Centering Prayer is a method designed to facilitate the development of Contemplative Prayer* by preparing our faculties to receive this gift. It is an attempt to present the teaching of earlier times in an updated form. Centering Prayer is not meant to replace other kinds of prayer; rather it casts a new light and depth of meaning on them. It is at the same time a relationship with God and a discipline to foster that relationship. This method of prayer is a movement beyond conversation with Christ to communion with Him.
Group Leaders:
Claire Caputo 570-323-1091 ccaputo306@comcast.net
Martha Karchner 570-326-0836
Centering Prayer is an ecumenical group, meeting on Wednesdays from 1-2pm in our Faith Formation Room (Located on the 1st floor of the Administrative Building).
*Contemplative Prayer, as defined by the Catechism of the Catholic Church, is ‘Contemplation is a gaze of faith, fixed on Jesus’. Many times, this prayer time is centered around a single word or phrase. The goal is to enter into the presence of God where there are no words, concepts or images. It is truly the prayer of being in love. The single word or phrase is used not repetitively, but used to help re-center or re-focus our minds and when other thoughts may enter.
Also, as stated under 2711 of the Catechism, “Entering into contemplative prayer is like entering into the Eucharistic liturgy: we “gather up:” the heart, recollect our whole being under the prompting of the Holy Spirit, abide in the dwelling place of the Lord which we are, awaken our faith in order to enter into the presence of him who awaits us. We let our masks fall and turn our hearts back to the Lord who loves us, so as to hand ourselves over to him as an offering to be purified and transformed.”