About Us
Contemplative Outreach of NYC & Beyond is a local chapter of Contemplative Outreach, a spiritual network of individuals and small faith communities committed to living the contemplative dimension of the Gospel. The common desire for divine transformation, primarily expressed through a commitment to a daily centering prayer practice, unites our international, inter- and non-denominational community. One does not have to believe in any traditional understanding of God to practice this form of meditation; simply be open that there is something bigger “out there”.
Contemplative Outreach was founded by Father Thomas Keating, one of the principal architects of the Christian contemplative prayer movements. Learn more about Father Keating here and in this NYT obituary.
As of 2022, Contemplative Outreach:
Supports over 90 active contemplative chapters in 39 countries.
Serves over 40,000 people.
Supports over 800 prayer groups.
Teaches over 15,000 people the practice of Centering Prayer and other contemplative practices through locally hosted workshops.
Provides training and resources to local chapters and volunteers.
Publishes and distributes the wisdom teachings of Father Thomas Keating and other resources that support the contemplative life.
Be still, and know that I am God. —Psalm 46:10
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“Silence is God’s first language. Everything else is a poor translation.”—Father Thomas Keating