Introductory Workshops
New to Centering Prayer?
We recommend you begin by attending an Introduction to Centering Prayer workshop (see calendar below), and by reading Fr. Keating’s book, Open Mind, Open Heart: The Contemplative Dimension of the Gospel (normally provided during the workshop).
Most workshops are morning sessions (10 am to 12:00 pm) on a Saturday, and then four weekly evening sessions which give greater depth and dimension to the prayer. However, some other formats may be offered. All workshops are led by presenters trained by Contemplative Outreach, Ltd.
During the follow-up sessions, you will see a video of Fr. Keating which will deepen your understanding of the Christian contemplative heritage, have a period of Centering Prayer with the others who attended your workshop, and have an opportunity for a discussion about the prayer which includes questions and answers.
2024 Introductory Workshops
| Date | Time | Location | Contact | Evening follow-up sessions | Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 10th | 8:30am – 12:00pm | In-person Westlake United Methodist Church | Misty Blahuta | ||
| Mar 21st | 10:00am – 12:00pm CDT | In-Person CCH | 512-347-9673 to Register or select this link | F/U Mar 22- 24 (CCH Commuter Retreat) | $15 |
| Mar 23rd | 10:00am – 3:00pm CDT | In-person Metanoia Journey | Register via this link | $35 | |
| Jun 1st | 9:00am – 12:00pm CDT | Virtual via Zoom | 512-347-9673 to Register or select this link | Four Tuesdays 12:00 to 1:15 pm starting Jun 4 | $15 |
| Sep 21st | 10:00am – 3:00pm CDT | In-person Metanoia Journey | Register via this link | $35 | |
| Sep 28th | 8:30am – 12:30pm CDT | In-person CCH | 512-347-9673 to Register, select this link. | Four Mondays 7:00 to 8:15pm starting Sep 30 | $15 |
| Oct 12th | 8:30am – 12:30pm CDT | In-person CCH | 512-347-9673 to Register, select this link. | Four Mondays 7:00 to 8:15pm starting Oct 14 | $15 |
* Scholarships are always available for all Centering Prayer events.
Open Mind, Open Heart
The book Open Mind, Open Heart: The Contemplative Dimension of the Gospel is one of the foundations for the Contemplative Outreach program. This book is designed to initiate the reader into a deep, living relationship with God. Written by Thomas Keating, the book moves beyond “discursive meditation and particular acts to the intuitive level of contemplation.”
Fr. Thomas gives an overview of the history of contemplative prayer in the Christian tradition and step-by-step guidance in the method of Centering Prayer. Special attention is paid to the role of the Sacred Word, Christian growth and transformation, and active prayer. The book ends with an explicit treatment of the contemplative dimension of the gospel. Open Mind, Open Heart will take you into a world where God can do anything, into a realm of the greatest adventure – “Where one is open to Infinite and hence to infinite possibilities.”
