CONTEMPLATIVE  OUTREACH  OF CENTRAL  CALIFORNIA
NEWSLETTER  VOL. #6  Oct. 2009

 We hope that this letter finds you well and experiencing spiritual growth.  Below are reports on events that occurred last summer and some coming enrichment opportunities.  We are thankful for the times that we are able to meet together to encourage each other on our spiritual journeys.

SUMMER  2009  EVENTS

INTRODUCTION TO CENTERING PRAYER RETREAT WEEKEND – Was held on July 3 -- 5th. at Saint Anthony’s Retreat Center in Three Rivers, California.  Instruction was offered on the method of Centering Prayer by Contemplative Outreach trained presenters:  Dr. Juan Garcia and Everardo Pedraza. CEU units were given if desired.  One of the fruits of this retreat was the formation of a Centering Prayer Group in Visalia with Jennifer Ruff, Polo Ortiz and Ricardo Vasquez.

INTERSPIRITUAL PEACE MEDITATION -- Centering Prayer, Zen, and Brahma Kumaris friends met to share silent meditation at Woodward Park each fourth Sat. March through Sept.  Plans are being made to continue this tradition next year.

CENTERING PRAYER RETREAT DAY -- Was held on July 18th. at the Garcia home.  Group Centering Prayer and personal time for silence was experienced, along with time for fellowship and spiritual sharing of our lives.

FOUR DAY CENTERING PRAYER RETREAT -- Some of our members attended this retreat at Mercy Center in Burlingame on Aug. 6th. -- 9th. and found it very valuable.  It was led by Eileen Halliburton & Fr. Justin Langille.     

INTRODUCTION TO CENTERING PRAYER WORKSHOP -- Was held at University Presbyterian Church on Sept. 19th.  The presenters were Kevin Crary and Beverly Garcia.  It was well attended with almost 40 participants.  We want to thank the Servant Leaders who came and helped:  Graviela Redondo, Connie and Dana Determan, Mark Woods, Victor Yanez and Cathy Martin.  (We welcome Cathy Martin who has just moved here and has been practicing Centering Prayer for several years.)  We have been blessed to have Cathy Wingert offer to join our Servant Leadership Team.  She provided the lunch for our event with other volunteers, and is doing a wonderful job facilitating the Follow Up Sessions. 

COMING  CONTEMPLATIVE  EVENTS AND INFORMATION

Fr. Coffey REtreat -- Sat. Dec. 5th., 2009 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Sister Disciples of the Divine Master Convent in Fresno.  Speaking on St. Francis de Sales.  Donation $30.  Call Pauline or Sr. Tiziana (559) 275-9978 to register.

CONTEMPLATIVE MEDITATION ADVENT RETREAT  -- Dec. 18-20, 2009 at St. Anthony Retreat Center in Three Rivers, CA. by Everardo Pedraza and Dr. Juan Garcia.  Early registration is $230. for shared room and $290. for private. This retreat will provide the conditions and environment to deepen in your Centering Prayer practice.  Special teaching will be given for anyone new to Centering Prayer.  Click here for flyer. Contact Everardo for more information or to register.

CENTERING PRAYER PARISH MISSION --  At St. Anthony Padua has been delayed.  We are working to reschedule.

WELCOMING PRAYER IMMERSION RETREAT -- At Mercy Center, Birlingame on Feb. 4-7th., 2010.  Cherry Haisten will come to present from the national Contemplative Outreach team.  Cost is $365.  The Welcoming Prayer is a method of actively letting go of thoughts and feelings that support the false self system.  It provides a method that can be used in everyday life.  For more information or to register call Mercy Center  (650) 340-7454 or see www.mercy-center.org.

PRAYER OF THE HEART CONFERENCE -- At University Presbyterian Church on  Fri. evening Feb. 12th. and Sat. 13th. 2010.  Speakers will be Fr. Robert Hale, OSB Cam. and Dr. Steve Varvis, historian, Fresno Pacific University.  They will explore 14th century Christian mystics and reflect on the way their teachings assist and illumine the practice of interior prayer today.  $30. includes Sat. lunch.  For more information or to register, call the church at (559) 439-8804.

COCC LENDING LIBRARY --  Connie Determan has agreed to be the librarian for our DVD's and CD's.  Thank you, Connie!  She can be reached at (559) 275-4722 or determan4@yahoo.com  Attached are lists of our lending library.

CENTERING PRAYER GROUPS IN FRESNO -- On Wed. 6:30 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua facilitated by Kevin Crary;
at the Garcia home Wed. 1 p.m. facilitated by Beverly Garcia;  on Mon. 6:30 p.m. at University Presbyterian Church facilitated by Cathy Wingert.  There are also groups in Visalia, Hanford, Prather and Merced.

For more information, please contact Co-Coordinators:  Everardo Pedraza (559) 230-9736,  evpedraza@yahoo.com Or Beverly Garcia  (559) 251-4013, (559) 246-1037,  prayersongs@yahoo.com