Contemplative Outreach of CT Chapter History
Part 1 - The Formative Years
Just as Centering Prayer finds and touches individuals, so, too, the growth of a Centering Prayer community may be found and touched. Such is the history of the inception of the Contemplative Outreach of CT Chapter starting in 2003. Prior to that time, Sister Carolyn Severino, ASCJ, attuned to the encouragement of a fellow religious, invited Fr. Bill Sheehan, OMI, to offer a presentation on Centering Prayer in Hamden, CT. Attendance was over 100 at the Provincialate of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and there was excitement in the air.
Heartened by this event, Sr. Carolyn initiated monthly gatherings at the newly formed Caritas Christi Center at Mt. Sacred Heart Provincialate. Between 2004 and 2008, Sr. Carolyn and Fr. Bill partnered in providing opportunities for practitioners to learn and grow through Fr. Bill’s various weekend presentations of The Welcoming Prayer, Prayer in Secret, Lectio Divina, The Forgiveness Prayer, and The Four Consents.
In October of 2008, Contemplative Outreach of Westchester, NY, sponsored their annual retreat at Graymoor Monastery in New York where Fr. Thomas Keating was presenting. Sr. Carolyn and several centering prayer practitioners from CT attended and met with Fr. Thomas. It was at this time Father Thomas shared his dream of forming a Chapter of Contemplative Outreach in CT.
Then in May, 2009, Fr. Thomas arranged to have a Visioning Day for the eventual purpose of establishing the CT Chapter of Contemplative Outreach. The day was led by Diane Harkin, Coordinator of Contemplative Outreach of Westchester and Rosanne Havrid, Regional Coordinator of Contemplative Outreach (CO). The outcome resulted in official recognition of Contemplative Outreach of CT (CO-CT) in October, 2010.
Thereafter monthly meetings were formally held beginning with centering prayer followed by reflections on the theological and administrative principles. The meetings were co-coordinated by Sr. Carolyn Severino and Kenneth Martinelli. The CT Chapter grew assisted by the generosity of a donation of $500 from Westchester’s CO Chapter. Ongoing weekend offerings continued and included Divine Therapy with Diane Harkin, Dark Night of the Soul and Everyday Practices with Therese Saulnier and Centering Prayer Practice as an “11th Step Practice”with Tom S. These along with more from Fr. Bill and Therese laid the foundation for building a well developed chapter.
Just as Centering Prayer finds and touches individuals, so, too, the growth of a Centering Prayer community may be found and touched. Such is the history of the inception of the Contemplative Outreach of CT Chapter starting in 2003. Prior to that time, Sister Carolyn Severino, ASCJ, attuned to the encouragement of a fellow religious, invited Fr. Bill Sheehan, OMI, to offer a presentation on Centering Prayer in Hamden, CT. Attendance was over 100 at the Provincialate of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and there was excitement in the air.
Heartened by this event, Sr. Carolyn initiated monthly gatherings at the newly formed Caritas Christi Center at Mt. Sacred Heart Provincialate. Between 2004 and 2008, Sr. Carolyn and Fr. Bill partnered in providing opportunities for practitioners to learn and grow through Fr. Bill’s various weekend presentations of The Welcoming Prayer, Prayer in Secret, Lectio Divina, The Forgiveness Prayer, and The Four Consents.
In October of 2008, Contemplative Outreach of Westchester, NY, sponsored their annual retreat at Graymoor Monastery in New York where Fr. Thomas Keating was presenting. Sr. Carolyn and several centering prayer practitioners from CT attended and met with Fr. Thomas. It was at this time Father Thomas shared his dream of forming a Chapter of Contemplative Outreach in CT.
Then in May, 2009, Fr. Thomas arranged to have a Visioning Day for the eventual purpose of establishing the CT Chapter of Contemplative Outreach. The day was led by Diane Harkin, Coordinator of Contemplative Outreach of Westchester and Rosanne Havrid, Regional Coordinator of Contemplative Outreach (CO). The outcome resulted in official recognition of Contemplative Outreach of CT (CO-CT) in October, 2010.
Thereafter monthly meetings were formally held beginning with centering prayer followed by reflections on the theological and administrative principles. The meetings were co-coordinated by Sr. Carolyn Severino and Kenneth Martinelli. The CT Chapter grew assisted by the generosity of a donation of $500 from Westchester’s CO Chapter. Ongoing weekend offerings continued and included Divine Therapy with Diane Harkin, Dark Night of the Soul and Everyday Practices with Therese Saulnier and Centering Prayer Practice as an “11th Step Practice”with Tom S. These along with more from Fr. Bill and Therese laid the foundation for building a well developed chapter.
Sr. Carolyn continued to serve as Co-Coordinator with Pastor George Manukas until the end of 2016 at which time the role was transferred to Mike Smoolca. During these years of growth, many Centering Prayer groups were established. Monthly centering prayer meetings continue to be held at the Caritas Christi Center.
Key Dates:
Key Dates:
- 2003: Fr. Bill offers a presentation on CP in Hamden at Sr. Carolyn’s request
- 2004-08: Fr. Bill and Sr. Carolyn partner to offer various weekend retreats
- 2008: Sr. Carolyn and CT CP practitioners meet with Fr. Keating at Graymoor
- 2009: Fr. Keating arranges for a Visioning Day
- 2010: CO-CT officially recognized as a Contemplative Outreach Chapter
- 2010-16: Fr. Bill, Diane Harkin, Therese Saulnier, Tom S provide CP retreat offerings
- 2016: CO-CT Coordinator transferred from Sr. Carolyn to Mike Smoolca
