Fall/Winter 2001/02 Newsletter

President's Letter

Dear Friends,

Since my election last October we have experienced several changes here in our office. I'd like to highlight a few here; we replaced and upgraded our entire computer system which was a generous gift from one of our benefactors. We've changed our bookkeeping and database systems to accommodate our growing needs. I hired an Office Manager, Judy O'Toole, to assist me. We hired a new accounting firm to conduct our annual audit.

Our Annual Conference Meeting was held in the Dominican Republic October 10th - 15Th. Ninety-three people from various places in the world participated. It was so wonderful to be together, to share our common desire to make the world a better place by making room for silence and peace. Our commitment to offer contemplative service was renewed as we joined our hands and hearts together during this time.

We are preparing a new video tape series, Part V of the Spiritual Journey. Fr. Thomas will be featured on these new tapes. In this series we hope to capture the wisdom of the fruits of Centering Prayer after 10 to 15 years of practice.

Remember to mark your calendars and join us for the United Day of Prayer, Saturday, March 16, 2002. The theme of the day will be Global Transformation. If you would like to host the day in your area please email Claire at this office at Claire@coutreach.org or call her at 973-838-3384.

New Books - The Divine Indwelling - a collection of articles by Fr. Thomas Keating, Rev. Thomas Ward, Jr., Rev Sarah Butler, George Cairns, Gail Fitzpatrick-Hopler, and Rev. Paul D. Lawson. Old Wine in New Skins - Centering Prayer and Systems Theory by Rev. Paul D. Lawson. Revised Spanish edition of Open Mind, Open Heart - Mente Abierta, Corzon Abierto by Fr. Thomas Keating. You will find ordering information in the Book Store.

Our Contemplative Outreach Study Program is available to anyone with an established daily practice of centering prayer; contact Bonnie Shimizu at 970-927-3858 or bjs@rof.net for more information on how to register.

Susan Komis, Chair of the Coordinator's Communication Committee offered workshops on Leadership and Facilitator Formation in several of our Chapters. If your Chapter would like to know more about this workshop, contact Susan at 888-350-5088 or susankomis@earthlink.net.

Did you take the time to visit our website? Let us know what you think of it and how we can serve you better via the web.

In light of the events of September 11th, we know that our world is in need of prayer, peace and transformation. The importance of our work is not simply an option any longer. I know that God has prepared Contemplative Outreach to answer the cry for a deeper spirituality in the 21st century. I believe through our network Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina can provide an opportunity for many seekers to find the Indwelling Spirit of God.

We are most grateful for your prayers and support over the past year. We look forward to serving you in the New Year and may the joy of Christmas lighten your heart.

Blessings and peace,

Gail Fitzpatrick-Hopler, President

Other Newsletter Articles:
The Theological Foundations |  President's Letter 
Spanish Corner  |  Locked Up ... And Free  |  Reflection  
Imprisonment and Transformation  |  2001 Updates 
The Central American Experience