RESOURCES FOR A Facilitators’ workshop
Saturday, February 13th, 2021, 10 am - 3:00 pm
Here you will find materials related to the workshop.
You are welcome to join us for only a portion of the time; please consult the schedule below.
Materials include:
• schedule;
• Zoom link;
• description of the workshop;
• Discernment Questions for Centering Prayer Leaders;
• from The Integrity of the Teaching of the Centering Prayer Method, by Thomas Keating;
• Contemplative Outreach Suggested Guidelines for Sharing in Small Prayer Groups:
• instructions for centering prayer;
• information on another workshop for facilitators.
Schedule - Approximate
10:00 - 10:30 Introduction to the day
Centering Prayer practice
10:30 - 12:00 Introducing ourselves
12:00 - 12:45 Lunch with conversation
12:45 - 1:00 Zoom controls for facilitators
(this section will be recorded)
1:00 - 3:00 Afternoon schedule to be decided by the group
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https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82010829083?pwd=SExEekg5eThkanJmZFFQS3lzWWVJQT09
Meeting ID: 820 1082 9083
Passcode: 320366
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Meeting ID: 820 1082 9083
Passcode: 320366
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Discernment Questions for Centering Prayer Leaders
• What feeds me most in my work as a centering prayer leader?
• What is the next step for me in my work as a centering prayer leader?
• What service would I like to be offering that I am not yet offering?
• Is there some kind of support that I need that I am not getting?
• Am I burnt out or in need of a change in some part of my service?
• Is there some change I need to make in my practice?
from The Integrity of the Teaching of the Centering Prayer Method,
Fr. Thomas Keating
Servant-leaders may notice that a certain spiritual transmission takes place during presentations of the introductory and formation workshops, and especially during retreats. The depth of one’s personal commitment to God is the basis of this transmission. It is not so much the letter of the teaching, as the being of the one who teaches that is most important.
Contemplative Outreach Suggested Guidelines for Sharing in Small Prayer Groups
• We accept one another as we are.
• We do not give advice.
• We do not criticize what others share.
• We listen attentively and without interruption when someone else is speaking.
• We keep our sharing in the group absolutely confidential.
• We share experiences from our own lives, not abstract ideas. (use "I" statements)
• We gather in care, not to cure or remove the crisis or pain, God does the healing.
• We decide among ourselves how much time we will devote to sharing, making sure that each person who wants, will have a chance to speak.
• We are always free to remain silent if we wish.
Spiritual Enrichment and Formation for
Facilitators of Centering Prayer Groups via Zoom
February 26 – 27, 2021
This retreat is for current facilitators, as well as those considering becoming facilitators, to enrich and deepen their spirituality and explore the skills and attributes conducive to effective facilitation and functioning of prayer groups. Further topics include principles of facilitating Centering Prayer groups; faith sharing and group dynamics; establishing guidelines and agreements; practical aspects and tools of facilitating; and Zoom hosting skills. Time will also be given to resources such as the Contemplative Outreach Facilitator Handbook and materials available online.
The Retreat is scheduled from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Central Time on Friday, February 26th, and from10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time on Saturday, February 27th.
This retreat is offered and presented by the Centering Prayer Group Facilitator Support Service Team. Bob Mischke, Denver, Colorado; Michele Jankanish, Seattle, WA; Pattye Spezia, San Antonio, Texas; Jim Bailey, Santa Fe, New Mexico; Eileen McCaffrey Schuman, New Jersey.
Further information and to register: https://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/event/spiritual-enrichment-and-formation-for-facilitators-of-centering-prayer-groups/
Relevant chapters in my book, Centering Prayer for Everyone:
Part II—A Concise Guide to Contemplative Leadership
What Does It Mean to Be a Contemplative Leader? | 55
Starting a Contemplative Prayer Group | 59
Planning and Leading a Contemplative Quiet Day |64
Contemplative Prayer in a Digital Context | 79