The intention to live a contemplative life is at the heart of all that we are and do at St. Barnabas. Of course, not everyone feels called to this intention. Still, supporting those who do feel called to the contemplative life allows their intention to strengthen all of us.

 What is the contemplative life? It springs from the awakened vision, the epiphany, that God is always everywhere present and that this presence is active, that is, always reaching out to us. Jesus’ parting words in Matthew’s Gospel, “Remember I am with you always,” and his promise in John’s Gospel, “You will know that I am in my Father and you are in me and I am in you,” are among the many passages that reveal the contemplative dimension of the Gospel. 

How is the contemplative life lived? Primarily by learning to be silent and to rest in Christ’s presence within. At the heart of the contemplative vision is the insight that we needn’t go anywhere or do anything or become anything other than who we are to be present to God who is already present to us. More present than we are to ourselves. So the contemplative life is actually quite simple and accessible to everyone. It is simply the intention to pause, to be still, and, by faith, to rest in Christ’s presence within.

 To support this intention, we teach the practice of centering prayer, which is a particular method for resting in Christ’s presence; for those who practice centering prayer we offer centering prayer groups where  we pray together and continue to learn about the contemplative life; we offer Quiet Days for extended periods of silent prayer, teaching on the contemplative life, and time for reflecting on the Scriptures and one’s personal history; we teach a practice for praying with the Scriptures privately and in small groups that we call The Art of Engaging Holy Scripture (TAEHS);  we offer retreats; and we offer spiritual direction.

For detailed explanations of these ministries and how to participate in any of them, see below.

Centering Prayer: The Contemplative Dimension of the Gospel
Contact: Ethel Sickert

“Centering Prayer is a method of silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, prayer in which we experience God’s presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself.  This method of prayer is both a relationship with God and a discipline to foster that relationship.

”Introductory Program:  If you would like to begin this practice, Jim Clark will present An Introduction to Centering Prayer on Saturday March 3^rd from 9:30am-3:00pm. Following the Saturday workshop are five Tuesday evening sessions from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. The Saturday workshop provides all the essentials of Centering Prayer. The Tuesday evening sessions provide continued training and practice in the method. These sessions have proven to be essential for establishing a regular practice of centering prayer.

Centering Prayer Groups - Monday Evenings at 7 p.m. and Tuesday Mornings at 9 a.m.: These groups meet to continue their enrichment and support one another in their practice of centering prayer.  Books and videos by contemporary spiritual writers and teachers including Thomas Keating, Thomas Merton, Richard Rohr, Wm. Menninger and others are enjoyed.  Jim Clark meets with the Monday evening group once per month (usually the 2^nd Monday), sharing his experiences from over 35 years of contemplative practice and 20 years of centering prayer.  Contact Ethel Sickert ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) to participate.

Quiet Days
Contact: Ann Hott

We have ‘Quiet Days’ once a month, usually on the second Saturday of the month, from 9:30am to 1:00pm in the Sanctuary.  Fr. Jim leads the day which includes teaching, quiet solitary time, and sessions of communal silent prayer in the Sanctuary.  Participants are welcome to the Sanctuary, to quiet areas for reading or journaling, or to walk our beautiful campus.  All are welcome!  Come to a Quiet Day for an introduction to what the Contemplative Life at St. Barnabas might offer you, or to sustain you in that life. 

Retreats
Contact: Ethel Sickert

Two retreats are scheduled this year: A Centering Prayer Silent Retreat Nov. 3—6; and a Centering Prayer Retreat Directed by Jim Clark March 22—25. For details and registration contact Ethel Sickert at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Spiritual Direction
Contact: our clergy

 Spiritual Direction is offered by the clergy of Saint Barnabas when time allows. If one of the clergy is not available for spiritual direction, contact Rev. Debra who will assist you in finding a spiritual director.

At the same time, we are learning the Bible and retaining what we learn. The small group context offers the opportunity for meaningful friendships to develop within our larger Christian faith community - and for having fun! Participants report that the TAEHS curriculum enhances their awareness of the spiritual dimension of their lives and strengthens their bonds of community. New groups begin each fall and spring. Sunday morning and weekly daytime groups are available. Contact Ann Hott for more information: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it