BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Contemplative Outreach of St. Louis - ECPv6.15.11//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://centeringprayerstl.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Contemplative Outreach of St. Louis REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Chicago BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20250309T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20251102T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20260308T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20261101T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20270314T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20271107T070000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:UTC BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:UTC DTSTART:20250101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260418T123000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260418T153000 DTSTAMP:20260416T003342 CREATED:20260127T232927Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T000806Z UID:77250-1776515400-1776526200@centeringprayerstl.org SUMMARY:In the Space Between:  A Contemplative Walk with Ikebana DESCRIPTION:Soul Trekkers \n\n\n\nIn the Space Between\n\n\n\nA Contemplative Walk with Ikebana\n\n\n\nPresented by Anne Brown\, Susie Brent and Mary Patterson\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGathering at 12:30pmSnacks\, coffee and tea will be available.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“Centering Prayer & Ikebana: In the Space Between”\n\n\n\nWe will begin with a welcome and a brief introduction to Centering Prayer\, followed by a 20-minute period of silent meditation—an experience of resting in God’s presence within.This experience brings together two contemplative traditions—Centering Prayer and the centuries-old Japanese art of Ikebana—each inviting us into silence\, presence\, and attentive awareness.\n\n\n\nJapanese Art of Flower ArrangingIkebana\, the centuries-old Japanese art of flower arranging\, transforms plant and flower materials into simple\, elegant expressions that honor both form and space. Rooted in the Ikenobo tradition\, this contemplative practice invites us to work in harmony with nature\, emphasizing balance\, line\, and the beauty of what is both seen and unseen.Following a brief introduction to its history and a demonstration\, participants will create their own arrangement while learning foundational principles\, skills\, and practical guidance for this disciplined and expressive art form. You will leave with your own arrangement to enjoy at home.This 2.5-hour workshop offers a quiet and creative space to engage both prayer and design in a spirit of reflection and simplicity.Registration fee: $65 (includes all materials and instruction) \n\n\n\n\n\nWhat You Will Experience:\n\n\n\nHands-On Flower Arrangement:You will have the opportunity to create your own arrangement using provided materials. With gentle guidance\, you’ll arrange each element—flower\, stem\, and leaf—taking time to connect with their natural beauty. You will leave with your own Ikebana arrangement to enjoy at home.\n\n\n\nIkebana of the Ikenobo School:Discover the principles of Ikebana\, the ancient Japanese art of flower arranging\, through the teachings of the Ikenobo School. You’ll learn about ancient Japanese floral design and observations of nature from the oldest school of Ikebana. \n\n\n\nCentering Prayer Teaching:A 20-minute guided Centering Prayer meditation will introduce you to this Contemplative prayer. Learn the simple steps. \n\n\n\nParticipants Will Receive:Ikebana VaseMetal KenzanFresh flowers and foliage materialsCompleted Ikebana arrangement to take homePlease bring scissors/pruners\, a small cloth\, and a box to carry your arrangement home.12:30 PM Gathering until 1 PM (Snacks provided)1PM – 3:30 PM\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhy Attend? \n\n\n\n\nA Time to Practice and Create: \n\n\n\nBoth Centering Prayer and Ikebana invite an intuitive sense of peace and connection.\n\n\n\n Experience Centering Prayer and flower arranging as a contemplative practice.\n\n\n\nPersonal Connection: You’ll create your own ikebana arrangement and enjoy the materials with a new sense of joy.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis class is suitable for beginners and advanced floral arrangers for men and women.\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommunity of Christ Church\n\n\n\nAddress 830 N Kirkwood RdSt. Louis\, MO 63122 \n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Presenters\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnne Brown\, Mary Patterson and Susie Brent are Assistant Professors of the Ikebana Ikenobo School. They have been studying the practice of Ikebana from the Ikenobo school for 10 years. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA little history on the formation of the Soul Trekkers\n\n\n\n\n\nIn 2022 following a 7 day silent retreat in Snowmass\, CO at St. Benedict’s Monastery\, Jennifer Beeman\, Heather Fricke and Susie Brent gathered with Jenny Adamson and Pat Johnson to discuss potential avenues for sharing the methods of centering prayer with the next generation. It was suggested to combine centering prayer with an activity such as yoga or art.  It was agreed upon that contemplative prayer may enhance and be enhanced by any activity that lends itself to a stillness in mind and heart\, a joy within\, and being truly present in each moment. The divine dwelling within can be communed with while hiking beneath the trees\, free flowing with a favorite melody\, exploring and creating in a favorite artistic medium\, within the deep breath taken while settling into a yoga pose\, energy breath work\, or while listening to the draw of classical piano music. These are just some avenues to become more comfortable with simply being.It is the Soul Trekkers intent to investigate the many branches of the Tree of Contemplative Practices combined with guided Centering Prayer meditation sessions to inspire exploration\, joy\, and connection in a fellowship of contemplative travelers.  While centering prayer guidelines will be offered\, any and all meditation disciplines are welcome. The goal is to embrace stillness and foster a relationship with the God within each of us and our true authentic selves. Come share in the beautiful intimacy that stillness in community has to offer.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nImage by Carrie Bergman \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n For any questions please email: cpsoultrekkers@gmail.com \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegistration:\n\n\n\nCOST: $65.00 dollarsRegistration includes flower materials\, vase container\, metal Kenyan and other supplies.This fee is non-refundable. \n\n\n\n\n \n\n CompanyThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Name(Required)\n \n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n Email(Required)\n \n Address(Required) \n \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n City\n \n \n State / Province / Region\n \n \n ZIP / Postal Code\n \n \n Phone(Required)Please briefly share your contemplative prayer background(Required)If you are bringing guests\, please list their names below. Thank youHow did you hear about this event?(Required)This field is hidden when viewing the formVolunteerVolunteers help make events like this possible\, and we deeply appreciate any support to help lighten the load! Your presence is more than enough\, but if you’d like to help\, please arrive 30 minutes early for welcoming or setup\, and/or stay 30 minutes after for cleanup.\n \n Welcoming\n \n \n Set Up\n \n \n Bring a Light Dish or Refreshment\n \n \n Clean Up\n Do you want to be added to our mailing list?(Required)\n \n \n Yes\n \n \n \n No\n \n \n \n I already receive your informative posts.\n Ikebana Registration Fee Quantity(Required)Please input the number of attendees in your party in the quantity fields below:\n \n \n Price:\n $65.00\n \n \n Quantity \n DonationIf you wish\, please support us with a donation of your choice\, which helps cover our rent\, website maintenance\, scholarship fund and other expenses. \n \n Total Contribution to COSTL\n \n Credit Card(Required)Card Details\n \n Cardholder Name\n \n Make it payable to COSTL and mail it to: COSTL c/o Susie Brent \n489 Staines Court \nSt. Louis\, MO 63141IMPORTANT:  All information provided with your gift is strictly confidential and will never be exchanged with another organization or sold to anyone for other use. You may rest assured that we value your support and would not put you or your identity in jeopardy.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Δ \n \n\n\n\n\nHaving trouble registering or did not receive a confirmation email? Reach out to susiebrentcostl@gmail.com. URL:https://centeringprayerstl.org/event/in-the-space-between-a-contemplative-walk-with-ikebana/ CATEGORIES:Soul Trekkers ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://centeringprayerstl.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Ikebana-2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260502T083000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260502T143000 DTSTAMP:20260416T003342 CREATED:20260317T205451Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T005719Z UID:77329-1777710600-1777732200@centeringprayerstl.org SUMMARY:Intro to Centering Prayer DESCRIPTION:Centering Prayer Intro Workshops \n\n\n\nIntroduction to Centering Prayer Workshop\n\n\n\n\nGathering starts with a continental on Saturday at 8:30am\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAre you looking for a way to explore or deepen your relationship with God?\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCentering Prayer opens one to God’s infinite love and power to heal wounds of a lifetime. While opening the door to other related prayer practices around forgiveness and dealing with painful situations and emotions. This workshop is a sampling of the practice and its benefits. Please join us as a beginner or if you would like a refresher. It is a personal prayer and is often practiced in groups. Enjoy the prayer support of others in community. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat Is Centering Prayer? \n\n\n\nCentering Prayer is based on a Christian contemplative practice first described in The Cloud of Unknowing\, written in the latter half of the 14th century.  \n\n\n\n\n“Centering Prayer is not so much an exercise of attention as intention. It may take a while to grasp this distinction. You do not attend to any particular thought or content. Rather\, you intend to go to your inmost being\, where you believe God dwells. You are opening to Him by pure faith\, not by means of concepts or feelings.” \n\n\n\n— Thomas Keating\, Open Mind Open Heart\, p. 39 \n\n\n\n\nThis prayer does not replace your other prayer practices. You will be given encouragement to learn how to become more comfortable with building a deeper relationship with the God of your understanding in the stillness of your “inner room.” \n\n\n\n\n“If you want to pray\, enter your inner room\, close the door\, and pray to your Father in secret\, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.“ \n\n\n\n —Matthew 6:6 \n\n\n\n\nWhat is the inner room? This “inner room” is not a physical place. It is an interior place in our hearts\, the deepest part of who we are. It is a place of quiet\, where we can meet our Lord personally.  \n\n\n\nIntroduction to Centering Prayer is a sampling of the practice and its benefits. The workshop is a prerequisite to the Follow Up Course\, Basic Centering Prayer\, that delves more into the practice and effects of Centering Prayer. Basic Centering Prayer is the next step to a committed practice with community support and trained Presenters and Facilitators. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn our introductory workshop to Centering Prayer\, you will discover a centuries-old prayer method.  Centering Prayer consists of simply sitting in silence with God – beyond thoughts\, words\, and emotions – and opening our mind\, heart and whole being to the Ultimate Mystery. In this workshop\, you will learn the basics of Centering Prayer\, experience it in a guided setting\, and be able to ask questions and share experiences with the presenters and your fellow participants. Please join us!Peggy Austermann and Kathy Dunn are COL Commissioned Presenters and will be serving this Centering Prayer Introductory Workshop. Both have been practicing centering prayer for many years. Charlie Lawrence\, Commissioned Presenter and Team leader is also supporting the Team and Workshop Preparations. Please bring a lunch. If you would like to share a dish\, that would be most welcome. We will provide side dishes\, coffee\, tea\, and water\, and you are also encouraged to bring a beverage of your choice (with a lid).For more information contact: Jim McElroy jmac150@sbcglobal.net314-267-2636 \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n👉 Gathering and light breakfast begins at 8:30 AM. The Introductory Workshop runs from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM. \n\n\n\nAn optional four-session follow-up series will be offered on Thursday evenings following the workshop—please save the dates. All are welcome\, whether you attend this workshop or have participated in others. Introductory workshops are held throughout the year at a variety of sites. The presenters are specially trained and commissioned in teaching this short course which covers the essentials of the method and conceptual background of Centering Prayer. The first introductory workshop is generally four to six-hours and is typically held on a Saturday. The program may continue with “follow-up” sessions held on one full-day or for four to six weekly 90-minute gatherings to pray\, view and discuss a video presentation and to support an emerging daily practice of Centering Prayer. To schedule an introductory workshop for your group\, church or organization\, please contact us via email.This event is free\, but there is a suggested donation of $25.00. If you wish\, please support us with a donation of your choice\, which helps cover our rent\, website maintenance\, scholarship fund and other expenses. This is purely a suggestion and not meant to be a barrier to attendance. All are welcome. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommunity of Christ Church\n\n\n\nAddress 830 North Kirkwood RdKirkwood\, MO 63122 \n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegistration\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n URLThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Name(Required)\n \n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n Email(Required)\n \n Phone(Required)Address \n \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n City\n \n \n State / Province / Region\n \n \n ZIP / Postal Code\n \n \n This field is hidden when viewing the formAttendance TypeI will attend the sessions (pick one please)\n \n \n In-person\n \n \n \n Zoom\n Background(Required)Please briefly share your contemplative prayer backgroundGuestsIf you are bringing guests\, please list their names below. Thank youConnectionHow did you hear about this event?VolunteerVolunteers help make events like this possible\, and we deeply appreciate any support to help lighten the load! Your presence is more than enough\, but if you’d like to help\, please arrive 30 minutes early for welcoming or setup\, and/or stay 30 minutes after for cleanup.\n \n Welcoming\n \n \n Set Up\n \n \n Bring a Light Dish\n \n \n Clean Up\n Donation(Required)This event is offered free of charge. A suggested donation of $25 is appreciated. If you wish\, you may offer a donation of any amount to help cover our rent\, website\, scholarships\, and other expenses.\nAn optional four-session follow-up series will be offered on Thursday evenings following the workshop for those who wish to continue. Please save the dates.\nThis is simply an invitation and not a barrier to attendance. All are welcome.\n \n \n Yes\, I would like to donate via credit card.\n \n \n \n Yes\, I would like to donate via mailed check.\n \n \n \n I will donate at the event.\n \n \n \n No donation at this time.\n Mailing List(Required)Do you want to be added to our mailing list?\n \n \n Yes\n \n \n \n No\n \n \n \n I already receive your informative posts.\n Donation for Intro Workshop 5/2/26\n \n Donation Total\n \n Credit CardCard Details\n \n Cardholder Name\n \n Make it payable to COSTL and mail it to: COSTL c/o Susie Brent \n489 Staines Court \nSt. Louis\, MO 63141IMPORTANT:  All information provided with your gift is strictly confidential and will never be exchanged with another organization or sold to anyone for other use. You may rest assured that we value your support and would not put you or your identity in jeopardy.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Δ \n \n\n\n\n\nHaving trouble registering or did not receive a confirmation email? Reach out to susiebrentcostl@gmail.com. URL:https://centeringprayerstl.org/event/centering-prayer-intro-workshop-spring-2026/ CATEGORIES:Centering Prayer Intro Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://centeringprayerstl.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/IMG_5485.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260527T171500 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260527T203000 DTSTAMP:20260416T003342 CREATED:20260408T181448Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T180828Z UID:77356-1779902100-1779913800@centeringprayerstl.org SUMMARY:Gratefulness! The Prayers of David DESCRIPTION:The EnLIGHTenment Series \n\n\n\nGratefulness! The Prayers of David Steindl-Rast\n\n\n\nAwake to the Gift: The Transforming Power of Gratitude\n\n\n\nPresented by Jim McElroy\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDrawing on the teachings of Thomas Keating and Brother David Steindl-Rast\, this presentation will explore how the practice of Centering Prayer and an attitude of gratitude opens us to a life of joyful awareness.Through silence and consent to God’s presence and action within\, we begin to notice the gift of each moment more fully. Brother David Steindl-Rast’s simple rhythm—Stop\, Look\, Go—offers a practical way of living this awareness in daily life.Together\, we will reflect on how contemplative prayer and gratitude are deeply connected: \n\n\n\n\nHow silence awakens us to the present moment\n\n\n\nHow consent deepens trust in God’s unfolding presence\n\n\n\nHow gratefulness becomes a response to the life already given\n\n\n\n\nParticipants will be invited into both quiet reflection and simple practices that can be carried into everyday life. \n\n\n\n\n\n“Today I want to pay attention to all the superfluous things that are important to me\, and my joy will praise you. Praise is pure abundance and at the same time the ultimate meaning of our lives.” DSR \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Topic:Gratitude and a life of happiness is the Fruit of Centering Prayer. \n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Presenter\n\n\n\nJim McElroy\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJim 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 recovery community. He currently serves on the Trustee Team for Contemplative Outreach\, Ltd and is on the Welcoming Prayer Faculty. He is a former coordinator of Contemplative Outreach of St. Louis. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nFlow of the Evening: Wednesday\, May 27\n\n\n\nSchedule5:15 PM – Gathering & Light meal6:00 PM – Welcome6:10 PM – Centering Prayer6:35 PM – PresentationFollowed by time for questions8:30 PM – Close \n\n\n\n🥪 Early Gathering & Light MealJoin us 40 minutes before the meeting for a simple meal.You’re welcome to bring something to share\, but it’s not necessary.We hope this evening offers space for stillness and insight.Feel free to bring a friend. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLocation\n\n\n\n\n\nCommunity of Christ Church\n\n\n\nAddress 830 N Kirkwood RdSt. Louis\, MO 63122 \n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn-Person & Online Participation (Zoom)This event will be held in person and also offered on Zoom. \n\n\n\nRegistrants will receive the link prior to the event.For those joining online\, donations of any amount are gratefully received.A recording of the session will be shared with registrants after it has been edited. \n\n\n\n\nIn Person: A suggested donation of $25 is appreciated. If you are able\, your support helps sustain our programs\, scholarships\, and ongoing expenses.This is a suggestion only and not a barrier to attendance. All are welcome. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n For any questions please email: enlightenment@centeringprayerstl.com  \n\n\n\n\nNext Enlightenment Series is August 26th with Father Matthew Flatley\n\n\n\n\nComing Soon\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegistration\n\n\n\n \n\n CommentsThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Name(Required)\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n Email(Required)\n \n Phone(Required)Address \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n City\n \n \n State / Province / Region\n \n \n ZIP / Postal Code\n \n \n \n This field is hidden when viewing the formAttendance TypeI will attend the sessions (pick one please)\n \n \n In-person\n \n \n \n Zoom\n Background(Required)Please briefly share your contemplative prayer backgroundGuestsIf you are bringing guests\, please list their names below. Thank youConnectionHow did you hear about this event?VolunteerVolunteers help make events like this possible\, and we deeply appreciate any support to help lighten the load! Your presence is more than enough\, but if you’d like to help\, please arrive 30 minutes early for welcoming or setup\, and/or stay 30 minutes after for cleanup.\n \n Welcoming\n \n \n Set Up\n \n \n Bring a Light Dish\n \n \n Clean Up\n Donation(Required)There is a suggested donation of $25\, which helps cover meals\, our space\, tech support\, website\, scholarships\, and other expenses. If you are able\, your support is greatly appreciated.\nThis is a suggestion only and not a barrier to attendance. All are welcome.\n\n \n \n No donation at this time.\n \n \n \n Yes\, I would like to donate via credit card.\n \n \n \n Yes\, I would like to donate via mailed check.\n \n \n \n I will donate at the event.\n Mailing List(Required)Do you want to be added to our mailing list?\n \n \n Yes\n \n \n \n No\n \n \n \n I already receive your informative posts.\n Donation for ES Gratefulness 5/27/26\n \n Donation Total\n \n Credit CardCard Details\n Cardholder Name\n \n \n Make it payable to COSTL and mail it to: COSTL c/o Susie Brent \n489 Staines Court \nSt. Louis\, MO 63141IMPORTANT:  All information provided with your gift is strictly confidential and will never be exchanged with another organization or sold to anyone for other use. You may rest assured that we value your support and would not put you or your identity in jeopardy.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Δ \n \n\n\n\n\nHaving trouble registering or did not receive a confirmation email? Reach out to susiebrentcostl@gmail.com. URL:https://centeringprayerstl.org/event/gratefulness-the-prayers-of-david-steindl-rast/ CATEGORIES:EnLIGHTenment Series ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://centeringprayerstl.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/diego-ph-tIL1v1jSoaY-unsplash-scaled-3.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260706T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260713T123000 DTSTAMP:20260416T003342 CREATED:20250805T194551Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260302T221259Z UID:76455-1783350000-1783945800@centeringprayerstl.org SUMMARY:Intensive and Post Intensive Centering Prayer 8 Day Retreat DESCRIPTION:8 Day Silent Intensive & Post Intensive Retreat\n\n\n\n\n\nat Mercy Conference and Retreat Center – St. Louis\, MO \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegistration Now Open\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJuly 6th – 13th\, 2026\n\n\n\nSponsored by Contemplative Outreach St. Louis \n\n\n\nCome rest in silence with other contemplative companions\, away from the busyness of daily life\, and allow the mind\, body\, and spirit to surrender to God’s presence and action within. \n\n\n\nThis 8 day retreat offers a more in-depth experience of silent prayer for those who already have an established practice of Centering Prayer of 6 months or more. It is an opportunity for deeper union with God through a communal sharing of silence and stillness. For those making their first weeklong silent retreat\, the Intensive\, we will be using the video series by Thomas Keating\, The Spiritual Journey. The simultaneous Post Intensive track includes additional time in silent prayer instead of video presentations for those who have previously made an Eight Day Intensive Retreat. \n\n\n\nThis retreat offers a double track simultaneously: Intensive I and Post Intensive. If this is your first Centering Prayer retreat of this length the Spiritual Journey Videos are shown in Intensive I. They lay a necessary foundation for the practice for life and especially intensive retreats. \n\n\n\nIntensive I: There will be 3 sets of two 30-minute periods of Centering Prayer daily and 2 sessions of watching video talks from Fr. Thomas Keating’s Spiritual Journey series with optional discussion. \n\n\n\nPost-Intensive: There will be 3 sets of two 30-minute periods plus two additional 30-minute periods of Centering Prayer daily. \n\n\n\nLectio Divina and a optional contemplative Eucharist will be offered daily for everyone\, as well as optional soul-friending with staff. \n\n\n\nThe retreat will be facilitated by Contemplative Outreach staff: Father Bill Sheehan\, OMI\, Marty Badgett\, Mary Beth Rhiner\, Jim McElroy\, Kristina Frank and Susie Brent. \n\n\n\nTo Support Your Retreat Experience: A daily practice of Centering Prayer for 6 months or longer is recommended.\n\n\n\n\n\nSchedule:\n\n\n\n\nArrival: Monday\, July 6th\, 3:00pm\n\n\n\nCentering Prayer Sit (Optional) at 5:00pm\n\n\n\nDinner at 5:30 pm\n\n\n\nRetreat ends: Monday\, July 13th after lunch at 12:30pm\n\n\n\n\nFor more information:retreats@centeringprayerstl.com \n\n\n\nTraveling to Mercy Conference and Retreat Center (St. Louis\, MO):\n\n\n\nAirport transportation may be available from St. Louis Airport for participants arriving on Monday\, July 6 between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM\, and departing on the final day between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM.Travel outside these timeframes can be arranged via Uber or other ride services.On-site registration begins at 3:00 PM. \n\n\n\nRetreat Price:See retreat prices and room types below. \n\n\n\nIn the spirit of shared generosity\, limited scholarship funds are available to assist those who would otherwise be unable to attend. These funds are made possible by Contemplative Outreach Ltd.\, COSTL\, and generous donors. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoin this silent retreat to deepen your understanding and practice of Centering Prayer\, reconnecting with the Divine Mystery at the heart of all religious experiences. \n\n\n\n\n\nRetreat Details – Monday\, July 6th – Monday\, July 13th\n\n\n\n\nArrival:  3:00 pm on Monday\, July 6th\n\n\n\nCentering Prayer Sit (Optional) at 5:00pm\n\n\n\nConversation and  buffet dinner at  5:30-6:30pm \n\n\n\nOptional Lectio Divina and contemplative Eucharist daily\n\n\n\nDeparture: after lunch at 12:30 pm\, Monday\, July 13th\n\n\n\n\nRetreat Location\n\n\n\n\n\nMercy Conference and Retreat Center\n\n\n\nAddress 2039 North Geyer Rd.St. Louis\, MO 63131 \n\n\n\nWebsite: mercycenterstl.org\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nRetreat Director\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\noblate Father Bill SheehanFr Bill Sheehan\, OMI\, has served in numerous leadership roles in his Oblate community. He was an integral voice in the earliest days of the centering prayer movement and the eventual founding of Contemplative Outreach by Fr. Thomas Keating\, OSCO. For over four decades he has continually offered his gifts of wisdom and presence to the Centering Prayer community\, directing retreats throughout the US. We joyfully welcome him back to Missouri to lead us as we pray together in the spacious natural beauty of Mercy Conference Retreat Center.“The ideal disposition for the divine encounter is the gathering together of one’s whole being in silent and alert attentiveness.”Fr. Thomas Keating \n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll inclusive Retreat Pricing\n\n\n\nThis is an overnight\, residential retreat experience.  \n\n\n\nAll accommodation prices below include:\n\n\n\n\nOptional Lectio Divina\, contemplative Eucharist daily\, Centering Prayer Sessions and soul friending session\n\n\n\nAccess to yoga sessions \n\n\n\n7 nights stay at this welcoming retreat center in the chosen room* See link below\n\n\n\n7 days of buffet meals (breakfast\, lunch and dinner)\n\n\n\nAccess to the natural beauty of 72 acres around Mercy Conference and Retreat Center\, including the Labyrinth\, a half mile Cosmic Walk with booklet\, Stations of the Cross\, an exercise room\, multiple lounges\, dining room and a chapel.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRetreat Accommodation Options & Fees \n\n\n\n\n\nRegistration closes on June 22nd\, 2026* *(MCRC may allow retreatants after this date email retreats@centeringprayerstl.com ) \n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere is a $150 Non Refundable Deposit with registrations. \n\n\n\n\n\nDouble Occupancy per person and  Private Bath$1\,090.00\n\n\n\nSingle Room and Shared Bath (Jack and Jill Style bath)$1\,175.00\n\n\n\nTwin Single and Private Bath$1\,275.00\n\n\n\nQueen Single and Private Bath$1\,275.00\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWaitlist available when retreat fills up. Space is limited. \n\n\n\n\n\nRefund Policy \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo View Pictures of Rooms\, Click Here\n\n\n\n\n\nFor more information please email retreats@centeringprayerstl.com Partial scholarships are available inquiries at the same link. retreats@centeringprayerstl.com Thank you! \nNOTE: If you are interested in adding one or two extra self directed days after our retreat\, please contact Kristin at Mercy  kgoldkamp@mercycenterstl.org\n\n\n\n\n\nRegistration Form\n\n\n\nPlease list dietary concerns or assistance needed on the registration form below.  \n\n\n\n\n Loading… URL:https://centeringprayerstl.org/event/intensive-and-post-intensive-centering-prayer-8-day-retreat/ CATEGORIES:Retreat ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://centeringprayerstl.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/labriynth-level.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR