The Cathedral will be hosting a Centering Prayer Introductory Workshop, from 9:30 AM to 4 PM on Saturday, November 8th.
Participants are invited to also attend four continuing sessions which will be held from 7 PM to 8:30 PM at the Cathedral on Tuesday Nov 18th, Nov 25th, Dec 9th and Dec 16th. Your registration includes the workshop (refreshments & lunch will be provided), community of practice continuing sessions and a paperback copy of Open Mind, Open Heart by Thomas Keating.
More information
Centering Prayer is a receptive method of silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, in which we experience God’s presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself.
The Centering Prayer Introductory Workshop, from 9:30 AM to 4 PM on Saturday, November 8th will introduce participants to the method of Centering Prayer and its conceptual background and will offer two opportunities to experience the prayer.
The workshop consists of four presentations led by Contemplative Outreach commissioned presenters.
1. Prayer as Relationship
2. The Method of Centering Prayer
3. Thoughts and the Use of the Sacred Word
4. Deepening our Relationship with God
The Four Communities of Practice Continuing Sessions:
Participants are invited to attend four continuing sessions which provide support, further teaching and the time needed to establish a personal Centering Prayer practice. The continuing sessions also include the opportunity to share the initial Centering Prayer experience with others who have made a similar commitment.
Community of Practice Sessions are led by an experienced facilitator and include a period of Centering Prayer and group discussion. They will be held from 7–8:30 PM at the Cathedral on:
- Tuesday Nov 18th
- Tuesday Nov 25th
- Tuesday Dec 9th
- Tuesday Dec 16th
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Cost: $90-150-225 is the suggested sliding scale cost, but any financial contribution is welcome. This includes the workshop (refreshments & lunch will be provided), community of practice continuing sessions and a paperback copy of Open Mind, Open Heart by Thomas Keating.
Please note: We do not want money to be a barrier; if you would like financial assistance, please let Rev. Areeta know.
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Facilitator bios:
Gene Fraser: Gene has practiced various forms of Buddhist and Christian meditation for more than 30 years. He has been commissioned by Contemplative Outreach International as a Centering Prayer Presenter.
Katherine Murray: Katherine is a daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She is passionate about intimacy with God, contemplative life, and participating in actions that work towards peace and justice in our world. Katherine is a spiritual director and an experienced retreat and group leader on adult spiritual formation and spiritual practices. She is a Contemplative Outreach commissioned presenter of Centering Prayer. Katherine is on the steering committee for Peace Train Canada and her advocacy work has taken her to the federal government in Ottawa and to the United Nations. Katherine deeply values the wisdom found in other faith traditions and is the co-host of the multi-faith podcast In Common with Dr. Allyson Jule coming in Fall 2025 through the Peace and Reconciliation Centre of the University of the Fraser Valley.