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
Deeper Transformation: Developing Witnessing Presence presented by Pamela Begeman
February 14, 2026 from 10:00am to 12pm on Zoom
In her book, Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening, Cynthia Bourgeault devotes a whole chapter to “Working with an Inner Observer.” She writes, “… It is important for a practitioner on this [contemplative] path to work diligently outside of the [Centering Prayer] time to develop a conscious witnessing presence. In fact, this is probably the only way to graduate from … the heavily psychologized ‘elementary school’ version of the spiritual journey presented in the ‘divine therapy’ paradigm – into true inner work.”
Witnessing presence is an axis into deeper awareness, into deeper incarnation of Presence. “Its purpose is to being you into a state of unconditional presence, so that you not only believe but know that no physical or emotional state has the power to knock you out of presence” (Ibid, 131).
During our time together, we will explore what the inner observer is, practice this subject-object awareness (double awareness), explore mini-practices for cultivating witnessing presence, and link it all to the practice of Welcoming Prayer in daily life.
Look for email with details. To sign up for our email list click here.
Introduction to Centering Prayer Workshop
February 21, 2026 from 9:00am to 1:00pm
St. Joseph’s Church-Church Hall, 34 S. Chestnut Street, New Paltz, NY
Contact: Fr. Sal Cordaro, salccapuchin@hotmail.com
Practice the Forgiveness Prayer by Contemplative Outreach of New Jersey
February 21, 2026 from 9:00am to 11am on Zoom
No fee, no registration: just come. Link to join, click here.
United in Prayer Day by Contemplative Outreach LTD
March 6 & 7, 2026, on Zoom
In March on the 6th & 7th we invite you all to join with us for the yearly “United in Prayer Day” that recognizes Fr. Thomas Keating’s birthday by gathering Centering Prayer practitioners from around the globe in a 24-hour celebration of prayer. If you haven’t ever participated – you will want to. For details click here.
A Taste of Silence. In Person Day of Recollection with Fr. Carl Arico
April 11, 2026 from 10:00am to 3:00pm at Graymoor Monastery
Fr Carl Arico will present favorite topics from his book, A TASTE OF SILENCE. This book is an accessible and clear resource that complements Fr. Thomas Keating’s work on Centering Prayer. It provides fresh insights into the spiritual journey and the method of letting go and allowing God’s transforming grace to work within. Registration details at this link.
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