Present to Presence: A Centering Prayer Retreat

Location icon
53 Mill Street, Westfield, MA 01085
Date
December 12 - 14, 2025

About this Retreat

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Details of this retreat

Are you yearning for a profound spiritual experience that transcends the noise and chaos of everyday life? Discover a transformative journey into the depths of silence and divine connection, where you'll learn to open yourself to God's presence through the contemplative practice of Centering Prayer. A practice that promises healing, inner peace, and spiritual awakening.

“Be still and you will know
not by the knowledge of the mind, but
by the knowledge of the heart
who God is and who you are.”
-Thomas Keating

Thomas Keating, Trappist monk, author, and one of the founding refiners of Centering Prayer, once posed the question: Why go on retreat?  His response: “to experience the deepest silence” and open “uninterruptedly to God’s presence and to the enormous energy of love that creates and sustains us and the universe …”

Centering Prayer is a contemplative practice, a means to immerse ourselves in silence and open to God’s presence within and all around us. By being present to Presence, we open to a dynamic ever-creating God, who loves us beyond measure and heals and transforms us.

This retreat, intended for those who would like to begin a practice of Centering Prayer or re-ignite their practice, will briefly examine the roots of Centering Prayer; offer opportunities to experience the prayer, walking meditation, and lectio divina as well as explore ways to bring a Centering Prayer practice into your life. There will also be time to walk the grounds, read, or rest.

Come listen to the still small voice. Let silence and stillness enfold and embrace you.

Getting Here

Location icon Genesis Spiritual Center, 53 Mill Street, Westfield, MA 01085

Accommodation

Program Price

Customer Reviews

4.95 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
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Lenten Supper Series
The Lenten Supper series is a meaningful and affordable way to unplug from the busyness and stressors of life for a few hours of intentional time to recenter and refresh during the season of Lent.

5.0
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Restore and Renew: new year yoga retreat
The retreat facilitator, is well versed in the subject and demonstrates excellent ability to guide participants through various yoga positions and types of yoga practices. The facility is great with a responsive and enthusiastic staff. Highly recommend!

5.0
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just what I needed and didn't know I needed.
This was definitely a unique experience. I knew Nancy Sheridan would be good but I didn't realize its deep impact on my soul. Thank you, not only to Nancy, but to all who made this weekend possible. The Genesis staff was outstanding.

5.0
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Lucy Abbott Tucker
My days at Genesis were days of going home for a reunion with friends and colleagues, embracing the learned wisdom of an excellent teacher, Lucy Abbott Tucker and resting in community in front of a blazing fire in the fireplace. My spirit was nourished and I was at peace.
Thank you Genesis
Chickie Amberg

5.0
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Wonderful experience
This was my first attendance at Genesis . The Experience Was so wonderful. I left feeling closer to God and I left with a great sense of community. The conference. I attended was wonderful. Lucy Abbott Tucker was so amazing. A must attend in your lifetime. It was more than I ever expected.
The facility itself is just beautiful. It’s like a time capsule. The carriage house meditation room upstairs was beautiful with a craft room and a space where You could sit and find peace and silence if you chose.
The staff was amazing. When you first arrive, they orient you to the environment and the different spaces in the house where you could go and find peace. Jean Risk, the massage therapist is magical. She was an amazing Masseuse. You can call and make an appointment and she will meet you there.
The food was absolutely delicious. Made with love and fresh ingredients every day. three delicious meals and snacks. Amazing.
This is a must try for rest, relaxation, renewal or any conference. I cannot say enough positivity about Genesis Spiritual center.

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