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Recovery, Centering Prayer, and Emotional Sobriety
The EnLIGHTenment Series
Recovery, Centering Prayer, and Emotional Sobriety
Insights on Emotional Sobriety and using Centering Prayer as an 11th Step Practice
Presented by Jim McElroy and Terry Endres
September 24 @ 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
This event has passed, but you can still sign up below to get access to the recording when it becomes available.
Terry Endres and Jim McElroy will present “Recovery, Centering Prayer and Emotional Sobriety” in light of the insights Thomas Keating had about using Centering Prayer as an 11th Step Practice. They will use the book, The Soul of Sponsorship, which explores the relationship of Bill Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, and his spiritual adviser and friend, Father Ed Dowling. The evening will illuminate and answer the question of how Father Ed, an Irish Catholic Jesuit priest who was not an alcoholic, was able to be of such great spiritual help to Bill Wilson. They will use his famous article, “The Next Frontier: Emotional Sobriety” as a way to help people understand emotional sobriety and ways to cultivate it.
The Soul of Sponsorship illustrates how sober alcoholics still need the principles of the Twelve Steps for lasting serenity and discusses some of the problems faced by Bill Wilson as he struggled with depression in recovery, dependency issues, whether or not to experiment with LSD, knowing God’s plan, and learning from mistakes. Father Ed taught Bill the importance of “discernment.” In Father Ed’s Jesuit tradition, discernment was a gift, passed down to him from St. Ignatius, the founder of the Jesuits, who described his own struggle with discernment in Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.
The book Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions states, “There is a direct linkage among self-examination, meditation, and prayer. Taken separately, these practices can bring much relief and benefit. But when they are logically related and interwoven, the result is an unshakable foundation for life” (p. 98).
Event Topic:
Our world is in great need of healing on every level. Leaning about Emotional Sobriety and Centering Prayer are vital for people who are seeking healing and growth in their lives, families and communities, whether they are in 12 Step Recovery or not. How you show up in your relationships or in your career depends on how well you are able to tap into inner resiliency and strength. Our challenges change over time – and we need to continually refine our ability to respond now in ways that reflect the best in us. Bill Wilson, the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, and his spiritual director, Fr. Ed Dowling, experienced what it means to surrender humbly and readily—their legacy carries powerful implications for our time.
About the Presenters
Jim McElroy and Terry Endres
Jim McElroy has been practicing Centering Prayer since 1996 and has been a commissioned presenter since 2002. Jim has been on the leadership team of 12-Step Outreach since its formation in 2005 and is especially interested in teaching contemplative practices to the 12-Step recovery community. He is a former coordinator of Contemplative Outreach of St. Louis, is on the Welcoming Prayer Faculty, and is a member of the Living Flame teaching team. He currently serves on the Finance and Legal Team for Contemplative Outreach. Jim’s passion is opening the door for others to the experience the contemplative dimension of being.
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Terry Endres
Terry Endres entered 12-step recovery in October 2002. In 2005, he was introduced to Centering Prayer through the St. Louis 12-step Centering Prayer retreats and books by Thomas Keating and other mystical teachers. His twice daily, 20-minute sitting practice began in November 2014.
Terry recently completed Richard Rohr’s two-year Living School program is excited to deepen his understanding of the wisdom of the vast world of mystical teachings and 12-step recovery. And to pass on enthusiasm to others as part of the Living School’s charge to practice contemplation AND action.
Flow of the Evening
5:30pm -6:00pm Gathering & Light Refreshments
6:00pm-6:10pm Welcome and Introductions
6:10pm-6:35pm Guidelines and Centering Prayer
6:35pm-7:15pm Presentation
7:15pm-7:30pm Break
7:30pm-8:10pm Presentation 2
8:10pm-8:25pm Q & A
8:25pm-8:30pm Introduce speaker for next EnLIGHTenment & Closing Prayer
🥪 Early Gathering & Light Meal 30 minutes before meeting time.
Since we begin earlier than usual, we’re offering a simple shared meal of sandwiches, side dishes, and light desserts 30 minutes before the event.
You’re warmly welcome to bring something to share, but please know that it’s not necessary to bring anything—your presence is truly enough.
We hope this evening offers space for insight, stillness, and transformation.
Please feel free to bring a friend!
Don’t Miss This Inspiring Event — In Person or on Zoom
Experience this special session in the way that works best for you—be with us in person, or join live from anywhere via Zoom.
Register today and you’ll receive your Zoom link immediately after completing the form below and other information in your registration confirmation.
Can’t join us live? Your registration also includes access to the full recording once editing is complete, so you can watch, reflect, and revisit the session at your convenience.
Please do not share the Zoom link or recording.
Reserve your spot now and be part of the conversation, the learning, and the inspiration.
Location
This event is also available on zoom. Registrants will receive the zoom information. (The day of the the event an email will be sent if the presenter offers handouts.)
For any questions please email: enlightenment@centeringprayerstl.com
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Registration
This event has passed, but you can still sign up below to get access to the recording when it becomes available.
Having trouble registering or did not receive a confirmation email? Reach out to susiebrentcostl@gmail.com.