Centering Prayer is a silent form of prayer that directs a person’s attention toward God. A more intimate union with God is facilitated through the nurturing and supportive environment of this retreat and the cultivation of a deep level of interior silence. The schedule will include up to six daily 30-minute periods of Centering Prayer and contemplative worship with Eucharist throughout the week. There will also be opportunities for individual talks with the leaders, walks and hiking around the Conference Center grounds, access to two labyrinths and contemplative movement and stretch sessions, as well as optional appointments with massage therapists.

Retreat Leaders are Becky Hannah, (828-667-2799), coordinator for the Western North Carolina Chapter of Contemplative Outreach, and Joan Ricci, presenter of contemplative prayer retreats at the Oratory and St. Francis Prayer Springs, as well as a worship leader. Joan and Becky have both been trained to present centering prayer by Contemplative Outreach, the organization founded by Fr. Thomas Keating as a spiritual network committed to living the contemplative dimension of the gospel in everyday life.

Due to the length of this retreat each participant should have an established practice of Centering Prayer for at least a year as well as having attended at least one retreat in the past. Because the sense of community is an important aspect of this retreat, we also ask that the participants commit to attending all scheduled prayer sessions whenever possible. This retreat is also considered to be “12-step supported” meaning that at least one of the facilitators works a 12-step program and 11^th step meetings are scheduled for those interested. This is a very popular retreat and registration is limited to the first 20 registrants, therefore early registration is encouraged.

Sunday, November 28 – Sunday, December, 5, 2010

$435.00, includes 7 nights lodging, all meals and program

To register please contact Tom at vccc@highsouth.com or call him at 828-963-4453