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eNews December 2023
We embrace the process of transformation in Christ, both in ourselves and in others, through the practice of Centering Prayer.
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Either you look at the universe as a very poor creation out of which no one can make anything, or you look at you own life and your own part in the universe as infinitely rich, full of inexhaustible interest, opening out into the infinite further possibilities for study contemplation and praise. Beyond all and in all is God. THOMAS MERTON, July 17, 1956 May your Christmas wish, dreams, and prayers joyfully blend with the faithful around the world. We enter this time of year to remember and celebrate the Incarnation of our Lord, Jesus. He came so that we may know peace, and that we all may be one. Let us not forget God’s ever abiding presence, and that “the divine life of Christ is welling up within us and giving us the strength to make all our activity an act of divine love.” Thomas Keating, “Reawakenings”, page 69. I wish you a very Merry Christmas! |
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April 26 - 28: Save the date! Our Spring Retreat is scheduled for the weekend of April 26 - 28. The retreat will be led by Jim McElroy. Jim is on the governing board for Contemplative Outreach, and has been on the leadership team of 12-Step Outreach since its formation in 2005. He is the former coordinator of CO St. Louis, is on the Welcoming Prayer Service Team, and is a member of the Living Flame teaching team. |
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- COP is looking for a new service team members, including treasurer and eNews creator. If you are interested in serving Contemplative Outreach, please contact us at info@pghcenteringprayer.org
- Mark your calendars: the Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. 40-year anniversary conference is coming up in 2024! We are finally able to meet back in person, September 27 - 29, Atlanta
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Upcoming Events and Retreats - Online (Zoom) Retreats and Programs |
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Closer Than Breath:
Back to the Basics: Explore the Why, What, and How of Centering Prayer - This program is offered 3 times during December: Dec 10, 18, & 20, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
More information: click HERE
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Contemplative Outreach, LTD
Contemplative Outreach Volunteer Connections
- Jan 13, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
- The Chapter Support Team is hosting a Zoom gathering for volunteers serving chapters and local communities. All are welcome.This gathering will take place twice to offer a choice of time for our global community of volunteers. We will pray together, share resources and connect with each other both in the full group and through smaller break out groups. More information to come
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Closer Than Breath: Centering Prayer Summit 2024
- Jan 20 - Jan 21
More information: click HERE (if you scroll down to almost the end of the page, you will get the schedule)
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Mercy Center Burlingame: An Introduction to a Wisdom Way of Knowing: A Wisdom Practices Series |
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Contemplative Outreach of Colorado:Introduction to the Welcoming Prayer - Jan 27, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
- More information: click HERE
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Contemplative Outreach of Connecticut: Lectio Divina Introductory Workshop |
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Upcoming Events and Retreats - 2024 Intensives |
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Intensive retreats are a powerful way to deepen our prayer, but given the necessary time commitment they can be challenging to attend. In addition, there are not many intensive CP retreats around Pittsburgh. However, sometimes the stars align, the dates are just right for us, and travel then is part of the journey...
Note that both Holy Cross Monastery and the retreat by CO Louisville are both an about 6 1/2 hour drive from Pittsburgh
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Holy Cross Monastery West Park, NY:
4-Day Centering Prayer Retreat - Feb 6 - Feb 9
- For those new to the practice as well as those with an established practice
- "During the retreat, one will experience integrating contemplation and action through silence, solitude, community and the rhythm of this Episcopal Benedictine monastic community’s worship and prayer life"
- For more information, click HERE
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Contemplative Outreach of Louisville:
7-Day Intensive and Post-Intensive Retreat - Feb 12 - Feb 18
- For more information, click HERE
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Holy Cross Monastery West Park, NY: 7-Day Intensive and Post-Intensive Retreat - May 13 - May 19
- For more information, click HERE
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Holy Cross Monastery West Park, NY: 8-Day Intensive and Post-Intensive Retreat - Sep 7- Sep 14
- For more information, click HERE
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Contemplative Outreach of Columbus
9-Day Intensive and Post Intensive - Sept 11 - Sept 19
- facilitated by Frs. Bill Sheehan and Vinny McKiernan. Father Sheehan has been with Contemplative Outreach and Father Keating since the Lama Retreat
- only 3 hours away :-)
More information: click HERE
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Ongoing Programs and Resources |
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Opening Minds, Opening Hearts
This podcast series from Contemplative Outreach is available on all podcast streaming platforms (Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Play) and on our CO YouTube Channel. Each episode highlights Friends of Contemplative Outreach and their personal practice of Centering Prayer. You are invited to listen as our guests share insights about the teachings of Thomas Keating, how the practice impacts their work in the world and their thoughts about how Centering Prayer connects to the living traditions of contemplation and meditation.
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Word of the Week
A free program offered by Contemplative Outreach. A short message is sent each Sunday, which includes an image, Scripture, reflections and suggested practices followed by two weekly prayer groups for practice in community.
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Online Courses from Contemplative OutreachContemplative Outreach offers many online programs. Attending a workshop, a retreat, an online Centering Prayer group or participating in an online course with a global community is a great way of deepening one’s relationship with God and the experience of living a contemplative life.
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COP Resources: Books & Lending Library
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Special Price on Books: Each for only $10 plus postage
- Invitation to Love by Father Keating
- The Loving Search of God by William A. Menninger
Lending Library- Click COP RESOURCES for a complete list of resources that can be borrowed from the COP library.
Please call or text your requests to Chris Volz at 412-779-8269 (you may leave a voice message) or send me an email at chrisvolzu@gmail.com.
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1620 Beechwood Blvd #8
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15217
USA
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