Circles of Contemplation, Coversatio, & Conversation VIII

"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 eighth 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 3,  February 7, March 7, April 4, May 2, 2011
7:30 - 9:00 p.m.

FORMAT

This program continues and deepens previous Circles' Series and this year will focus on the theme of "Building a Culture of Compassion ". An appropriate passage from Sacrd Scripture will be chosen for each session. 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 3 Seeking Truth and Understanding
February 7 Living Nonviolently
March 7 Honoring Religious Diversity
April 4 Listening with the Heart
May 2 Cultivating Empathy, Hope and Joy


Underlying Questions will focus on:

• What challenges does this Scripture hold before us now as People of God?
• How am I being called to be compassionate?
• What change/challenge does it  call me to?
• How would the world be different today if everyone took this passage seriously?

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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