Although centering prayer is rooted in Christian contemplative tradition, our members are diverse and from many different religions. We do not seek to exclude anyone from the practice of centering prayer. We welcome beginners and long-time practitioners of contemplative prayer. We welcome all lifestyles, ages, socio-economic backgrounds, and any other demographics one could imagine. Diversity is God’s greatest means to sustainability. As St. Paul noted, “so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another.”

We recognize that “chop wood and carry water” are necessary to physical existence, and are grateful for any help we can get. There are a few paid positions on our staff, but the majority of our staff are volunteers. Our volunteers perform a variety of services for The Center from basic maintenance work like gardening and building repairs, to web design, to washing and drying table linens, to teaching classes. Our class facilitators are all required to have taken a minimum of the courses we teach, are trained, and are certified by our parent organization, Contemplative Outreach Ltd. 

One of our tenets, instituted by the founder of our local chapter, Sister Bernadette Teasdale, is hospitality. When we’re not quarantined, we try to make The Center a welcoming place to meet and visit. During classes, we have people who prepare and replenish coffee and snacks for break time, and people who register students and orient them to the facility. 

When The Center opens again, we would like you to come visit. Just don’t expect a group of blissed-out people floating several inches above the floor. We all have our weaknesses, hot-buttons, and “crosses to bear”. All the more reason we embrace centering prayer to help us persevere and draw us closer to the God we long to be in unity with.