of Phoenix

Fall 2016

Community With each Silent Retreats. If you long for a retreat experience year, we are but cannot get away for 8 days, consider these challenged to respond to weekly offerings that give you a deep retreat Letter reports of suffering and experience right here in town. Our 11th Step tragedy around the world, Recovery community is also offering 2 retreats in not just among our species but most of itself. the spring. It's overwhelming. Our commitment to the practice Several spiritual resources are reviewed in the of Centering Prayer has never mattered more. We newsletter. Our own library and resource center are a community willing to feel the anguish of a continually adds items which can be borrowed by hurting world and yet remain bearers of peace and individuals and groups. We now have several hope. A reporter once asked Bishop Desmond Tutu copies of the DVD "A Rising of Silence," the if he was an optimist. Smiling, he replied that he beautiful and inspirational life story of Fr. Thomas was no optimist, but instead "a prisoner of hope." Keating. Contact information for Jeannie Lashinske Such is the deep of God. can be found in the newsletter. Our special speaker on November 5, 2016 comes as Introductory workshops to Centering Prayer are on the bearer of such hope. Sr. Dianne Bergant, C.S.A, the calendar. Please attend and encourage others to Ph.D, is a professor of old Testament theology at the listen to that "still small voice." St. Barnabas prestigious Catholic Theological Institute in Episcopal Church has a thriving Contemplative Life Chicago. She is the author of 12 books and many community and calendar, all at articles. Her profound reading of the bible has led www.saintbarnabas.org. Their church campus has her to see that these are stories not just of humans recently added a gorgeous labyrinth that is open to and God, but of God's magnificent gift of the , all. As always, keep in touch via our website, and the living interrelationships that sustain us. www.contemplativeoutreach-phoenix.org. Because of God's indwelling spirit, humans can be Registration and payments for events can be made described as "Creation reflecting upon itself." What online, as well as the old fashioned ways! a beautiful way to see the human being! Come and be enriched by new lenses on the We value you. The world needs you more boundless grace of God and the responses than ever. As we sit consenting to God's it could generate with us. Be empowered presence and action in our , we to consider a deeply Christian response to transmit the very consciousness of God to the suffering of others and of our Earth. this world. We strengthen the prayers of As contemplatives, let us listen to her others worldwide, as they strengthen ours. vision of a sacred solidarity with "the needs You are a gift to the world. and rights of the whole human family and with all creation." (Vision Statement of Contemplative Let us be "prisoners of hope" together. Outreach, Ltd.)

In this newsletter, you'll find information about Yor sevant leadeship gop upcoming retreats, including our innovative Mini-

1 Contemplative Outreach of Phoenix Fall 2016 Fr. Michael Fish, OSB, CD Disc Set its magnitude. The Divine surely kept busy washing Fr. Michael gave us a day of rich reflections Fr. Fish’s feet on those journeys. last year on Saturday, November 14, replete with I relate to what Fr. Fish said about just memorable images and teaching stories. This getting on the trail each day and walking without Camaldolese monk used humor, human earthiness, worrying about following a perfect schedule. One poetry and story to remind us of the ever present may pray for guidance and listen to the Spirit as she Holy Spirit loving and guiding us. We were blessed guides us through the over-packed hours. Not only to create a 2 compact disc set of his talk which many can the designing intuition within creatively meet groups and individuals are using for their spiritual the needs and challenges along the path, she enrichment. It is for sale for $25 by contacting surprisingly gifts us. Contemplative prayer allows us Jeannie Lashinske at [email protected] or to take off our shoes and rest the feet and mind in 480 423 1645. Below, please enjoy one participant's the Lord’s calming waters. reflections on what the day with Fr. Fish meant to Being a lover of nature and silence, I her. delighted in Fr. Fish’s story of discovering Beauty in the single shimmering leaf. Beauty caused Sadness Thoughts on Fr. Michael Fish, OSB at the foot of his bed to vanish after the ninth day of by Kathleen Shannon Hibbets his two-week hermit “staycation.” Fr. Fish hooks us to our senses with his Fish illustrates “The Power of Now” stories and the poetry that he mingles into his talks. throughout his talks. Being in the NOW grounds us That he has walked the Camino three whacked so that we can more effectively employ our senses me. I waded the last 15 miles in the pouring in and absorb Beauty. We then know what Jacob was 2002, and that was enough to imprint my brain with saying, “God was in this place…”

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Introduction to the Practice of The program is ecumenical and free. Centering Prayer. Registration required. To register, contact Liza SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2016 Bell: [email protected] or telephone 602-527-6161 9:30am-3:00pm All are welcome! Saint Barnabas on the Desert Episcopal Church Scottsdale, AZ Fall Silent Retreat Join us to explore the method and fruits of a November 17-20, 2016 Redemptorist Renewal transformative practice that involves daily Center in Tuscon, Arizona. rendezvous with God. Fr. Jim Clark and Liza Bell Facilitated by the Contemplative life Ministry will present an Introduction to Centering Prayer of Saint Barnabas on the Desert Episcopal Church, from 9:30am-3:00pm in the Chapel. Following the Scottsdale, AZ. Saturday program are five Tuesday evening classes from 7:00 to 8:30pm. The Saturday program All meals are provided, each person has their own provides all the essentials for a regular practice of private room, and rooms to accommodate two Centering Prayer, and the following Tuesday people are also available. evening sessions provide continued training and To attend this retreat or for more information, practice that help to deepen your relationship with please contact Liza Bell: (602)527-6161or God. [email protected]. 2 Contemplative Outreach of Phoenix Fall 2016 INTENSIVE RETREATS---SILENT RETREATS in 2017 Contemplative Outreach of Phoenix offers 8-day, silent The retreat fee is $500.00. Scholarships intensive retreats to those who are interested in renewing and are available. If you have a need, please deepening their relationship with God through centering prayer. talk to Jeannie Lashinske when you The retreats take place in Sonoita, AZ, at the Trappistine register. The shared room will be $425.00 Monastery, Santa Rita Abbey* with a lovely setting on high each. desert terrain. There are seven single rooms; one room can Registration: accommodate two retreatants, if two people want to share. Beginning September 1, 2016 Each room has its own bath. The retreat menu is vegetarian. Write, call or email Jeannie Lashinske at: Intensive Retreat: 5728 E. Orange Blossom Friday January 13 through Saturday, January-21, 2017 Phoenix, AZ 85018 The retreat is open to all who have a 6 month centering Phone: 480.423.1645 prayer practice. We will have 3 one hour prayer sessions daily Email: [email protected] and listen to 2 Fr. Thomas Keating Spiritual Journey DVD’S. Plus we will share in Lectio Divina. Also available is the A non-refundable $100.00 registration fee opportunity to participate daily in Lauds, Liturgy (Communion reserves your room. We expect that the Service) and Vespers with the Trappistine Sisters in their nearby remaining $400.00 will be paid in full by sanctuary. There will be talking at the evening meal. December 15th to Jeannie Lashinske. Post-Intensive Retreats: Please make out check to Contemplative Friday February 3-through Saturday, February 11, 2017 Outreach of Phoenix. Scholarship funds Pre-requisite: Must have attended an intensive retreat. are available. Questions? Ask Jeannie or This retreat consists of 4 one hour prayer sessions daily. There email Mary Leonard: is for individual quiet time: writing, sketching, walking, [email protected]. etc. We are invited also to share in the sisters’ prayers of: *Check out the Santa Rita Abbey Lauds, Liturgy, Vespers and Compline. This is a totally silent webpage: santaritaabbey.org retreat.

In the afternoon silence the hills sing to the breeze - cool us. Poem written by Meg Knopf at the 2016 Post-Intensive In the afternoon silence moving air plays a tune while caressing their retreat ravines. Santa Rita Abbey These brown sentinels live on forever as nature's breath streams over their hillsides. Soon we'll be gone from this place Bequeathing this silent gift, this shared melody of hills and breeze. What tune are they playing? For whom are they playing? Listen, lovers of silence They play for you. Listen, lovers of silence, to God's first language - Silence - in this Holy Place. Listen to the eternal song. Listen. 3 Contemplative Outreach of Phoenix Fall 2016

Musings on Happiness imperfections of the world. Nor is happiness a state By Oceana Rames, NMD of exaltation to be perpetuated at all costs; it is the (East Mesa prayer group leader) purging of mental toxins, such as hatred and obsession, that poison the mind. It is also about Several months ago I read on the second page of USA learning how to put things in perspective and reduce Today that Denmark is the happiest country in the the gap between appearances and reality. “ Etty world. I thought: “Still #1!”. Nine years ago I Hellesum, a Dutch woman who died at Auschwitz, researched happiness for a newsletter article said: “That great obstacle is always the representation because, in my medical practice, I had found that and never the reality.” Jesus’ message was: change listening to my patients talk about their unhappiness our perception of reality from one centered on our was vital to their health recovery. Stress is the small selves to the reality of the Indwelling Spirit. leading cause of illness and I believe that unhappiness is the leading cause of stress. Denmark was the So, don’t move to Denmark, move your mind. The happiest country then as well. US is currently secret to happiness lies in following the will of God. number 13. We certainly can’t come up with the path to happiness ourselves. Paul said it so well, “I don’t understand Sociologists deine happiness as a subjective feeling of myself at all. I really want to do what is right, but I well-being, or simply, how much a person likes their can’t. I do what I don’t want to do – what I hate….”. life. My favorite deinition is Buddhist monk Matthieu Our creator God knows what makes us happy. Our Ricard’s: “a deep sense of lourishing that arises from work is to get our small selves out of the way so that an exceptionally healthy mind. This is not a mere God can work through us. Thomas Keating said: “The pleasurable feeling, a leeting emotion, or a mood, but Christian spiritual journey is a journey, not of an optimal state of being.” He goes on to say distance, but of consciousness from our heart to God’s “Happiness is also a way of interpreting the world, heart.” St. Augustine called that happiness Resting in since while it may be dificult to change the world, it God. is always possible to change the way we look at it.” It is not enough for us to just say, "God's will be done How do we look at the world? Well, Paul says it quite in me.” Following the will of God is the hardest thing aptly in 1 Corinthians: “for now we see in a mirror we can do. Look at how Jesus struggled in dimly.” We don’t see ourselves or the world as it Gethsemane. Of course, Jesus was facing no ordinary really is. Our vision is obscured by our task, just a descent into the abyss of thoughts about reality. That is feeling the separation from his because most of us experience our beloved Father God. But wait, isn’t thoughts as facts. The average that the big illusion that humans human has 70,000 thoughts per day The Christian spiritual struggle with? By God’s design we and researchers say 95% of those are free to choose to follow God’s will thoughts are ones from yesterday. journey is a journey, or not. The will to follow God has to We are not thinking about today and be wrested free of all of the ways in right now, we are thinking about our not of distance, but of which we think we will be happy by past , our future, our fears and following our will. Look at what Jesus worries, our regrets, our despair, and consciousness from faced in the desert. Even Jesus, even those endless ruminations about our our heart to God’s after getting his enlightenment at life or someone else’s life. On baptism, did not rush off to preach average, 80% of those thoughts are heart. the good news. Spirit called him to negative. This is one dim mirror! It the desert to deal with his own is literally unreal what goes on in our Thomas Keating human nature. The attractions of minds!! Studies ind that happy security, esteem, and power were people observe and question their offered to him and each time he said, own thinking. When we question our "I don’t want that, I follow the will of God. own thoughts, we change our relationship with our My life, Jesus said, is God’s life. " thinking, and we are able to choose what we believe and what we respond to in our lives. Jesus calls us to choose God’s will. Every time we sit down to Centering Prayer, we are changing the way The healthy mind that Ricard talks about is one free we think about and choose our reality. The most of mental toxins. To quote Ricard: “The search for powerful, life-altering thing we do is to let go of our happiness is not about looking at life through rose thoughts. All we have to do is surrender and God will colored glasses or blinding oneself to the pain and give us so much more than we could ever imagine. 4 Contemplative Outreach of Phoenix Fall 2016 Mini-Silent Retreat Day Three years ago Contemplative Outreach of centering prayer practice, plus have attended an Phoenix, in order to meet the needs of those unable Introductory Day. We may have a couple of to attend an 8 Day Intensive retreat at Santa Rita openings this fall. Abbey in southern Arizona, launched a weekly Blessings… Mini-Silent Retreat at the Saint Bridget Spirituality Becky Weinberg Center in Mesa, AZ. Being able to stay close to 4163 North Lomond, Mesa, Arizona 85215 home, this silent day has given those within the 480-201-0604 [email protected] contemplative community and desiring to learn about the contemplative experience, the opportunity A DAY IN THE MAKING-- to deepen their centering prayer practice and to enhance their conceptual understanding of the Tuesday Mini-Retreat Day contemplative journey in an ecumenical setting. In addition to our Thursday Mini-Silent Retreat The 5 hour silent day includes: a morning and there is the possibility we will form another Mini- afternoon 1 hour centering prayer sit with a Retreat session at St. Bridget Catholic Church in meditative walk, a DVD presentation, a silent lunch January 2017 on Tuesday mornings. We will use with reading, Lectio Divina and a question and the same format as Thursday morning with one answer period followed by personal sharing. The exception. We will start out with 2 forty minute first and second years we presented Father Thomas prayer sits rather than 2 one hour prayer sits. There Keating “Spiritual Journey” DVDs. The third year will be a meditative walk between each prayer sit. we listened and discussed Father Thomas' We are asking those wishing to pre-register to have “Heartfulness” DVD series and his “Gifts of Death attended an Introductory Day, the Follow-up and Living”. Sessions held after the Intro Day, and to have at This Fall we will continue with our Mini- least a six month centering prayer practice. Silent Retreat using the same format. We ask those Commitment to attending each Tuesday session is who attend to make a firm commitment to be very important. There is an organic development present each week. and conceptual background presentation taught in The Spirituality Center at St. Bridget the Spiritual Journey tapes that deepens from week Catholic Church in Mesa is located at 2840 East to week. Also in the silence of prayer, a community Lockwood, Mesa, Arizona, 85206. We meet on is formed and support shared. Thursdays at 9:30 AM. The program consists of 3 With 6 committed participants, we will assemble a six week periods beginning on November 3, 2016 team to provide an additional day of silence and and extending to April 13, 2017. The fee is $60.00 contemplation at St. Bridget’s. Please contact me if for each six week period. We ask each person to you would like your name to be added to the list. bring a lunch; we provide snacks and drinks. Blessings… Please contact Becky Weinberg if you are Becky Weinberg interested in participating in this contemplative 4163 North Lomond, Mesa, Arizona 85215 prayer day. We do ask that you have a two year 480-201-0604 [email protected]

Contact People The following may be contacted for information about Contemplative Outreach programs and meetings in their area. • Rick & Kathy Kramer-Howe....Phoenix 602.955.6057 • Phil and Mary Leonard...... Phoenix 480.966.7558 • Robert Johnson...... Prescott 928.717.2441 • Rusty Swavely...... Sedona 928.300.2949

5 Contemplative Outreach of Phoenix Fall 2016 Centering Prayer: a Way of Life an opportunity to let go and embrace the present moment by gently returning to the sacred word. Fr. Carl Arico 4. The Present Moment –After saying the Our by Jerry and Concetta Tong Father, remain in silence for a few minutes to allow This DVD’s first session was shown at the World this reservoir to become a powerful healer that Day of Prayer in March. It seemed to be well promotes an attitude of consenting and detachment, received by the community and we decided to into the events of each day. borrow it to share with our centering prayer group at 5. Response to Sharings – Fr. Carl spoke to Holy Spirit Church in Tempe. The group agreed to his audience after the four sessions and summarized view the five sessions of the DVD, and then share their responses. their reflections. Lectio Divina, which usually We highly recommend this DVD as our group found follows centering prayer, was suspended. it fostered a deeper commitment to their practice. Fr. Here are some of Fr. Carl’s reflections. Carl has a warmth and sense of humor that allows 1. Words - Words are important, they have the us to be open to his message. It is available for loan power to change us. The sacred word celebrates our from our Contemplative Outreach library in consent. It is a symbol of our ”I do” to God. Phoenix. 2. Embodiment - Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. This prayer is not only a time for deepening an intimate relationship with God, but also a discipline, making quality time for prayer. 3. Thoughts – Thoughts are an inevitable and integral part of centering prayer. These thoughts are

Finding Your Hidden Treasure lose their urgent pressures, our uncertainty to give The Way of Silent Prayer way to trust. To wait in silence is to be taken to the By Benignus O’Rourke OSA centre where we find that the mind has become quiet and the heart is at peace. And, in the stillness, we This small book is written in a very simple form. It find God. serves as a guide for the journey for anyone who is As we sit quietly in the Lord’s presence we begin to drawn to silent prayer. It is a must for beginners, savour the sound of silence. There is just God and but it also serves anyone who has been praying this us. And He is silent too. Mother Teresa of Calcutta way for years. The following are a few excerpts was once asked: “When you pray, what do you say from the book. to God?” She said: ‘I don’t say anything. I listen.’ Then she was asked, ‘All right. What does God say Our prayer of silence takes us down to that stillness to you?’ She said: ‘God doesn’t say anything. God at the centre of our being, to that innermost self listens.’ And she added: ‘If you can’t understand where there is always peace. When we become that, I can’t explain it to you.’ quieter we find the peace that is hidden in the depths of our being, but is submerged under the agitation of In our time of silent waiting we are allowing the sap, everyday life. the life that flows in the vine, to flow through the branches. We are not seeking union with God. We To reach the place where Christ awaits us we need to already have that. Our task is to remain close to be prepared for long periods of silence, and quiet, Him and enjoy that union. long enough for our doubts to dissolve, our cares to 6 Contemplative Outreach of Phoenix Fall 2016

“GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD” (John 3:16) Learn about experiencing God’s love in and through the world NOVEMBER 5, 2016 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

Central United Methodist Church 1875 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix 85004

Seating is limited-Lunch provided Parking in church lot AND North Corner of Phoenix Museum lot

Dianne Bergant C.S.A. is the Distinguished Professor of Old Testament Studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Martin Laird O.S.A., was one of the many students she taught at CTU. She is an active member of the Chicago Catholic/Jewish Scholars Dialogue. She currently works in the area of biblical interpretation and biblical theology, focusing on issues of peace, , and feminism. She has written numerous articles and chapters in books on topics including scripture and liturgy, ecology, worship, Hebrew narrative and poetry. “God so loved the world” tells us why we were created-because of the love of God. Sister Dianne invites us to step back and take time from our busy lives to reflect on how we can experience God’s love with the world, in the world, and through the world.

Fee is $40.00. Payment is due at time of registration. Register at www.contemplativeoutreach-phoenix.org and pay via PayPal, credit card, or mail check made out to Contemplative Outreach of Phoenix to Sister Rachel Torrez 8141 N. 16th Street #5 Phoenix, AZ 85020. For more information or questions regarding scholarships contact Sister M. Rachel at [email protected] or 602 944 2728.

Name ______Address ______

Phone ______check for vegetarian lunch-Important______

7 Mini 12 Step Retreat with Bill Sheehan Evening Friday March 10, 2017 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM and Saturday March 11, 2017 from 9 to 4 PM

Central United Methodist Church Now when you sit to meditate I reach for you, 1875 N. Central Ave., Phoenix AZ 85004 I tug your jittery compass needle Pioneer Chapel toward the true axis of your being, not patient, since I can't be Rate: $60 (includes lunch and snacks) impatient, but persistent and faithful Keynote speaker: Bill Sheehan as the moon, as the return of rain. Partial Scholarships may be available Also, Introductory Presentations on the Method of Centering Kathy Kramer-Howe Prayer as an 11th step practice plus other spiritual practices Registration will be available soon at www.contemplativeoutreach-phoenix.org

Contemplative Outreach, LTD. 2622 E. Del Rio Dr Tempe, AZ 85282-4136 *Return Receipt Requested*

www.contemplativeoutreach-phoenix.org