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
Part 2 - Growing in new ways
The re-established Contemplative Outreach of CT Leadership Team
Front (L to R) Frank Pendola, Jean Ficaro, Nancy Stimac, Grace Padilla.
Rear (L to R) Kathryn Wood, Mike Smoolca, Anita Brown
Picture taken at Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center in West Hartford, CT, September 2018.
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New members of the Chapter Coordinating Team inducted at our May team meeting are Martha DiGiovanni, Patricia Knight-Bellisle, Fran Mastro, Rick McCracken, John Pagano, and Patricia Wildes.
Picture taken at Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center in West Hartford, CT, June 2022.
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Offering enriching contemplative programming and supporting Centering Prayer groups have been the mission of Contemplative Outreach CT since its inception in 2010 under the leadership of Sister Carolyn at Caritas. This mission continued in 2016 when coordinating the Chapter transitioned to Mike Smoolca, who guides it to present day. The consistent theme of developing availability of Centering Prayer resources through events, commissioning, books and workshops remains the focus.
Upon taking the lead in 2016, Mike targeted expanding communication in a number of ways to include the CO-CT website, publishing a Quarterly Update newsletter partnering with CO-CT Secretary Anita Brown, and visits to existing Centering Prayer groups by Coordinating Team members. Living Flame which Mike coordinated under Sr. Carolyn's Chapter leadership was initially offered from 2014 - 2016, and then again from 2018 - 2020. Soon a Taste of Centering Prayer informal introductory workshop was developed and offered by volunteers from the CO-CT Chapter at Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center's weekend themed retreats in West Hartford. These workshops continue to be offered to this day to introduce this foundational prayer practice more broadly to those who have never been exposed to the practice.
Thereafter, in an effort to engage a larger audience, Mike coordinated with Holy Family to begin the Christian Contemplative Experience (CCE), a structured program of Christian Contemplative programming that offers monthly Saturday workshops, weekend retreats, formal Contemplative Outreach Introductory Workshops and a weekly Centering Prayer group. CCE brings in a diverse set of recognized Contemplative presenters and retreat leaders to the local community. All offerings integrate the practice of Centering Prayer.
While CO-CT was settling into the transfer of leadership the monthly Coordinating Team meetings focused on dialogue regarding determination of the roles members would play. One of the enduring roles has been supporting facilitators in Centering Prayer groups. Frank Pendola, Jean Ficaro and Nancy Stimac were early leaders in developing and offering enrichment for facilitators by organizing and leading both the Six Continuing Sessions of the Introduction to the Centering Prayer Practice as well as parts of the Spiritual Journey Program to reinforce the practice of Centering Prayer. Tricia Knight-Bellisle , a newer team member, has now joined Frank in these enrichment activities to reinforce the practice of Centering Prayer
In 2019, Mike proposed offering a Facilitator gathering with enrichment and discussion. Through the energy of newer members Patricia Wildes and Martha DiGiovanni a zoom connection with facilitators has been established for ongoing virtual gatherings and support.
The pandemic has had a significant impact. In June, 2020, Frank Pendola inquired whether the Chapter could offer CP Presenter Training over zoom with the permission of National Contemplative Outreach (CO). Mike had been working for several years to find a physical space that was financially feasible for participants to train. Zoom was a game changer. With advice from the Contemplative Outreach Presenter Training Service team, Mike offered an Introductory CP Workshop, followed by two consecutive weekend zoom workshops. The Six Followup Sessions which Frank had already been offering were then added a key part of the final steps to commission the first six geographically diverse Centering Prayer Presenters. In the spring of 2021 the Contemplative Outreach of Maine chapter coordinator participated with Mike during the CP Presenter Training. Thanks to Zoom technology the original goal of connecting with regional contemplative groups suddenly broadened beyond the region to programming with Chicago and Atlanta. The ongoing emphasis on developing avenues to deliver the Six Followup Sessions has now officially been undertaken by Rhode Islanders Frank Pendola and Tricia Knight-Bellisle.
Managing the financial aspect of CO-CT has been in the capable hands of Treasurer Kathryn Wood since early on at Caritas with Sister Carolyn. CO-CT has benefited from the immense generosity of volunteers, in particular our Spiritual Advisor, Grace Padilla. Along with Grace, volunteer efforts have bestowed donations of books, financial gifts, time and service on many levels. Last, but not least, Holy Family Retreat Center's support and partnership has been vital to sustaining the CO-CT Chapter and it's offerings. In addition to it's CCE programming, Holy Family provides meeting space along with space for storage of Chapter materials. It has provided vital “on the ground” support contributing to the chapter’s growth.
From the humble beginnings at Caritas Christi in Hamden, CT, to the many training and event offerings through CCE at Holy Family and Online, the beauty of Centering Prayer and Christian Contemplative Spirituality continues to thrive and grow in this area.
Upon taking the lead in 2016, Mike targeted expanding communication in a number of ways to include the CO-CT website, publishing a Quarterly Update newsletter partnering with CO-CT Secretary Anita Brown, and visits to existing Centering Prayer groups by Coordinating Team members. Living Flame which Mike coordinated under Sr. Carolyn's Chapter leadership was initially offered from 2014 - 2016, and then again from 2018 - 2020. Soon a Taste of Centering Prayer informal introductory workshop was developed and offered by volunteers from the CO-CT Chapter at Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center's weekend themed retreats in West Hartford. These workshops continue to be offered to this day to introduce this foundational prayer practice more broadly to those who have never been exposed to the practice.
Thereafter, in an effort to engage a larger audience, Mike coordinated with Holy Family to begin the Christian Contemplative Experience (CCE), a structured program of Christian Contemplative programming that offers monthly Saturday workshops, weekend retreats, formal Contemplative Outreach Introductory Workshops and a weekly Centering Prayer group. CCE brings in a diverse set of recognized Contemplative presenters and retreat leaders to the local community. All offerings integrate the practice of Centering Prayer.
While CO-CT was settling into the transfer of leadership the monthly Coordinating Team meetings focused on dialogue regarding determination of the roles members would play. One of the enduring roles has been supporting facilitators in Centering Prayer groups. Frank Pendola, Jean Ficaro and Nancy Stimac were early leaders in developing and offering enrichment for facilitators by organizing and leading both the Six Continuing Sessions of the Introduction to the Centering Prayer Practice as well as parts of the Spiritual Journey Program to reinforce the practice of Centering Prayer. Tricia Knight-Bellisle , a newer team member, has now joined Frank in these enrichment activities to reinforce the practice of Centering Prayer
In 2019, Mike proposed offering a Facilitator gathering with enrichment and discussion. Through the energy of newer members Patricia Wildes and Martha DiGiovanni a zoom connection with facilitators has been established for ongoing virtual gatherings and support.
The pandemic has had a significant impact. In June, 2020, Frank Pendola inquired whether the Chapter could offer CP Presenter Training over zoom with the permission of National Contemplative Outreach (CO). Mike had been working for several years to find a physical space that was financially feasible for participants to train. Zoom was a game changer. With advice from the Contemplative Outreach Presenter Training Service team, Mike offered an Introductory CP Workshop, followed by two consecutive weekend zoom workshops. The Six Followup Sessions which Frank had already been offering were then added a key part of the final steps to commission the first six geographically diverse Centering Prayer Presenters. In the spring of 2021 the Contemplative Outreach of Maine chapter coordinator participated with Mike during the CP Presenter Training. Thanks to Zoom technology the original goal of connecting with regional contemplative groups suddenly broadened beyond the region to programming with Chicago and Atlanta. The ongoing emphasis on developing avenues to deliver the Six Followup Sessions has now officially been undertaken by Rhode Islanders Frank Pendola and Tricia Knight-Bellisle.
Managing the financial aspect of CO-CT has been in the capable hands of Treasurer Kathryn Wood since early on at Caritas with Sister Carolyn. CO-CT has benefited from the immense generosity of volunteers, in particular our Spiritual Advisor, Grace Padilla. Along with Grace, volunteer efforts have bestowed donations of books, financial gifts, time and service on many levels. Last, but not least, Holy Family Retreat Center's support and partnership has been vital to sustaining the CO-CT Chapter and it's offerings. In addition to it's CCE programming, Holy Family provides meeting space along with space for storage of Chapter materials. It has provided vital “on the ground” support contributing to the chapter’s growth.
From the humble beginnings at Caritas Christi in Hamden, CT, to the many training and event offerings through CCE at Holy Family and Online, the beauty of Centering Prayer and Christian Contemplative Spirituality continues to thrive and grow in this area.
