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Formation for Contemplative Outreach Service
January 26, 2020 @ 8:00 am - February 1, 2020 @ 5:00 pm
Formation for Contemplative Outreach Service
January 26-31, 2020 (Sun. to Fri.)
Bethany Retreat Center
P.O. Box 129
Frenchville, PA 16836
814.263.4855 – bethanyretreatcenter@gmail.com
Facilitators: Therese Saulnier, Sr. Ruth Ann Madera & Nancy Cord Baran
What is Formation for Contemplative Outreach Service?
The purpose of Formation for Contemplative Outreach Service, including Presenter’s Training, is to provide an intensive Christian community experience in order to better understand and grasp the essentials of the Centering Prayer method and thus be able to share it appropriately with others.
The theory is “Good practitioners make good presenters, facilitators, and administrative helpers.” Because the group spends four days focusing on the Centering Prayer practice itself, they better understand the essentials of Centering Prayer and the many nuances of the practice. This deeper understanding helps them to better recognize that contemplative service is service freely offered without expectation of return.
The schedule includes:
One and a half hours of Centering Prayer daily
Presentations by the staff of one conference of Session one of An Introduction to Centering Prayer each morning.
Participants present portions of the same material to a small group in the afternoons.
Criteria for Register for: Formation for Contemplative Outreach Service
Participated in “An Introduction to Centering Prayer”
Established Centering Prayer practice – minimum of daily two twenty-minute periods ~ for three years.
Participated in an 8- or 10-day Centering Prayer Intensive Retreat, either before attending Formation or within one year after attending Formation, and before becoming fully commissioned. If intensive retreats are not geographically available (or) Participated in a 5 or 7 day Centering Prayer Intensive Retreat (or) Participated in four weekend silent Centering Prayer Retreats over previous 3 years
Studied Open Mind, Open Heart by Thomas Keating. Preferably has also read/studied Invitation to Love, Mystery of Christ, and/or The Spiritual Journey materials by Thomas Keating (Tapes, CDs, DVDs or transcripts).
Has been recommended by a Chapter Coordinator or Contact Person, or (in an underdeveloped chapter) by a commissioned presenter who is willing to mentor and recommend him/her for full commissioning after serving a minimum of one year as a presenter-in-training.
To register fill out the online reservation form. We will then email you an application form and reference form to fill out and send back for approval to attend the training.
Offering: $625 per person – Room & Board, Private Room
Includes Retreat Materials & Presenters Handbook
Deposit: $150 (nonrefundable)
Arrival: Sunday anytime after 3pm, Supper at 5:30pm
Departure: Friday around 1pm.
