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About Contemplative Outreach
Who We Are
Contemplative Outreach Pittsburgh is a chapter of Contemplative Outreach Ltd--a worldwide community of individuals and small groups committed to living the contemplative dimension of the Gospel in daily life.
The contemplative dimension of the Gospel is defined as the penetration into the spiritual meaning of Scripture, leading to an experience of the living Christ and to love others, inspired by that experience.
Our purpose is to foster the process of transformation in Christ in one another through the practice of centering prayer that leads to contemplation and union with the Divine.
Contemplative Prayer
We may think of prayer as thoughts or feelings expressed in words. But this is only one expression. In the Christian tradition contemplative prayer is considered to be the pure gift of God. It is the opening of mind and heart – our whole being – to God, the Ultimate Mystery, beyond thoughts, words, or emotions. Through grace we open our awareness to God whom we know by faith is within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than choosing, and closer than consciousness itself.
Centering Prayer
Centering prayer is a method designed to facilitate the development of contemplative prayer by preparing our faculties to receive this gift. It is an attempt to present the teaching of earlier times in an updated form. Centering prayer is not meant to replace other kinds of prayer; rather it casts a new light and depth of meaning to them. It is at the same time a relationship with God and a discipline to foster that relationship. This method of prayer is a movement beyond conversation with Christ to communion with him.
Theological Background
The source of centering prayer, as in all methods leading to contemplative prayer, is the indwelling Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The focus of centering prayer is the deepening of our relationship with the living Christ. It tends to build communities of faith and bond the members together in mutual friendship and love.
Speakers Available
We have speakers who will come to your church or organization and provide a short presentation, with DVD, explaining how the Christian tradition of centering prayer, contemplation, and Lectio Divina is helping people today deepen their relationship with God. To schedule a speaker contact Jack Shaw.
Introductory Workshops
We offer introductory workshops on centering prayer which leads to contemplation. The workshops can be adapted for your group but usually consists of a five hour Saturday workshop which is followed by five follow-up sessions that are recommended, but not required. The follow-up sessions can be scheduled on days or evenings that best meets the schedules of the group. A registration fee of $20 to $25 per person covers the workshop, materials, and follow-up sessions. Scholarships funds are available and no one is turned away.
Days of Prayer & Reflection
We offer various days of prayer and reflection throughout the year, typically hosted by one of our prayer groups. One yearly event is the United in Prayer Day that is a shared day of prayer for Contemplative Outreach communities.
We also organize retreats at a local retreat center featuring a theme and presenter. Cost is determined for each event and events are posted on our website as well as publicized via our monthly eNews sent via email.
On the Contemplative Outreach website, there is a calendar of events (click Upcoming Events). In addition, Contemplative Outreach programs are described here: Contemplative Outreach Programs.
Lending Library
We offer a lending library for centering prayer groups that includes books, DVDs and CDs that can be used for group discussion and enrichment. For a list of available resources click HERE (Resources). To inquire about borrowing the DVDs or CDs, or to purchase books, please contact Chris Volz (chrisvolzu@gmail.com)
Resources
www.cac.org - Father Richard Rohr (Center for Action and Contemplation)
www.contemplativeoutreach.org (Contemplative Outreach Ltd.)
Find A Prayer Group
Meeting locations are grouped geograpically and by days of the week. CLICK HERE for the most current list.
