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:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260706T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260713T123000 DTSTAMP:20260622T212252 CREATED:20250805T194551Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260618T202641Z 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\nRegistration Deadline is June 22nd \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 — \n\n\n\nIf you have already registered\, please check your spam email from susiebrentcostl@gmail.com for information from us as well. 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 BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260714T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260714T203000 DTSTAMP:20260622T212252 CREATED:20260608T193120Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260618T191051Z UID:77569-1784048400-1784061000@centeringprayerstl.org SUMMARY:Access Your Inner Room with Centering Prayer DESCRIPTION:The EnLIGHTenment Series \n\n\n\nAccess Your Inner Room with Centering Prayer\n\n\n\nPresented by Father Bill Sheehan\, OMI\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDiscover the transformative power of Centering Prayer as you learn to access your sacred inner sanctuary. Join us to explore the practice of entering your “inner room\,” deepening your relationship with God and discovering greater peace within. \n\n\n\nAccessing our inner room and exploring its transformative effects is a profound spiritual practice rooted in the teachings of Jesus. Just prior to his death\, Fr. Thomas Keating encouraged us to return to the basics. Early in the development of Centering Prayer\, Fr. Thomas placed great emphasis on Matthew 6:6: “Whenever you pray go to your inner room\, close the door and pray to your Father in secret.”This presentation reflects on two practical questions raised by Father Thomas: \n\n\n\n\nHow do we access our inner room?\n\n\n\nWhat begins to happen when we enter our inner room?\n\n\n\n\nThis evening begins with dinner and then we will explore these questions through teaching\, reflection\, and a period of Centering Prayer.  \n\n\n\n Participants will also be introduced to the Four Consents described by Fr. Thomas Keating: \n\n\n\n\n\nConsent to Presence\n\n\n\nConsent to God’s Action Within\n\n\n\nConsent to Let Go\n\n\n\nConsent to Transformation\n\n\n\n\n\nWhether you are new to Centering Prayer or have practiced for years\, this program offers an opportunity to return to the basics\, deepen your contemplative practice\, and experience more fully the transformative journey of the inner room. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“The ideal disposition for the divine encounter is the gathering together of one’s whole being in silent and alert attentiveness.” – Thomas Keating \n\n\n\nREGISTRATION DEADLINE IS Sunday July 12\, 4PM \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nDownload Flyer for The Inner Room\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Topic: Accessing your inner room with Centering Prayer \n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Presenter\n\n\n\nFather Bill Sheehan\, OMI\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFather Bill Sheehan is a priest and member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI).He holds a Master’s degree ni Formative Spirituality from Duquesne University.Father Sheehan was present at the first Centering Prayer retreat offered by Father Thomas Keating\, OCSO\, at the Lama Foundation ni 1993. Since that time\, he has led numerous Centering Prayer workshops and retreats worldwide.He is known for his gentle presence and long-standingservice in the Centering Prayer community. \n\n\n\n“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\n\nFlow of the Evening: Tuesday July 14 Please register by July 8th. \n\n\n\nSchedule5:00 PM — Gathering & Catered meal6:00 PM — Welcome & Logistics6:05 PM — History Reading & Transition to Prayer6:10 – 6:30 PM — Centering Prayer Block (20 minutes exact)6:35 PM — Introduce Fr. Bill Sheehan7:20 – 7:30 PM — Break7:30 – 8:20 PM — Second Presentation Block8:20 – 8:30 PM — Questions\, Responses & Closing Remarks \n\n\n\n🥪 Early Gathering & Catered MealJoin us for a meal to break bread together before hand.We hope this evening offers space for stillness and insight.Prayer groups are invited to join us for this special evening! \n\n\n\nRegistration Deadline is Sunday\, July 12th at 4PM \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\n For any questions please email: enlightenment@centeringprayerstl.com  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDownload Flyer for The Inner Room\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegistration\n\n\n\n\n \n\n InstagramThis 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 City\n \n \n State / Province / Region\n \n \n Phone(Required)Please briefly share your contemplative prayer background and if you belong to a prayer group(Required)If you are bringing guests\, please list their names below. Thank youHow did you hear about this event?(Required)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 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 information\n ES Registration Fee Quantity(Required)Please input the number of attendees in your party in the quantity fields below:\n \n \n Price:\n $40.00\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 Discount Code 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/access-your-inner-room-with-centering-prayer-july-2026/ CATEGORIES:EnLIGHTenment Series ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://centeringprayerstl.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/p4qxvs_ggv0.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260723T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260723T200000 DTSTAMP:20260622T212252 CREATED:20260610T180745Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260610T195502Z UID:77598-1784829600-1784836800@centeringprayerstl.org SUMMARY:A Centering Prayer Follow-Up & Renewal Gathering DESCRIPTION:A Centering Prayer Follow-Up & Renewal GatheringFacilitated by Charlie Lawrence \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJesus said to them\, ”Come away with me. Let us go alone to a quiet place and rest for a while”. Mark 6:31 \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBack to Basics is a gathering for anyone who would like a little “shot in the arm” for their Centering Prayer practice and for anyone who simply loves the prayer.Each gathering begins with a 20-minute period of Centering Prayer followed by questions and responses\, discussion\, sharing\, and occasional video presentations that support and deepen our understanding of the contemplative journey.Whether you are new to the practice\, returning after some time away\, or have been practicing for years\, you are welcome.Come renew your commitment to the practice\, deepen your understanding of Centering Prayer\, and enjoy the support and encouragement of a contemplative community.  \n\n\n\n\n“Centering Prayer is a way of consenting to God’s presence and action within.” \n\n\n\n— Basil Pennington\, ocso \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis event is free and walk ins are welcome. \n\n\n\nTime:\n\n\n\n\n6:00 p.m. Gathering – Bring a light dish to share (Optional) \n\n\n\n6:30 p.m. Program Begins\n\n\n\n8:00 p.m. Conclusion\n\n\n\n\nPlease bring a notebook. It is recommended to bring your book Open Mind\, Open Heart\, by Father Thomas Keating if you have one. This is a beginner book with questions and answers specifically about the centering prayer practice and the spiritual journey. It is a great companion for the journey. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“Centering Prayer is a discipline to foster interior transformation\, initiated by God and leading\, if we consent\, to divine union. One’s way of seeing reality changes\, which empowers one to perceive and respond to everyday life with sensitivity to the divine presence in\, through and beyond everything.” \n\n\n\n—Thomas Keating\, Open Mind\, Open Heart \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\nFor more information\, contact Charlie Lawrence at Charlesn.lawrence2@gmail.com \n\n\n\nRegistration for Centering Prayer Follow-Up & Renewal Gathering:\n\n\n\nThis event is free\, however all donations are appreciated. Contemplative Outreach is an unincorporated non profit organization \n\n\n\n \n\n InstagramThis 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)Please briefly share your contemplative prayer background(Required)Which gatherings will you be attending?(Required)\n \n June 25th\, 2026\n \n \n July 23rd\, 2026\n 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 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 information\n Add a DonationIf you wish\, please support us with a donation of your choice\, which helps cover our rent\, website maintenance\, scholarship fund and other expenses. YesNoDonationIf 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/a-centering-prayer-follow-up-renewal-gathering/ CATEGORIES:Special Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://centeringprayerstl.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/pexels-raybilcliff-1494639.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR