Circles of Contemplation, Coversatio, & Conversation ix

"Conversatio" is a monastic promise that requires a listening heart open to God's Spirit.

Evenings of CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER, REVERENT LISTENING, RESPECTFUL SHARING around Sacred Scripture and  the ways in which it can inform our response to current and pressing issues that we face as men and  women  of the Gospel.

Sponsored by

Benedictine Sisters of Baltimore & Murphy Initiative for Justice and Peace

"When individuals and groups address the present crises out of their respective silences, their words invite conversation rather than conflict... Contemplative conversation emerges from silence and prayer."
Donald Cozzens

Contemplation and meaningful conversation require the ability to listen with openness, curiosity, the desire to learn, to be surprised, and even to be confused at times. Openness is the door through which wisdom travels and contemplation begins.

WHY PARTICIPATE IN CIRCLES?

Now in its nineth year, this program offers the opportunity to gather with others in a place of safety and non-judgmental conversation, within a faith context,  to ponder God's Word and ways it impacts our present reality;  to share with others the unsettling questions and conflicts of the heart that often confront us today; and to encourage and support a Gospel response.

WHERE

Emmanuel Monastery
2229 W.  Joppa Road
Lutherville MD 21093

WHEN

Monday Evenings:  January 9,  February 6, March 5, May 7, June 4, 2012
7:30 - 9:00 p.m.

FORMAT

This program continues and deepens previous Circles' Series and this year will focus on the theme of "Living the Questions. " Our approach will be a form of monastic "lectio"- sacred pondering of the Word, allowing its power, challenge, and inspiration to inform our response to issues of concern in today's culture.

Through the promise of "conversatio" the 1500 year old Rule of Benedict urges its followers to be always open to the promptings of the Spirit, open always to new ideas and possibilities. Together we will endeavor to open our hearts to embrace the new in response to the multi-faceted challenges of our day.

CIRCLES SCRIPTURE & FOCUS: Building a Culture of Compassion through...

January 9 What are you seeking? Living the Questions Wiithout Knowing Answers
February 6 Who is my mother/brothers/sisters? Immigration
March 5 How many loaves do you have? The Economy
May 7 Should not the shepherds take care of the flock? The Environment
June 4 Why do you harbor evil thoughts? Conflict


"We have to keep looking fot he spiritual questions if we want spiritual answers." (Henri Nowen)

Sitting with the questions of Jesus may lead us to renewed interest in the Scriptures and the story of Jesus. but even more, it may open up a new way to pray and reflect on the meaning of our own lives, our world, and our God. Letting Jesus' questions touch us may lead us deeper into his heart and life, into the mystery of our own lives, and into the mystery of God. (John Dear)

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

We recommend participants attend all sessions  if at all possible for the sake of continuity, community, and collective action or response.

SUGGESTED DONATION

$10 per session, $50 for entire series
(Members of sponsoring Murphy Initiative  communities: reduced rates are available.)

Contact and Register online at www.PFMjpi.org or
mail your name, address, phone and e-mail information to:
"Circles"
Emmanuel Monastery
2229 W. Joppa Road
Lutherville, MD  21093-4601

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