About this retreat
The retreat will offer an environment of solitude and silence in community with time for reflection, fellowship, and 12 Step meetings. We will present an Introduction to Centering Prayer in the context of 12-Step recovery.
The vision of 12 Step Outreach is to pass on the gift of Centering Prayer and related Spiritual Practices to improve our conscious contact with a God of our understanding, wherever there is a desire for deeper healing from anyone in 12 Step recovery. (View their website cp12stepoutreach.org)
Centering Prayer is a simple method of prayer rooted in ancient Christian practice that opens us to God’s presence and divine healing. Some of the fruits you may experience with a regular practice of Centering Prayer include enrichment of one’s prayer life, being able to ‘let go’ in the course of daily life, a non-judgmental attitude toward others, growth in self-knowledge, the ability to live in the present moment, and love and respect for others and all creation.
$325 per person
Retreat includes
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Lodging
About the facilitators
Nancy Cord-Baran
Nancy Cord-Baran is the Spiritual Director and Retreat Leader who serves as the Coordinator for Contemplative Outreach of Central Pa. She received her BS from Penn State University and worked for 25 years as a Recreation Therapist. Nancy is a graduate of Oasis Ministries’ Spiritual Direction for Spiritual Guides and Deepening Year of Direction Ministries programs.
Nancy has been practicing Centering Prayer daily since 1998 and is a Commissioned Presenter for the Introduction to Centering Prayer Workshop, The Forgiveness Prayer and 12 Step Outreach. She has led retreats on Centering Prayer as an 11th Step Practice at Bethany for the past 18 years.
Nancy is a long-time student of David Frenette, a long-time student of Fr. Thomas Keating.
Michael Gidlewski
Michael Gidlewski has had a daily practice of Centering Prayer since 1995 and became a commissioned Centering Prayer Presenter in July 2011. Michael has led many retreats on Centering Prayer and Centering Prayer as an 11th step practice, and through the practice of centering prayer, has deepened his own spiritual life.
Michael and his wife, Rosemary, also facilitate a weekly Centering Prayer Group on Zoom with a lively book discussion to reinforce our practice. Michael is the founder of Achievement Unlimited, Inc. As a growth catalyst and meditation teacher, he has presented hundreds of leadership and management programs, facilitated strategic plans and helped clients get the right people on the bus to grow their business. Continually reinforcing clients need to take time away from the business to recharge their lives in silence and solitude.
Kathleen Maxwell, LISW
With over 25 years of sobriety and 15 years practicing Centering Prayer, Kathleen is devoted to 11th step spiritual practice.
She has been a Veriditas trained labyrinth instructor since 2008 and has facilitated countless walks in a variety of settings. She is also a psychotherapist in private practice who has been privileged to teach mindful meditation to individuals and groups for many years.
Kathleen is delighted to be able to share her experience, strength and hope with others in 12 step recovery.