
Programs
COMW Celebrates 25 Years

As we continue in our 25th year of retreat offerings (monthly and a six-day retreat in October), we embrace this theme for 2023: “The Healing Role of Contemplation.” We believe that a regular period of Centering Prayer practice will allow us to live out what God is calling us to do, bringing healing into a world in which conflict and injustice are all too present.
We invite you to join us!
Benedicte Vibe Christensen, COMW Chapter Coordinator
December Retreat

The Healing Power of Centering Prayer
Saturday, December 9, 2023
9 am - 12 Noon
The Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle
1725 Rhode Island Ave, NW
Washington, DC
Led by The Rev. Tim Grayson
“You have made us for yourself, O Lord,
and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” (St. Augustine)
Thomas Keating, one of the founders of the modern Centering Prayer movement, popularized the Centering Prayer process as “divine therapy" because it enables the healing of deep psychological wounds and promotes spiritual growth. According to Keating, this therapy leads to the “purification and healing of the unconscious, thus deepening the practitioner's relationship with God.” Acknowledging and releasing troubling thoughts that bubble up from deep within helps deconstruct the false self that emerges in childhood from our efforts to find security amid damaging societal and familial influences.
In this retreat, Tim Grayson, a member of COMW’s coordinating team and an Episcopal priest, will review the work of renowned spiritual guides such as Keating, Basil Pennington, Thomas Merton, Cynthia Bourgeault, and Jim Finley, who have written extensively on the healing properties of Centering Prayer. The program will include three Centering Prayer sessions and ample time for discussion.
Tim is a longtime board member of Listening Hearts Ministries, which is dedicated to teaching the practice of spiritual discernment, and is an authorized Listening Hearts trainer. He also has a burgeoning interest in Christian mysticism.
Location
The Cathedral of St Matthew the Apostle
1725 Rhode Island Ave, NW, Washington, DC
(Please enter at the lower level through the door next to the garage, and note that the church garage is closed on Saturdays, but metered street parking is available, as well as two parking garages close-by.)

PAYMENT BY PAYPAL OR MAJOR CREDIT CARD
When registering, you will be prompted to pay via PayPal.
NOTE: PayPal also gives you the option to pay by other major credit cards.
PAYMENT BY CHECK
Make checks out to COMW and mail to:
Linda Hall, COMW Treasurer
1959 39th St NW, Washington, DC 20007
Confirmation will be sent upon registration. Reminders are sent the day prior to the event.
Questions? Please contact Benedicte Vibe Christensen, facilitator
February Retreat

MEET GOD IN A NEW WAY
Attend our day long retreat!
An Introduction to Centering Prayer
Saturday, February 3, 2024
9 am - 3 pm (EST)
St. Mary Magdalen Mission of St. Margaret Church
1716 Churchville Road, Bel Air, MD 21015
Ample On-site Parking | Accessible Facilities
Presenters: Benedicte Vibe Christensen and Marjorie Centofanti
Let praying without words, in deep silence and openness, draw you closer to God. Come to realize the beauty of holiness in using what modern contemplative Thomas Keating called “God’s first language.” This retreat follows the national Contemplative Outreach Ltd. approach, combining short presentations, two Centering Prayer practice sessions and ample time for questions and discussion.
Hosted by Contemplative Outreach of Maryland and Washington (COMW), this retreat is 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 both. PROGRAM FEE: $25
Retreat Information
PROGRAM FEE: $25
REGISTER HERE: tinyurl.com/MeetGodinaNewWay020324
WHEN: Saturday, February 3, 2024 (Snow Date - Saturday, February 10)
TIME: 9 am – 3 pm EST Doors Open at 8:30 am for Coffee/Tea/Bagels, etc.
WHERE: St. Mary Magdalen Mission of St. Margaret Church
1716 Churchville Road, Bel Air, MD 21015| Ample On-site Parking | Accessible Facilities
LUNCH: Attendees, please bring a bag lunch. Drinks provided.
Questions?
Contact Marjorie Centofanti or Gene Popiolek
PAYMENT BY PAYPAL OR MAJOR CREDIT CARD
When registering, you will be prompted to pay via PayPal.
NOTE: PayPal also gives you the option to pay by other major credit cards.
PAYMENT BY CHECK
Make checks out to COMW and mail to:
Linda Hall, COMW Treasurer
1959 39th St NW, Washington, DC 20007
Confirmation will be sent upon registration. Reminders are sent the day prior to the event.
Questions? Please contact Benedicte Vibe Christensen, facilitator
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.