Contemplative Outreach Centering Prayer Presenter Formation Training

Friday April 19, Saturday April 20, Friday April 26, Saturday April 27

Offered over Zoom

This training is an essential component of becoming a Contemplative Outreach Commissioned Presenter of Centering Prayer. Although other necessary aspects will be covered, this training fill focus on presenting the four Conferences that make up the Centering Prayer Introductory Workshop:

1. Prayer as Relationship.
2. The Method of Centering Prayer
3. Thoughts and Use of the Sacred Word
4. Deepening Our Relationship with God

The following is an outline of the sample schedule for each day:

8:45 – 9:15 – Intro, Check-in, and Opening Topics 

• Day 1 – Welcome, The Objective of CP Introductory Workshop, Presenter Training, and Contemplative Outreach, outline of the days ahead
• Day 2 – Feedback and Discussion of overall CP Introductory Workshop
• Day 3 – Addressing Questions that arise
• Day 4 – Alternative CP Introductory Workshop format, Next steps

 9:15 - 9:45 - Centering Prayer Period (trainer and students take turns)

 9:45 – 10:15 - Lectio Approach on a Contemplative Outreach Theological Principle or Guideline for Contemplative Outreach Service

 10:15 - 10:30 - Break 

10:30 - 11:00 - Trainer introduces and presents Conference

11:00 – 11:15 - Group asks questions shares comments/observations

11:15 - 11:45 - Students final prep of Conference and early lunch

11:45 – 12:15 - Centering Prayer Period (trainer and students take turns)

 starting 12:15 Student presentations - (20 minutes) with feedback (10 minutes) for each student.

 end of day – Questions and Wrap-up, looking ahead

Suggested Offering $300.00.

Group size limited.

This training is one component of becoming a Commissioned Presenter of Centering Prayer. 

What are the suggested guidelines for learning to become a presenter?

• Participation in a Contemplative Outreach sponsored Centering Prayer Introductory Program.
• Faithful to a daily practice of Centering Prayer for at least three years.
• Whenever possible, recommended by chapter Coordinator/Contact Person or someone from Contemplative Outreach.
• Attendance at a 5-to-10-day Intensive Retreat or willingness to attend during the Presenter-in-Training period.
• Knowledge of Open Mind Open Heart by Thomas Keating, and familiarity with Invitation to Love, Intimacy with God and the “Spiritual Journey” series.

Your trainer will be:

Mike Smoolca

Mike Smoolca is a contemplative group and workshop facilitator and a dedicated teacher and student of contemplative practice and wisdom spirituality. He is a Contemplative Outreach presenter and coordinator for the Christian Contemplative Experience at Holy Family, Contemplative Outreach of CT, and the Northern CT Chapter of the International Thomas Merton Society. Mike is a practicing spiritual director and supervisor as well as a BioSpiritual Focusing companion and teacher.