Contemplative Prayer - Extended Session

On the second Saturday of each month, from 9am to 11:30am, we gather in St. Mary’s Chapel for an extended time of contemplative prayer. These mornings offer space to slow down, rest in silence, and open to the presence of the sacred. Each session begins with a brief reflection, followed by two periods of silent sitting and walking meditation. A mid-morning break provides time to walk the grounds, enjoy the beauty of the lake, or rest quietly indoors. The chapel’s natural light and sacred atmosphere create a beautiful container for this time of prayer.

Contemplative prayer can be deeply grounding, though it may feel unfamiliar if you are used to spoken prayer or worship. In these sessions, participants are invited into a peaceful space to rest in God’s presence as they understand God, supported by seasoned guides who gently hold the silence. Short chants, simple readings, and moments of reflection help settle the spirit and create an accessible rhythm of prayer.

What makes these gatherings unique is the deep respect for diverse spiritual experiences and expressions. Whether your background is in Christian prayer, Buddhist meditation, interspiritual practice, or quiet curiosity, you will find a community that values silence, presence, and shared seeking.

Please note that while our weekly Thursday sittings are also livestreamed via Zoom, the Saturday extended sessions are offered in person only.

Click here to sign up for our weekly Contemplative Prayer email, which includes the Zoom links for our Thursday sittings (so you can join us virtually or in person), along with the beautiful and insightful weekly reflections of Sr. Kathleen Pruitt, CSJP, Zen master.