Introduction and Update

In this first newsletter of Contemplative Outreach Canada, we take the opportunity to inform our readers of the events leading up to our formation and add a brief update on Centering Prayer groups and programs in Canada. We ask group leaders to keep us informed of what is happening in their areas, so that all groups may be identified and we can prayerfully support each other.

To date, we have five support groups in Winnipeg and others in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and British Columbia. As well, we welcomed to our Advanced Retreat and the Presenters’ Formation in Winnipeg, two people from Minnesota, USA. It is exciting to see the Spirit at work in our midst, as we share across borders the contemplative dimension of the Gospel.

When we look back to May 1999, and Fr. Thomas Keating’s visit to Winnipeg, his first ever to Western Canada we realize how richly blessed we were to be part of that very special weekend with him and to be enriched and inspired by his wisdom.

The opening session was a public lecture at St. Mary’s Academy auditorium, where Fr. Keating spoke to over 300 people on the "Contemplative Dimension of the Gospel."

Saturday’s program was held at St. Benedict’s Retreat and Conference Centre, Centre for Centering Pray-ers and included several Centering Prayer sessions and a presentation by Fr. Keating entitled, "Progress and Difficulties in Centering Prayer." In the afternoon, a question and answer period with Fr. Keating was indeed enlightening and his responses truly reflected his wisdom, compassion and delightful humor. In the evening he presided at the closing Eucharist, gave a most inspiring homily and in the final blessing sent us forth "to go out and to proclaim the contemplative dimension of the Gospel to the whole world."

As the weekend came to a close, participants representing Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Manitoba met with the area coordinators of Contemplative Outreach, Sister Catherine Labinowich and Carolyn Gratton to discuss the future of Centering Prayer in Canada. The group was unanimous in choosing St. Benedict’s Retreat and Conference Centre as the official headquarters of Contemplative Outreach in Canada. The choice was based on the facts that a praying monastic community resides here, that Centering Prayer workshops and retreats are offered here, that Winnipeg as the Center of Canada is accessible and costs due to US exchange can be cut.

The first Facilitators’ Training Workshop in Winnipeg was held at St. Benedict’s in October, 1999 and twelve persons participated. A similar program was offered for the Toronto area in August, 2000. Also, in Toronto its first Intensive Centering Prayer retreat was held in June 2000 and facilitated by Sr. Catherine. Sixteen participated and were accommodated at the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine Center.

In July, 2000, another Advanced Centering Prayer Retreat was offered at St. Benedict’s.

Vol. 1, No 1