Programs
Autumn 2021 At a Glance:
8-Day Advanced Centering Prayer Retreat
Sunday, November 28 - Sunday, December 5, 2021
Advent Day of Reflection
Saturday, December 4, 2021
8-Day Advanced Centering Prayer Retreat: Deepening the Silence
Sunday, November 28 - Sunday, December 5
Becky Hannah, Joan Ricci Thome, & The Rev. Bob Cook
$654 all-inclusive
This retreat is for those who would like a more prolonged experience of centering prayer and who are interested in entering into the more profound levels of spiritual practice in an atmosphere of silence, solitude, and community.
Centering prayer is a silent form of prayer with ancient roots in the mystical and monastic tradition. The retreat will help participants develop and sustain a regular centering prayer practice. In addition to several centering prayer periods offered daily, you will also have opportunities for contemplative worship, individual meetings with retreat leaders, walks and hiking, labyrinth walks, and time for solitude and reflection.
Retreat leaders are Becky Hannah, co-coordinator of Contemplative Outreach of Western NC, and Joan Ricci Thome, presenter of contemplative prayer retreats at the Oratory and St. Francis Springs Prayer Center in Stoneville, NC. The Rev. Robert Cook, Vicar of Christ Church, Walnut Grove, NC is spiritual director for the week. Joan and Becky have both been trained to facilitate centering prayer by Contemplative Outreach, the organization founded by Father Thomas Keating as a spiritual network committed to living the contemplative dimension of the gospel in everyday life.
Due to the length of this retreat, each participant should have an established practice of centering prayer for at least a year. This retreat is limited to the first 20 registrants. Participants must stay on campus and plan to attend the entire retreat. Participants must be fully vaccinated for COVID.
To register for the 8-Day Centering Prayer Retreat:
Advent Day of Reflection
Saturday, December 4, 2021
Katerina Whitley
$47 for program; options for overnight and additional meals
Withdraw for just a day with like-minded people to think of all that is holy, righteous, and respectful of the dream of God for us all. Our longing for peace, justice, and truth is the same longing people have had through the ages. The biblical story tells us of the fulfillment of God’s promises in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, in the living Christ of St. Paul and the first Christians.
Join Katerina Whitley at the Valle Crucis Conference Center to think of His coming: to anticipate the gift of Christmas while preparing our hearts and minds throughout the season for Advent for the fulfillment of all that God promises to those who respond to God’s love.
Bring your favorite Advent memory and come ready to be creative together.
For more information about program, overnight, & meal options, and to register: