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

4.97 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
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Breathng New Life Into Prayer
This retreat was very inspirational. It expanded the concept of prayer and how so much of what we do as we carry on our lives is prayer. The day was very nicely divided between lecture, time for reflection, time spent outside with nature, readings and music.

I liked the presenter's use of a kaleidoscope as a metaphor for transforming the broken parts of our lives. The handouts (not too many) were all so relevant and interesting. The passing on healing ritual at the end was such a tangible way to express the action.

The presenter paced things very well, was very engaged with the group and a good listener.
The Genesis site is also so peaceful and welcoming.

5.0
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A Blessed Retreat
I have had many experiences at Genesis Spiritual Center and each has been a gift. The staff and presenters are warm, welcoming, and adept at meeting participants where they are on their journey. I have always found my spirit deeply nourished through their programming. The facility is comfortable and the meals delicious and nourishing. It gives me joy to recommend Genesis highly.

5.0
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Breathing Life Into Prayer.
This one day presentation was ,in a word, excellent! The presentation was balanced, well organized and flowed smoothly throughout the day. There was adequate time set aside for private prayer and contemplation. The presenter Joanne Bourquor was well prepared. She maintained an authentic sense of God and prayer throughout. I found the day to be insightful and spiritually enlivening.

John S

5.0
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Breathe life into prayer
Excellent program. Really helped me to expand my ideas about prayer and recognize that there is no judgment about how to pray. Facilitator, Joanne, was excellent, in presenting knowledge and at the right pace and creating a spiritual space for us to spend the day.

5.0
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Breathe life into prayer
The retreat truly offered guidance and opportunities to breathe life into one’s prayer life.

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