Nebraska Contemplative Outreach

Newsletter Update 9/1/10

Newly formed Centering Prayer group in NW Omaha

and

Introduction to Centering Prayer Workshops

being offered this Fall

Centering Prayer Group weekly meetings are now held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church (114th and Fort St.) Thursdays from 5 to 6:30 pm in the Family Room of the Parish Center. A group “sit” of 20 minutes in the Silence and a short DVD or CD talk by Fr. Thomas Keating are part of every meeting. Facilitators are David and Mary Ann Miller. For more information call 402-468-4014 or makmiller@hotmail.com.

If you were unable to attend the July 17th Introduction to Centering Prayer Workshop, three workshops are being offered this Fall. One workshop is being held in Omaha and two workshops are being offered by Contemplative Outreach of Central Iowa in Greenfield, Iowa and West Des Moines, Iowa.

AN INTRODUCTION TO CENTERING PRAYER

Saturday, October 2, 2010, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

First United Methodist Church in Mead Chapel (southwest corner of the facility)

7020 Cass St., Omaha, NE

Centering Prayer is a response to the invitation to “be still and know…God.” (Psalm 46:10) It is a way to give our consent to the presence and transforming grace of the Divine Indwelling in silence beyond thoughts, words and emotions. Grounded in the contemplative heritage of the Christian tradition, our intention in Centering Prayer is to consent with open mind and heart to the Divine Mystery that sustains all creation. This introduction will help you learn how to “be still” and deepen your relationship with God.

The workshop will be led by Don Bredthauer. If you would like to register or have questions, please call Don at 496-3211

Introduction to Centering Prayer Workshop

Saturday, September 11
8:30 am - 2:30 pm
Greenfield United Methodist Church
108 SW 5th St, Greenfield, Iowa
More info: Paul Witmer, 276-3781, paul.witmer@centeriowa.org

Introduction to Centering Prayer Workshop

St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church
1020 24th Street, West Des Moines
October 16, 2010, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 pm

Presented by Deb Habr and Tim Goldman
There will be six follow-up sessions and the workshop
will include the book “Open Mind, Open Heart”
The Cost will be $60
Contact Tim Goldman for more information:
515-745-9842 or tim.goldman@centeriowa.org

2010 SUMMER NEWSLETTER

Events this Summer

The Introduction to Centering Prayer Workshop July 17th (see additional information below) is for anyone who would like to learn Centering Prayer. The $20.00 fee includes both the book Open Mind, Open Heart by Fr. Thomas Keating and the workshop presentation. There will be no additional charge for the six continuing sessions. Our mission is to share the method of Centering Prayer with all who desire to deepen their relationship with God and feel drawn to the contemplative way of praying.

The 7-day combined Advanced Intensive/Post Intensive Centering Prayer Retreat August 15-21st (see additional information below regarding this retreat) is for those who already have a regular practice of centering prayer and would like to deepen their prayer life in a retreat setting. The retreat fee of $440 includes 6 nights in a private room with bath and all meals during the retreat. We have rooms reserved at St. Benedict Retreat Center for 24 retreatants on a first serve basis.

If you have any questions regarding these events, please contact us at

centering@nebraskacontemplativeoutreach.org

“Heartfulness: Transformation in Christ”

7- Day Combined Advanced Intensive/Post Intensive Retreat

St. Benedict Center, Schuyler, NE

(60 miles northwest of Omaha, NE)

August 15 - 21, 2010

Sunday check-in 4:00 PM-6:00 PM through Saturday 9:30 AM

Retreat fee $440

(includes 6 nights private room and meals)

Registration deadline July 23, 2010 with $140 deposit.

Father William Fickel, S.S.S., Retreat Director

We look forward to welcoming Father William Fickel as our retreat director. Fr. William Fickel, S.S.S. is a member of the Blessed Sacrament Congregation, and serves as Director of the Center for Eucharistic Evangelizing in Cleveland, Ohio. Following the inspiration of St. Peter Julian Eymard, Father seeks to respond to the hungers of the human family with the riches of God’s love manifested in the Eucharist. Father’s ministry flows from a life centered on the Eucharist. He has served on the faculty of Contemplative Outreach, and directs retreats in Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina. Fr. Fickel’s retreat ministry has taken him throughout the country and overseas. He is also active with Food For The Poor and has taken mission trips to Haiti and Jamaica. Contemplative prayer bears the fruit of compassionate love in his life.
The "Heartfulness" theme will be incorporated into this combined dual track Advanced Intensive and Post Intensive Retreat via the Psalm readings before centering prayer periods, the Lectio Divina scripture selections, and readings at the silent meals. The reading selections are taken from readings and recommendations in the Heartfulness: Transformation in Christ Guidebook. In a retreat environment, with its spaces of silence and times for prayer and reflection, the wisdom conveyed in these readings can be heard and received in a profound way.
The Advanced Intensive Retreat participants will also view the “Heartfulness: Transformation in Christ” DVD series. The Post Intensive Retreat retreatants do not view the DVD series due to the emphasis on increased silence; they will have Lectio Divina or centering prayer in lieu of DVD viewing.
Below is additional information about the dual track Advanced Intensive Retreat and Post Intensive Retreat. You may indicate your retreat choice on the registration form.
Advanced Intensive Retreat
This retreat provides an opportunity to deepen your practice of Centering Prayer in an atmosphere of silence and community support.
Prerequisites: Have a regular practice of centering prayer. Prior Centering Prayer retreat experience is desirable but not required.
What to expect: Periods of Centering Prayer 3 times daily, Contemplative Eucharist, viewing of the DVD series “Heartfulness: Transformation in Christ”, Lectio Divina, private interviews, meals in silence with readings, and ample free time for reflection and walking around the contemplative grounds of St. Benedict Center.
Post Intensive Retreat
The Post Intensive Retreat emphasizes increased silence and increased periods of Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina.
Prerequisites: Have a regular practice of centering prayer. Prior Centering Prayer retreat experience is required.
What to expect: Grand Silence [no eye contact] is observed for a good portion of this retreat, periods of Centering Prayer 3 to 4 times daily, Contemplative Eucharist, Lectio Divina, private interviews, a “Desert Day”, and ample free time for reflection and walking around the contemplative grounds of St. Benedict Center.

SPIRITUAL QUOTES

Check out the newly updated Spiritual Quotes page.