Contemplative Outreach of Indianapolis
Presenter Formation for Centering Prayer Introduction Program
Program Description and Application (due April 26, 2025 )
Your continuing journey with Centering Prayer (CP) may be calling you to become a presenter of the Introduction to Centering Prayer program. If you are considering this as a next step in your journey, we invite you to consider participating in the 2025 Presenter Formation for Centering Prayer program. This program will prepare you in the essentials for becoming a presenter and serve to deepen your contemplative journey. At the completion of program requirements, you will be eligible to become a commissioned presenter and invited to pass on the method of Centering Prayer as designed by Fr. Thomas Keating.
- Presenter formation offers preparation in providing the CP workshop for people wanting to deepen their relationship with God with a christian contemplative prayer practice.
- It is for Centering Prayer practitioners who feel ready to provide training to others on this practice.
- It enriches your life as a practitioner by providing more reflective experiences on Centering Prayer and how to share the method and your story.
- It provides you opportunities to focus on the foundations of CP as a spiritual discipline.
2025 Program Dates (note variable times):
- May 10 from 9:00-3:00
- June 14 from 9:00-12:30
- July 12 from 9:00-12:30
- August 9 from 9:00-1:30
Format and Technology Requirements: The program will occur through online zoom sessions. Each participant will need access to a computer and internet service, and be comfortable operating in a zoom environment.
Faculty: Chris Haynes, Mary Kendall, Mary Beth Riner and Marilyn Webb have been Centering Prayer practitioners for many years and are commissioned presenters of the Introduction to Centering Prayer program.
Two Phases of the Program
Phase One involves participating in four zoom sessions and completing assignments between sessions. In the sessions you will be observing a commissioned presenter model the four conferences of the Introduction to CP Workshop, presenting each conference to peers in the group, and discussing readings/videos. You will receive a binder with the essential material when admitted to the program. You will want to have access to Father Thomas Keating’s four foundational books: Open Mind, Open Heart; Invitation to Love; Intimacy with God; and Fruits and Gifts of the Spirit.
Phase Two provides the opportunity to discern your interest in completing the additional requirements for commissioning. This phase involves presenting each conference at an Introduction to Centering Prayer program, attending a 5-day Centering Prayer Intensive retreat, and completing remaining commissioning requirements. You will work with an individual mentor throughout Phase Two.
Application: The Contemplative Outreach international office has some requirements to be met prior to commissioning. Please complete the application as carefully and fully as possible to help us with our planning process in order that you have a grace-filled formation experience. Once your application has been received, you will have an individual zoom session with a member of the planning team to ensure you are well supported for the program. Feel free to contact the program director, Mary Beth Riner with questions, 317-417-8730, mary.riner@gmail.com.