(Photo Credit Unsplash – Adrian Mag)
By Stephen Wernikowski
On Saturday, October 5, the Regina Chapter of Contemplative Outreach will offer its annual Christ-centred meditation introductory workshop at Holy Rosary Cathedral. This introduction to the practice of Centering Prayer will be facilitated by a team consisting of Judy Corkery and Connie and Stephen Wernikowski.
Trappist Fathers, Thomas Keating, William Meninger, and Basil Pennington developed the centring prayer method as a response to Vatican II’s invitation to revive the contemplative teachings of the early Church and present them in updated formats. It was brought to Regina by Sister Claire Himbeault, RMDM, in 2010.
What is centering prayer? It is a Christ-centred meditation method. It is a simple method that prepares us to receive the gift of deep intimacy with God, which has traditionally been called contemplative prayer. It consists of responding in quiet and love to God’s Trinitarian presence and action within us. “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46). Centering Prayer is both a relationship with our God and a method or discipline that fosters and supports that relationship.
Centering Prayer does not represent something radically new in Christian spiritual practice as it draws upon traditional practices that have been part of our Christian contemplative heritage. This includes the desert fathers and mothers, Lectio Divina, The Cloud of Unknowing, and the great Carmelites, Thersa of Avila and John of the Cross.
Although the practice of Christ-centred meditation may become a central form of prayer practice for many, it is not meant to replace an individual’s other forms of prayer or devotional practices. It may be viewed as being complimentary or enhancing of other prayer practices.
Centering Prayer helps us to learn how to gently quiet our ever-busy self and mind so that we may focus and rest in the presence of the Lord and be open to the Trinity’s indwelling presence.
During the fall and winter, people gather at 2:00 p.m. at Holy Rosary Cathedral and on alternative Mondays by Zoom for one hour to pray together. This centring prayer session typically includes 20 minutes of meditation followed by a period of Lectio Divina, which focuses on the Gospel passage for the upcoming Sunday.
The introductory workshop will take place at Holy Rosary Cathedral on October 5 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. There is a suggested $25 offering which includes lunch. Pre-registration is necessary.
The Regina Chapter of Contemplative Outreach would like to welcome anyone who is interested or feels called to explore this type of prayer to attend our October 5 introductory workshop or to attend any of our Monday gatherings. All are welcome! For more information about either event or to register for the October 5 workshop please contact Judy Corkery. Her phone number is 306-543-2914, and her email address is [email protected].
