We embrace the process of transformation in Christ, both in ourselves and in others, through the practice of Centering Prayer
If you are interested in hosting an Introduction to Centering Prayer workshop at your church, please contact: cobforcontemplatives@gmail.com
Introduction to Centering Prayer
Saturday, September 17, 2022, 9-12
Vestavia Hills Baptist Church
The church is opening this Introduction to non-members, and it is free.
Presenters: Mary Porter & Beverly Brasell
REGISTRATION LINK:
Introduction to Centering Prayer
September 23-25, 2022
Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center, Cullman
Centering Prayer is a form of Christian prayer rooted in the ancient Christian contemplative tradition. Its purpose is to foster deeper intimacy with Christ thought the silence and stillness of contemplative prayer. This time of pandemic has led many to seek to deepen their relationship with God through this wordless prayer of contemplation.
This weekend retreat is designed for those new to Centering Prayer. The participants will keep silence for the weekend, but there will be opportunities for questions and discussion about the practice.
Retreat Directors: Sister Mary McGehee, OSB, and Beverly Brasell
REGISTRATION LINK:
https://www.shmon.org/event/introduction-to-centering-prayer-weekend-retrea
MINDFULNESS PRACTICES FOR PEACE AND PRESENCE AMID A STRESSFUL WORLD
Saturday, November 12, 2022
St. Stephens Episcopal Church, Birmingham
REGISTRATION LINK
https://bit.ly/Peace_Presence2022
A Quiet Retreat with Charles de Foucauld
Led by Bonnie Thurston
October 21 - October 23
St. Charles (canonized by Pope Francis in May 2022) “put out into deep waters” for the love of Jesus. From well-born, wealthy and sybaritic, to army officer, to Cistercian monk, to convent handyman, to desert hermit, St. Charles changed and challenges us to do so that our lives and locations become dwelling places of Jesus. Popular retreat leader Dr. Bonnie Thurston returns to the peaceful setting our of Retreat Center to offer a program in which we both learn and experience the spirituality of this extraordinary saint through both presentations and quiet times of reflection.
Our retreat leader: Having resigned a Professorship and Chair in New Testament, Bonnie Thurston lives quietly in her home state of West Virginia. A well-known Thomas Merton Scholar, she has written or edited 23 theological and/or spiritual books, most recently St. Mary of Egypt (Liturgical Press, 2022), and seven collections of poetry, most recently Not Sonnets (Cinnamon Press, 2022). She is an avid reader, walker, gardener, cook, and classical music lover.
Formats: This retreat is available in two formats. Retreatants on-site at Sacred Heart Monastery have the opportunity to share the prayer life of the Benedictine Sisters and the peaceful monastery grounds while attending the presentations in person at the Retreat Center. Those who are not able to be with us in person can participate live from home via videoconferencing. Presentations will not be recorded for later viewing.
REGISTRATION LINK:
https://www.shmon.org/event/mary-of-egypt/
Intensive & Post-Intensive Centering Prayer Retreat
June 20-27, 2023
Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center in Cullman
Fr. Bill Fickel will be leading this eight day retreat which provides an opportunity to go deeper into the silence with up to three hours of centering prayer a day. All meals are in silence, and most days are spent in what is called "grand silence" when you are asked not to speak at all or even make eye contact.
If you are interested in the retreat, contact Katy Smith at smithdoc20@gmail.com
or 205-410-1493.
