Contemplative Prayer has a long and foundational history in the Catholic Church. Its roots go back as far as the Jewish Scriptures (Old Testament) and further unfold in the Christian Scriptures (New Testament) as well as the life of the Church ever since.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church identifies three “Expressions of Prayer”. They are:
After discussing Vocal Prayer and Meditation, CCC #2708 states, “… Christian prayer should go further (than Vocal and Meditation prayer): to the knowledge of the love of the Lord Jesus, to union with him.” At this point, CCC #2709 presents the place of Contemplative Prayer in the life of all disciples.
While the Church calls all disciples to the practice of Contemplative Prayer, it does also acknowledge that as a gift of God it is up to God to determine when each individual disciple is ready and called to begin this particular prayer form in their personal lives. Parishioners at Mary Mother have a long tradition of prayer from private to communal and from vocal to meditation. The private practice of Contemplative Prayer while practiced by a limited number of parishioners had never been formally promoted for private or communal practice.
Efforts were started in 2014 at Mary Mother of the Church parish to formally promote this important prayer form. Through instruction and promotion since then, a strong cadre of parishioners regularly practices this ancient prayer form in both their private lives and within small group gatherings.
You are invited to check out the material contained here and consider whether God is calling you to deepen your prayer life with Contemplative Prayer. For further information please contact Deacon Bob, Dennis Winschel or Andy Dapron for more information. Activities of the contemplative community at MMOC are always open to interested parties.