
THE HEALING ROLE OF CONTEMPLATION
As we begin a new year of retreat offerings, we have chosen a theme for 2023: The Healing Role of Contemplation. We believe that a regular period of Centering Prayer practice will allow us to live out what God is calling us to do, bringing healing into a world in which conflict and injury are all too present.
We invite you to join us!
Benedicte Vibe Christensen, COMW Chapter Coordinator

OCTOBER 29 THROUGH NOVEMBER 3, 2023
Six-Day Centering Prayer Retreat
Claggett Retreat Center, Adamstown MD
Sponsored by Contemplative Outreach of Maryland and Washington, DC, this retreat will provide an opportunity to deepen one’s practice of Centering Prayer in an atmosphere of profound silence and community support. All participants observe silence from the opening to the closing of the retreat.
REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 1, 2023
The Intensive and Post Intensive tracks share the same schedule of several hours of group Centering Prayer daily, with one exception. The Intensive track includes a daily video with discussion of some of Thomas Keating’s teachings. If you are relatively new to Centering Prayer, have not previously attended a Centering Prayer retreat, or would like a refresher of some of the teachings, choose the Intensive track.

The Setting
The retreat will be held at the Claggett Retreat Center in Adamston, MD. The Center is nestled in the rolling hills of Frederick County on 268 wooded acres with a working farm and fantastic views, yet only an hour’s drive from three international airports. Lodging will be in the Christiane Inn; a range of dietary needs can be accomodated. For details and directions, visit the Claggett Retreat Center website.

Our Retreat Leaders
Ron Barnett, a psychologist by education, has practiced Centering Prayer since 1997 and is a commissioned presenter of the practice. He has served Contemplative Outreach (CO) as a Chapter Coordinator, retreat leader, Board Member and Trustee, and currently facilitates the Board’s Gift Committee which oversees Thomas Keating’s intellectual property, a gift to CO. He is now retired from medical research and teaches at The Miksang Institute for Contemplative Photography.
Susan Rush has been serving in the field of health care throughout her adult life. She has been involved with Contemplative Outreach for about three decades. Susan was the founding coordinator of Contemplative Outreach of New Mexico, and served on the governing board of CO, Ltd for ten years. Currently she serves as a spiritual director and retreat facilitator. Susan is a presenter for the Living Flame program and serves on the Retreat Service team. The opportunity to serve in CO communities has been a great gift in her life.

Schedule and Cost
The retreat begins with dinner on Sunday, October 29, 2023 and closes Friday after lunch, Nov 3, 2023. The fee of $790 (or $158 per day) includes the retreat, 5 nights’ accommodations in a single room with full bath, and 15 meals. A limited number of double rooms are available. The cost of the retreat is higher than in 2021 due to an increase in Claggett Center rates.
A $200 deposit is required with registration, which is non-refundable unless the slot can be filled by another participant. The balance of $590 is due September 29, 2023. A limited number of partial scholarships are available.
Payment
Payment may be made via PayPal and major credit card (preferred) or by check.
Mail your check to: (with “Six-Day Retreat” in the memo line on check)
Linda Hall, COMW Treasurer
Contemplative Outreach of Maryland and Washington
1959 39th St NW, Washington, DC 20007
For more information, or to inquire about a double room or about a partial scholarship, please contact registration coordinator: Linda Hall
REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 1, 2023
If you are unable to register online (preferred), we will accept a mail-in registration.
To register by mail, complete form & make check out to “Contemplative Outreach of Maryland and Washington” (with “Six-Day Retreat” in memo line). Send to: Linda Hall, 1959 39th St NW, Washington, DC 20007

When you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:6