Present to Presence: A Centering Prayer Retreat

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

About this Retreat

Your Guides

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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Unleashing your inner guide
This was one of the (if not THE) MOST powerful retreat/training experiences I've ever experienced. Betty creates a safe and nurturing community, right from the opening night. By limiting the number of participants, we were able to get to know one another and become friends and supportive community to one another in a way that will last a lifetime. Thank you, Genesis, for hosting this transformative program.

5.0
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Life-changing experience
Betty Hill Crowson created more than a training. Not only did I learned a lot about how to develop workshops and retreats, but I bonded with and was deeply inspired by an amazing group of women. I left with much more clarity, confidence, and support to continue trusting God to where I’m being called. Betty’s leadership through modeling humility, providing constructive feedback, and sharing her many years of expertise is a torch I will carry forward.

5.0
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Nature’s Way Colleen Mollica
A profound experience that remains with me. Setting was inspiring. Input was just right. Experience was truly a communion with earth. Group sharing was heartwarming. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

5.0
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A Spiritual Experience Of Nature
Colleen was an excellent presenter and gently led us in an enriching experience of being in communion with the natural world. This was my third such experience with Colleen Mollica and I would highly recommend this program. Genesis has abundant and perfect spaces for exploration of the natural world.

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.

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