A Day of Centering Prayer

November 21, 10 AM – 2 PM

A one-day workshop on Centering Prayer with Sr. Peggy

For over forty years now, the following four guidelines have successfully introduced tens of thousands of people worldwide to Centering Prayer:

1. Choose a sacred word as the symbol of your intention to consent to God’s presence and action within.
2. Sitting comfortably and with eyes closed, settle briefly and silently introduce the sacred word as the symbol of your consent to God’s presence and action within.
3. When engaged with your thoughts [including body sensations, feelings, images, and reflections], return ever-so-gently to the sacred word.
4. At the end of the prayer period, remain in silence with eyes closed for a couple of minutes. [1]

Father Thomas Keating suggests praying for twenty minutes twice a day.

Are we saying that in Centering Prayer, you meditate by simply letting go of one thought after another? That can certainly be our subjective experience of the practice, and this is exactly the frustration expressed by an early practitioner. In one of the very earliest training workshops led by Keating himself, a nun tried out her first twenty-minute taste of Centering Prayer and then lamented, “Oh, Father Thomas, I’m such a failure at this prayer. In twenty minutes, I’ve had ten thousand thoughts!”

“How lovely,” responded Keating, without missing a beat. “Ten thousand opportunities to return to God.”

Lunch is included in this one-day workshop, where you will have a session to sit in contemplation.

ARRIVAL INFORMATION

Holy Mountain Franciscan Retreat Center

40 Franciscan Way, Garrison, NY 10524

Drive to the top of the mountain, turn left into the parking lot, and enter under the Graymoor sign. Guests park only in the front lot.

Check-In: 3:00 PM. Check-Out/Rooms Cleared: 10:00 AM

1. Take the first elevator to the 5th Floor.
2. Check in at the Retreat Office.
3. Use the second elevator to access guest rooms on floors 6-8.

Guest Rooms

• Private rooms, or double by request
• Bathrooms located across the hall
• 5th-floor access code posted outside the Retreat Office

Please Bring / Note

• Bath towel(s)
• Personal toiletries
• Bathrobes must be worn in halls
• Proper attire – no pajamas in the dining room.

Helpful Information

• Wi-Fi: No password required
• Assistance/Security: 845-803-6068 (Rooms, AC, Smoke Alarms, Lost Key)
• Emergency: 911
• Snack Machine: 4^th floor

Meals are served promptly in the Dining Room on 5^th Floor

• Breakfast: 8:00 AM
• Lunch: 12:00 PM
• Dinner: 5:00 PM

Departure Instructions

• Leave sheets and towels (inside a pillowcase) outside your door
• Place trash can outside your door
• Turn off lights, fans, and air conditioning
• Return dishes to the dining room
• Return room key to the basket outside the Retreat Office

Please Protect Our Pipes

Flush toilet paper only. “Flushable” wipes cause damage and flooding.

While You’re Here

• Trail of Glory Art Exhibit (3rd Floor)
• Book & Gift Center (4th Floor) Wed. -Sun.
• Thrift Store (16 Franciscan Way) Wed. – Sun.
• Labyrinth Prayer Walk
• That Nothing Be Lost Thrift Store (16 Franciscan Way) Wed. – Sun

Dear Guests,

This retreat house is home to the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement.

Please always be mindful and respectful, maintaining quiet in

guest rooms and hallways.

Outside chapels close at dusk.

If you arrive after hours or need assistance with your room or meeting space, call Security/Maintenance at 845-803-6068

Kacey

www.HolyMountainRetreats.org

845-690-1104

Holy Mountain Franciscan Retreat Center

40 Franciscan Way, Garrison, NY 10524

Our Lady of the Atonement Retreat House

41 Old Highland Turnpike, Garrison, NY 10524