The registration deadline has been extended until November 15th!
See the registration instructions and form below.
The Living Flame Program is an extraordinary program for Contemplative Outreach chapters and prayer groups. The program draws on all of the knowledge and disciplines that informed Father Thomas’ books and Spiritual Journey Video Series. These sessions are designed to heighten the awareness of the dynamics of Centering Prayer in the context of the spiritual journey and is an offering of in-depth spiritual study and enrichment. Seven sessions are presented over eight months.
Each of the 7 half-day retreats (9:00AM – 2:30PM, Central time) will consist of two presentations, two periods of centering prayer, and small group discussions for both individuals and those in a group location.
You may attend via Zoom or in-person. There is a 40-person limit.
| Program Dates | Program Descriptions | Presenters |
| October 21, 2023 | Deepening Our Centering Prayer Practice | Fionnuala Quinn |
| November 18, 2023 | Lectio Divina | Nancy Stimac & Curt Paddock |
| January 24, 2024 | Soul Friending | Cherry Haisten |
| February 17, 2024 | The Human Condition | Richard Bonacci |
| March 16, 2024 | Divine Therapy | Jenny Adamson |
| April 20, 2024 | Dark Night of the Soul: Night of Sense | Denis Gleeson |
| May 18, 2024 | The Welcoming Prayer | Mary Dwyer |
Follow these links for more information about Living Flame, including Program Descriptions and Presenter Bios. Or, contact Peggy Austermann, peggyaustermann@gmail.com or Susie Brent, susiebrentcostl@gmail.com with questions.
Who should attend: Since the centering prayer practice is an experiential process, an established daily practice is encouraged to draw from as you continue your journey. We also recommend that you have attended a Centering Prayer Introductory Workshop that lays the foundation for the Living Flame program. Familiarity with the books of Fr. Thomas Keating, particularly Open Mind, Open Heart equally enriches your background and experience. Please take this time to reacquaint yourself in order to have this program be more meaningful for you. This is challenging but worth every second of your preparation and commitment. It is good to refresh yourself with the basics. So here is a link to a video recording of an Introductory Workshop that always has something to offer us.
We ask that you make a commitment to attend all seven sessions. However, if you do have to be absent you will be able to make up part of the session. The presentation material portion of each session will be recorded for later viewing online. We will provide you a link to review the video during the month between sessions. It is available for two weeks.
Where we’ll meet
In-person
Grace Episcopal Church [link to directions]
514 East Argonne Dr
Kirkwood/St. Louis, MO 63122
Handouts will be provided the day of the program. From 8:00-8:30 join us for meditative breathing and gentle stretching (optional). Gather at 8:45 for the 9:00 program.
Zoom
You will need a reliable internet connection as well as audio and video. The Zoom invitation and any handouts for each session will be emailed a week in advance. Past participants prefer to print them and make notes during the presentations.
To make the program as economical as possible please provide your own lunch during the 30-minute lunch break in the program. At the in-person sessions, beverages and light snacks will be provided and attendees are encouraged to bring a snack to share during the two break periods each session.
Program costs
Total cost for all seven sessions is $155. We ask that, if you are able, please join us at the Supporter level of $200.
A $55 non-refundable deposit is due at registration to hold your spot. The balance of $100 or $145 (Supporter) is due by Oct. 14th.
You may pay by:
Check payable to Contemplative Outreach of St. Louis and sent to COSTL c/o Grace Episcopal Church, 514 East Argonne Dr. Kirkwood, MO 63122
or via PayPal, which accepts debit or credit card payments. To recover PayPal fees, 4% will be added to online payments. See “Buy Now” button below registration form.
Partial scholarships are available.