symbol only when we notice that we are attracted to some other thought The meaning of this advice is that with time and regular daily practice one can discern intuitively whether one is disinterested in the thoughts that are coming down the stream of consciousness. Disregard of the thoughts is the sign that the consent of the will is becoming habitual. The will can be directed to God at a very delicate level without having to express its intention in a sacred symbol. Thus, from our perspective, the sacred symbol is not a means of going some place like an elevator. Still less is it a means of bulldozing other thoughts out of awareness. It is rather, a question of cultivating the spiritual level of awareness, which is real awareness, but without particular content.

This brings me to the chief difference between Centering Prayer, Vipassana and Hindu mantric practice. Centering Prayer comes out of the Christian Contemplative Heritage, inspired in the first instance by the Desert Mothers and Fathers and the Hesychastic tradition of the Eastern Orthodox Church, both of which cultivate interior silence and purity of heart. In the methods of meditation in the Eastern religions, the emphasis is on concentration for the sake of developing clarity of mind. By concentrative practices, I understand the use of the rational faculties and the imagination, physical movements and postures, and continued repetition of a word or phrase.

Centering Prayer is a passage from concentrative practices to alert receptivity through consenting to God's presence and action within us, which places the emphasis on purity of intention. Effort refers to the future, consent to the present moment where God, in fact, is. According to St John of the Cross, purity of intention manifests itself during prayer as "a general loving attentiveness toward God." This is attentiveness not of the mind but of the heart. Its source is pure faith in God's presence leading to surrender to the interior action of the Holy Spirit in the here and now.

Letter from the Executive Director

Our annual Faculty Meeting was held January 28 - February 1, 1998 at the Manressa Retreat Center in Miami, Florida. Thirty-one of the thirty five members attended. We established two communication committees, one for Faculty, Chaired by Marie Howard and one for our Coordinators, Chaired by Susan Komis. We are in the process of further developing various formats for Lectio Divina Workshops. We are developing an extensive handbook to go along with the Spiritual Journey Audio and Video tapes.

Our Annual Contemplative Outreach United in Prayer: Intensive Day of Prayer held on Saturday, March 21, 1998 was a big success. There were 167 locations participating in this global event. The evaluations report that it was a very bonding experience and the video: Transformation in Christ according to St. Therese of Lisieux was excellent. "One of Fr. Thomas' best."

A welcomed addition to our News is the Hispanic section. We are looking forward to more articles for and from the Hispanic Community. We are happy to announce the appointment of Monica Freeman as the Coordinator of the Hispanic Initiative for Contemplative Outreach, Ltd.

We continue to offer the Contemplative Outreach Ltd. Study Program for persons interested in understanding the conceptual background of Centering Prayer. Fr. Thomas has said: "I am convinced that Centering Prayer itself is a fairly good representation of the apophatic tradition of the Christian era. If one is going to do it, one needs to find out what that conceptual background is and to continually nourish this from the classics of Christian spirituality." 

Remember that we carry a full line of Fr. Thomas' books, audio and video tapes. We also have brochures and a product catalog available. If you would like a packet of information drop us a line or call and we will be happy to send you one.

With peace and joy,

Gail Fitzpatrick-Hopler
Executive Director

First Annual Meeting of the Expanded Voting Membership
of Contemplative Outreach, Ltd.
September 25 - 27, 1998

On September 25-27, 1998, the newly expanded voting membership body of Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. will meet for its first annual meeting. The primary purpose of the meeting is to include and involve our 65 Chapter Coordinators, our Faculty Members and Trustees in the process of envisioning and building the future of Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. world wide.

We earnestly hope that all 89 persons will make a special effort to attend this historical event. Our first task is creating a deeper sense of our spiritual network, united in the Christian Contemplative Heritage through our commitment to the regular practice of Centering Prayer.

Under the direction of Fr. Thomas Keating, on Friday evening and Saturday, we will examine the theme: When Two or More Are Gathered: The Growth of the Contemplative Outreach Family. This will be supplemented by a presentation on Communication Skills and Community Building, as well as an experiential session about community development. The preliminary agenda for the weekend includes times for Centering Prayer, the annual business meeting and special sessions on topics such as developing the coordinator network, assessing local program needs and understanding grass roots support.

In preparation for this meeting, we need your valued input and special prayers. All individuals and Centering Prayer groups around the world are invited to submit issues for discussion. Please contact your local Chapter Coordinator for Faculty member to advise them of your needs and provide your suggestions so that the decisions made at this meeting reflect the group conscience of Contemplative Outreach Worldwide. In turn, all Chapter Coordinators and Faculty members are encouraged to contact any member of the Agenda Committee and advise them of your area's needs and suggestions.

This is an important first event and all members can look to this meeting as a major milestone for Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. as we journey together toward the threshold of the new millennium.

God bless,
Thomas P. Skinner, Chair

The Question Corner

How does contemplative prayer foster a different attitude towards yourself, others and the world? (This question was asked of a Formation Group in NYC - the reply printed below was Ann Curley's response).

Having to respond in writing to your questions over these past few months has caused me to look once again at my prayer practices and my relationship with God and my brothers and sisters. I can certainly say that this prayer has fostered a different attitude in all my relations. Sometimes I feel as though I hardly know the person I was and I cannot begin to fathom the person I will be. Just acknowledging this helps to keep me centered in the present moment and humble.

Since taking the 9 Month Course: The Practice of Contemplative Living at Chrysalis House and coming away with a repertoire of prayer practices, I never feel "at sea without a life preserver" as I did many times before in my life. While life has not become smoother (many times it has become harder and rougher). I have become smoother. This prayer life has not changed other people or circumstances, but it has changed me.

Today as I do Centering Prayer twice a day, read Scripture daily, use "Welcoming" Prayer Practice and the discernment process when needed, I find myself detached from this thing called "life" not in a way that isolates me, but that more fully integrates me. I have a very busy job, a busy home life and an active church life, but nothing today comes before my relationship with God. It's interesting that this prayer requires a discipline and time frame from me each day and instead of "cutting into" my daily activities, it seems to enhance them. On days when it is just impossible to center, I know the difference in every fiber of my being. It is on those days that I tread lightly and have to keep making adjustments in my response to "life." On the days when I center, giving the prayer the discipline and time, I may be doing more but working less. It seems to be on those days that God does more of the work. Having created some room for Him, I don't have to be the star of the show each hour and minute of my life - I can be open to the Spirit within leading, coaching and supporting me. Today, I know the difference.

Ann Curley, Rosedale, NY

Remembering Mary Mrozowski . . .

This past Fall I attended the Coordinator's conference in Andover, Ma. and was most aware of Mary's presence there. Not only did the Conference fall on the 4th anniversary of her passing, but I kept bumping into people who openly shared about their "Mary experience." These were all people I had never met before from different parts of the country. I felt particularly moved thinking about the many lives Mary touched.

I shared this with Cathy McCarthy, and to my delight she had the same stirring about a possible gook capturing Mary's impact on our lives. Cathy also mentioned that many new retreatants are interested in learning about Mary.

We decided to collaborate-- our vision is a collection of stories about Mary as seen through the lives of those she touched. Our work at this point is merely to gather the stories-- if and what form it takes depends on your response. Our hope is that you have a story or memory you would like to share (her one liners often told volumes!!), and how it still impacts on your spiritual journey.

Updates

Alta, ID

Alta's Seven Day Intensives in April, June and July of this year acknowledge a true spirit and practice of our common Christian Heritage. Fr. Martin O'Loghlen, Sr. Catherine Bazar and Sr. Marilyn Omiecznski of California will co-direct these retreats with Rev. Sandra Casy-Martus. The possibility and invitation to ecumenical sharing and honoring of one another's unique presence within the Holy One is a lived reality. "All are welcome." Come and enter the silence surrounded by Grand Teton Mountains and the incredible beauty of our National forests.

Birmingham, AL

Contemplative Outreach Birmingham has produced a CD to use as a 20-minute timer when practicing Centering Prayer. The sound of the cello frames each of the three 20-minute silent segments. The music is improvisation done by Craig Hultgren of Birmingham. This was produced for fund-raising purposes. Available from Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. bookstore for $12 plus shipping.

Boynton Beach, FL

The Centering Prayer groups of Palm Beach Diocese presented another extended program for Winter of '98. Fr. William Meninger presented a "mini" two day workshop on Centering Prayer and the power of forgiveness. During the following weeks there were subsequent sessions at three different venues. people familiar with the process were responsible for fielding questions, scripture reading and leading group prayer. These presentations feature video tapes by fr. William Meninger, Fr. Anthony DeMello and Fr. George Malone. The program led into the Parish Mission which was preached by Fr. Maloney.

Erie, PA

In September, 1997 we began a nine-month program entitled "Centering Prayer enrichment Experience" at the House of Prayer in Erie. A core community of ten gathers on one Sunday a month for prayer and input to develop a contemplative lifestyle that can be lived in the ordinary activities of daily life. We are grateful for the Spirit's continuing presence and action in our midst.

Internet

"Spiritus List" - Spiritus - Spiritual Guidance in the Christian Contemplative Tradition is an unmoderated ecumenical mailing list rooted in the Christian Contemplative Heritage. Its members, composed of mainline Christian denominations, are committed to the renewal of the contemplative dimension of the Gospel in their everyday life through the daily practice of Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina. The members gather together in cyberspace in the name of Jesus to form a spiritual network that offers a communal space for Christians to accompany one another in their spiritual journey, attending to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, helping one another to grow in intimacy with God and enfleshing that relationship in their everydayness, seeking to live their ordinary lives with extraordinary love. This list is Roman Catholic in origin and ecumenical in scope, aiming to be a common ground for Christian unity and fruitful dialogue. The founding members belong to Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. and organization founded by Fr. Thomas Keating to disseminate the contemplative dimension of the gospel to the people of God that they may live with utmost charity.

Washington, DC

On February 28 over 700 persons attended a Centering Prayer Retreat Day led by Fr. Thomas Keating, an event sponsored by Contemplative Outreach of Metropolitan Washington (COMW) at the Washington National Cathedral. Five new groups have begun since the new year, bringing the number of weekly groups to over a dozen in the Washington area. COMW has sponsored Introductory Workshops, all-day retreats and training for small group facilitators.

New Developments in Contemplative Outreach Network

Contemplative Outreach in Malaysia and Singapore

Theresa Ee-Chooi attended the Coordinators conference in Andover, MA and was struck by the international character of the Contemplative Outreach family. Fr. Basil Pennington has twice offered workshops on Centering Prayer in Kuala Lumpur with 280 attending in April '97 and an additional 837 taking part in the September '97 presentation. The people of Malaysia have a hunger to learn and practice Centering Prayer. However, there has been little follow up or structure provided to help support the people along their spiritual journey.

On returning home Therese asked Lawrence Wong to assume the duties of chairperson in order to organize a four day retreat/workshop for the training of facilitators and the formation of Centering Prayer support groups. Fr. Bil Fickel, SSS will conduct the four day event entitled Power of Centering Prayer.

Cecilia Ee, the sister of Therese, lives in Singapore and invited Fr. Bill to stop by and offer a series of three seminars between April 20-23. There will be a two day seminar on the Introduction to Centering Prayer for people who are not familiar with the prayer. Fr. Basil has already made the method known to many who will be invited to a follow up two day seminar on advancing in Centering Prayer. Again it is hoped that Centering Prayer Groups may be formed to support people in their prayer practice. There is a growing interest in Lectio Divina in Singapore. The third seminar will take place over three evening sessions to present this form of prayer with the scriptures.

A Contemplative Pilgrimage To The Holy Land . . .
Second Fundraiser For Contemplative Outreach, LTD.

A contemplative pilgrimage to the Holy Land can best be explained by saying: the practice of "Lectio" with an added dimension--we READ, we EXPERIENCE, we REFLECT, we RESPOND in prayer, and we REST in God. As we mindfully visit the places in Tiberias where Jesus became flesh, grew up, was baptized, walked on the Sea of Galilee and traveled from town to town, and as we reverently accompany Jesus through the Holy City of Jerusalem, through His passion, death, resurrection, ascension, and join in the grace of Pentecost, we are actually living "the fifth Gospel"--using our guide's words. We devote extra time at each place read, reflect and pray with an open mind and an open heart. Daily Mass is followed by Centering Prayer, with another period at a different holy site every day. It is contemplative experience, not a tour! Fr. William Meninger, our spiritual director in 1997, and Samir our guide, added a special flavor with their unique blend of personal spiritual experiences. Each participant affirmed that it was the most moving and holy journey they had ever experience. Our fellow pilgrims came from Singapore, the Philippines, Santo Domingo, and across the United States. Stella Kon, a writer from Singapore, thoughtfully created a collection of reflections from the participants as a lasing momentum.

English/Spanish Formation

What a wonderful experience! From Feb 15-21, 14 Hispanics and 12 Anglos joined together to learn to present the Centering Prayer Method and to lean how beautifully the Spirit can work. Language cannot be a barrier when people of good heart pray, eat, study and enjoy each other, most especially when they share the common language of Silence. It just seems that smiles and goodwill never need translations. Each day began with shared Centering Prayer, the same Psalm was red in each language, and then we sat in silence together. After this the two groups split, each to their own training sessions. We joined again for lunch, usually with a Spanish flavor, for Manresa Retreat House is staffed by Miami Cubans. During the evening activities, the laughter slowly guilt as we each tried out Pidgin English and fractured Spanish. Buy he end of the week we had all learned--to love our differences, more about Centering Prayer and most important, we learned that with the love of the Spirit in our heart, language is no barrier among people--a good hug says volumes. We are making plans to have another 2-track (Spanish and English) Presenters Formation in Miami in 2000. Sure hop you will consider joining us for the experience.

Barbara Reitberg, English
Coordinator, South Florida

Noticias Sobre un Taller de Formacion

Quermos por este medio contarles, muy brevemente, sobre el primer Taller de Formación que se ha dado en inglés y español al mismo tiempo. El Equipo estuvo formado por Gail Fitzpatrick-Hopler y Barbara Reitberg en el departamento de inglés y Monica Freeman y Carmen Sánchez en el de español.

Fué una experiencia magnifica cuando Gail hizo la introduccion, bienvenida, despedida, etc. y una de nuestras participantes, Ana Mandojana, traducía simultáneamente. También lo hizo cuando un sacerdote Colombiano, el Rev. Padre Fernando Bonilla, otro participante, nos decía la homilía en español después del Evangelio y ella la traducía al inglés.

Tuvimos 14 participantes en nuestro departamento, a los cuales se les enseñaba en español y nos reuniamos con los de inglés para la Oración Centrante, comidas y Eucaristía. Nuestra hermandad se fué agrandando al pasar de los días y se notaba la presencia del Espiritu Santo derramando sus gracias sobre todos.

¡Quedamos tan contentas que esperamos repetirlo dentro de dos años! Todos los que tengan en mente pasar por esta experiencia tan extraordinaria vayan haciendo nota y ahorrando para poder hacerlo. ¡Se lo recomendamos! En el silencio de nuestra oración quedo con todos ustedes, Carmen Sanchez.