| ABOUT US |
| The Contemplative Outreach Central Florida chapter, (COCF), was established in 1987 by Sr. Claire Gregg, S.U.S.C., who served as the chapter�s first coordinator until 1993. While on staff at San Pedro Center and at the invitation of Fr. Emile Gentile,T.O.R., Sr. Claire facilitated the growth of the Centering Prayer Program and the contemplative lifestyle. She began the formation of facilitators to assist her with establishing Contemplative Prayer communities throughout the region. As a result of her service to Contemplative Outreach, Centering Prayer programs and retreats, including 10-Day Intensive and 10-Day Post-Intensive retreats were initiated in Florida. |
| Founding Coordinator of Contemplative Outreach Central Florida (1987-1993) Friend, Teacher, Mentor, Spiritual Director, and Companion on the Spiritual Journey... �The purpose of Centering Prayer is TO BE�in faith and love�for GOD.� |
| Basha Perez succeeded Sr. Claire as the second coordinator of COCF and brought this Contemplative Prayer ministry to be centrally located at Annunciation Catholic Church of Altamonte Springs in 1994. For 14 years, Ms. Perez has facilitated the chapter�s growth into 25 established Centering Prayer groups within the 9 counties of the Orlando Diocese and 3 Centering Prayer groups within 3 counties outside the Orlando Diocese. As coordinator, she is invited to assist parishes, churches, places of prayer and even prisons to establish an on-going Contemplative Prayer ministry through the Centering Prayer Program. |
| During this time, the faith formation work of the chapter was recognized by then Bishop Norbert Dorsey who gave the chapter his blessings to continue serving within the Diocese. COCF is especially grateful for the Chancery�s approval along with that of Annunciation�s Pastor, Monsignor Caverly�s ongoing generosity, to be able to share on many occasions in the holy presence and teachings at Annunciation of both monks, Fr. Thomas Keating, O.C.S.O. and Fr. William Meninger, O.C.S.O., currently residents of St. Benedict�s Abbey in Snowmass, Colorado.
The Chapter offers monthly programs from September to April including: 7-Week Introductory Workshops in both Centering Prayer and in Lectio Divina, days of Silence & Solitude, Conference Days with guest speakers, Contemplative Masses; conducts Intensive Centering Prayer Retreats, establishes on-going Centering Prayer groups and trains Facilitators of the Centering Prayer groups. |
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| Basha Perez |