Programs
Check back regularly as we announce new prayer retreats and other offerings.
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We invite you to join us!​​
The Welcoming Prayer
Presented by Mary Dwyer
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Saturday, March 21
9 a.m.-12 p.m. (EST)​
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On Zoom​
As a companion to Centering Prayer, Welcoming Prayer focuses on the disturbances that beset our daily life and allows us freely to acknowledge and surrender their power to God. We begin to respond rather than automatically react to life on life’s terms. As the originator of Welcoming Prayer, Mary Mrozowski, said, “To welcome and to let go is one of the most radically loving, faith-filled gestures we can make in each moment of each day. It is an open-hearted embrace of all that is in ourselves and in the world.” During this half-day online retreat, we will learn about the conceptual background and the method of The Welcoming Prayer, and we will practice it in community.
Meet Mary Dwyer
An early student of Fr. Thomas Keating, Mary has been practicing Centering Prayer since the 1980s. In the early 1990s, she lived at Chrysalis House, a contemplative community in Warwick, New York, blessed by Fr. Keating, with housemates who included Mary Mrozowski, David Frenette and Cathy McCarthy. The community became an incubator of practice and programs in the early years of Contemplative Outreach’s growth. Mary calls this period her “inpatient” or “residential treatment time” that proved to her that a life of prayer, consent, and practice is real, stable, and deeply rewarding.
Mary has given years of service to Contemplative Outreach, Ltd., including as a member of the Contemplative Outreach Faculty and Gift Committee, coordinator for the Living Flame program, and coordinator of the Miami Chapter. In January she stepped down as chairperson of the COL Governing Board. She continues to serve the Finance/Legal Team and the Welcoming Prayer Service Team.
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Mary now divides her time between private practice as a licensed clinical social worker and leadership of retreats and workshops on behalf of Contemplative Outreach throughout the US and internationally. She lives with her husband in Erie, PA.
Registration
General Admission: $25
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Student Admission: $15
When registering, you will be prompted to pay via PayPal or check.
NOTE: PayPal also gives you the option to pay by other major credit cards.
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Make checks out to COMW and mail to:
Gay Hollahan, COMW Treasurer
4925 Western Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
Please note "Welcoming Prayer" in the memo line.
Questions? Email us.
Rescheduled:
Meeting God in the Silence:
An Introduction to Centering Prayer
New Date
Saturday, March 14
9 a.m.-12 p.m.
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St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
4512 College Ave, College Park, Maryland 20740
If you previously registered for the original January 31 date, your registration has automatically been transferred to the new date, and you do not need to register again.
Join us to learn more about consenting to the presence of God through the practice of Centering Prayer. Let praying without words, in deep silence and openness, bring you to a more complete awareness of the Divine Indwelling. This introductory workshop will help new practitioners discern if Centering Prayer is the right practice for them and help them get started, and experienced practitioners will benefit from a refresher and connection with other practitioners.
All of our introduction to centering prayer retreats follow the national Contemplative Outreach Ltd. approach, combining short presentations, two Centering Prayer practice sessions, and ample time for questions and discussion. They are open to anyone, whether you have a longtime Centering Prayer practice or have never tried this form of prayer. There’s enrichment and insight for everyone.
Registration
General Admission: $25
​
Student Admission: $15
When registering, you will be prompted to pay via PayPal or check.
NOTE: PayPal also gives you the option to pay by other major credit cards.
​
Make checks out to COMW and mail to:
Gay Hollahan, COMW Treasurer
4925 Western Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
Please note "Intro to CP" in the memo line.
Questions? Email us.
When you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:6
Donations
Donations are always welcome! COMW has always made its retreats available at the cost of providing them. You might consider adding a donation for the benefit of our future programs to allow us to expand outreach activities. Make your donation here.