A Workshop on Contemplation and Anti-Racism

Presented by

Contemplative Outreach Chicago and

the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate Anti-Racism Committee

Sunday April 11, 2021 at 2:00 - 5:00 PM (US Central Time)

Contemplation and racism are opposites. In Centering Prayer and other contemplative practices, we find a path that opens us up to oneness, while racism denies this reality, insisting instead on the “otherness” of those who may be different from us in appearance or culture.

This workshop will begin with a 30-40 minute contemplative experience, led by Alan Krema, coordinator of Contemplative Outreach Chicago. This will include Centering Prayer as well as body prayer and guided meditation to expand our experience from being centered in the thinking mind to include the moving and emotional centers of our being in the work. In opening ourselves to a greater and more connected state of awareness, we can share our being more openly with others, including others of different backgrounds.

The remainder of the workshop will be presented by members of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate Anti-Racism Committee (ARC). This committee is a multicultural mix of sisters and lay persons.

Main topics during this second part of the program will include:

• Sharing current stories of racism and resistance
• Becoming aware of microaggressions
• Recognizing and working to eliminate white privilege

Each main topic will be followed by a breakout room discussion session, and the workshop will conclude with a discussion of participants’ responses and hopes, and a prayer for our future.

Please link to the biographic information on all the presenters.

Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate

Anti-Racism Committee Mission Statement

Mindful of the sin of racism and our call to dismantle it in our society, our Anti-Racism Committee is working to raise consciousness and educate within our Congregation, among our Associates, in the institutions we sponsor and in the communities where we live and work.

Registration

All are welcome. There is no charge for this workshop. You will have the option of making a freewill donation, if you like, after registering.

Registration will close on Sunday April 11 @ 10:00 AM (US Central Time)..

Zoom link

The Zoom link will be emailed on Friday April 9 @ 5:00 PM (US Central Time).

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Questions?

Please email registrar@centeringprayerchicago.org for a Zoom link resend or for any questions.