Retreat in Paducah, KY

Carl McColman leads a contemplative spirituality retreat at Grace Episcopal Church, Paducah, KY. Details and registration information TBA.

Tentative topics (note, this is subject to change):

• Spiritual Secrets of Baptism — We recognize the sacrament of Baptism as the entry point into the Christian faith. But spiritually speaking, it is far more than a mere initiation ritual. Drawing on poetry, the wisdom of the saints and mystics, and the Baptismal Covenant, this conference will reveal how the humble rite of baptism empowers all of us to embody the transforming power of the spiritual life.
• Contemplative Prayer: It’s Not What You Think — What is contemplation? The shortest and best answer comes from scripture: “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). But stillness, silence, and meditation are not always easy to find in our hyper-frenetic, hyper-connected society. This conference will introduce you to the deep spirituality of silent prayer, with practical instruction on how to do it and why it makes a difference in the life of faith.
• Mary & Martha Really Are Sisters — Traditionally, Mary and Martha of Bethany have been seen as symbolizing two dimensions of life: the “active” Martha and the “contemplative” Mary. Jesus praised Mary for choosing “the better part,” — but not the onlypart. Everyone is either a “natural Mary” or a “natural Martha,” and yet we forget that these sisters actually need each other. This conference will consider how, for contemplatives, even the “active life” of Martha becomes a way to pray.
• Welcome to the “French Resistance” — During World War II, the Germans occupied France — but the French organized an underground resistance to preserve their identity and society. Christians today can feel overwhelmed by the many problems facing our world — but if we remain faithful in prayer and contemplation, we can become “secret agents” spreading love, compassion and forgiveness in a world that forgets such values. Spirituality, of course, is the key.