2026 Calendar of Events - Central Illinois Contemplative Outreach
March 6-7, 2026: United in Prayer Day
Saturday, May 16, 2026: Introduction to Centering Prayer Workshop
Saturday, June 20, 2026: Half Day Silent Retreat
Tuesday, June 23, 2026: 11th Step Meditation Introduction to Centering Prayer Workshop
October 1-4, 2026: Silent 4-day Centering Prayer Retreat
Introduction to Centering Prayer Workshop
May 16, 2026
Please join us and spread the word about this upcoming Introduction to Centering Prayer workshop. The workshop includes information about centering prayer and also provides opportunities to center in the group. In addition to the morning workshop, there will be 4 Online and/or In Person Continuing Workshops to support you as you begin the practice.
When: Saturday, May 16, 2025, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Where: East Bay Camp,24248 Ron Smith Memorial Highway, Hudson, IL 61748
Workshop cost: $20.00 or free will offering (covers materials, refreshments, and camp fee).
To register and/or for more information: Email: cicofriends@gmail.com or text/call Anne at 309-830-3231.
Half Day Retreat
Please join retreat leaders Sandy Baker and Florrie Dammers for a silent retreat. If you have never attended a silent retreat, this is a wonderful opportunity to experiencefirsthand the value one receives by praying together with others in silence. We will pray together, experience lectio divina and there will be time for silent reflection.
When: Saturday, June 20, 2026, 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon.
Where: Most Holy Eucharist Church, St. Patrick Church of Merna, 1001 N Towanda Barnes Rd, Bloomington, IL 61705
Workshop cost: Free will offering (covers materials and refreshments).
To register and/or for more information: Email: cicofriends@gmail.com or text/call Anne at 309-830-3231.
The Quiet Path of Transformation - a Centering Prayer Retreat
August 13- August 16, 2026 in Conception, Missouri
Offered by Contemplative Outreach of Springfield Missouri. www.cospring.org
This retreat will be directed by Susan Komis
Susan is an experienced retreat director and long time collaborator with Fr. Thomas Keating.
SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, August 13, 11 am - Sunday, August 16, 12 noon
We will gather at Conception Abbey in Conception, MO. www.conceptionabbey.org
A Silent Centering Prayer Four Day Retreat - LISTEN
Central Illinois and Mississippi Valley Contemplative Outreach invite you to retreat into silence. We will center, experience lectio divina, and learn insightful methods of listening from Abbot Joseph Boyle of St. Benedict’s Monastery. Note: A minimum of 3 months centering prayer practice is required to attend. The Retreat begins Thursday, October 1 (arrival after 4:00 PM, Soup supper at 5:30, retreat begins at 6:30 PM). The Retreat ends on Sunday, October 4 at 1:00 PM.
Cost: Please register and pay in full by September 10. Cost to be determined. Last year’s cost was $365. Note: Scholarships are available.
To register: Sign up on the Benet House Retreat Center website as soon as the portal opens. Anne Colloton will maintain a list of interested people prior to the portal opening.
Please email her at acolloto@gmail.com
Retreat leaders: Anne Colloton, Carol Mizeur, Toni Petersen