Welcome
The fundamental purpose of centering prayer…is to contribute to bringing the knowledge and experience of God’s love into the general consciousness of the human family. …Contemplative prayer is a process of interior transformation, a conversion initiated by God and leading, if we consent, to divine union. …[It] is a fundamental constituent of human nature and hence available to every human being. It is accessed by letting go of our own idea of ourselves, turning our will over to God, and resting in the Divine Indwelling that is already present within us and waiting to reveal itself to us.
Thomas Keating, Open Mind, Open Heart
Contemplative Outreach of Westchester is truly glad you found our page. As one of the many chapters of Contemplative Outreach, LTD, we hope to support your centering prayer practice. Look around for resources to help you along your spiritual journey. We practice Centering Prayer and hope you will join us.
…Members of the Westchester NY Chapter of Contemplative Outreach
Announcements
Start the program year with silence and prayer!
September 13, 2025, from 10am to 11:15am
Contemplative Outreach of Westchester is pleased to invite you to our first program of the 2025-2026 season a “Mini-Intensive”* session of Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina. No registration, no fee! Just come and pray. Two 25-minute Centering Prayer sits coupled with a brief period of Lectio Divina. Please enter in silence.
Click here to join.
Meeting ID: 886 1344 0709
Passcode: 789135
Dial in: +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
* A “Mini-Intensive” refers to a short, silent program focused on Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina.
Upcoming Events
Introduction to Centering Prayer In-Person Workshop
September 20, 2025, from 10am to 1pm
Do you want to learn how to open your heart to the Spirit with Centering Prayer or refresh your current practice? Join us for this 3-hour in person workshop, “Introduction to Centering Payer” offered byu Contemplative Outreach of Westchester through the generosity of Blessed Sacrament Parish, New Rochelle, NY, in their spacious meeting area, “The Upper Room” 115 Centre Ave. New Rochelle NY.
Click here to register.
A Taste of “The Living Flame“
October 25, 2025 from 11am to 4pm on Zoom
What is “The Living Flame”? It is an online community that meets monthly for seven Saturdays. Participants build community, enrich their spiritual journey and deepen their commitment to their Centering Prayer practice. The October 25 online event will provide an overview of the full program.
Click here to register.
The Welcoming Prayer presented by Sr. Peggy Murphy In-Person Day of Recollection
November 8, from 8:30am to 3pm
The Welcoming Prayer practice is a way of letting go into the present moment and the ordinary routines of daily life. In this day-long retreat we will reflect on the human condition and practice together to extend the good effects of Centering Prayer into every aspect of daily life. The Welcoming Prayer—consent on the go—rests on the assurance that the indwelling Spirit is inseparable from our bodies and offers us a way to make the connection at any time. Join us at:
Graymoor, Holy Mountain Retreat Center
Franciscan Friars of the Atonement
1350 Route 9, Garrison, NY 10524-0301
Overnight accommodations for Friday/Saturday are available.
Registration details to come.
Featured Resources
Recording of Marie Howard’s The Evolution of Fr. Thomas Keating’s Vision
Recording of Pamela Begeman’s presentation on The Spirituality of Money: In God We Trust
Recording of Fr. Bill’s Sheehan’s presentation on Spiritual Growth Teachings of Fr. Thomas Keating
Recording of Carl McColman’s presentation on Difficult Conversations and Divided Communities: Meeting the Challenges of our Times with a Contemplative Heart.
Contemplative Outreach, LTD, recently celebrated its 40th year of service with a conference at Emory University, Atlanta, GA. Unedited versions of the proceedings can be found at this link.
Recording of Sr. MaryAnne Francolanza’s presentation on Ecological Holiness.
Recording of Fr. Bill’s Sheehan’s presentation on Teachings & Principles of St. Ignatius
Programs and events sponsored by Contemplative Outreach of New Jersey
Programs and events sponsored by Contemplative Outreach of NYC
Programs and events sponsored by Contemplative Outreach of Connecticut
Retreat schedule for Holy Cross Monastery, West Park, NY
Programs and events sponsored by Closer than Breath, an online, interspiritual community where you can practice Centering Prayer and study universal truths to deepen your relationship with God and find peace within.
Podcast: Opening Minds, Opening Hearts