CCVI Sisters Invite Community to Pray in Preparation of the Chapter of Affairs

Dear Family and Friends,

As the Incarnate Word Sisters prepare to enter the Chapter of Affairs (March 24-27), we invite you to join us in prayer. We ask that you pray with us-that we may remain open to the movement of the Holy Spirit and respond with love and generosity to what God is asking of us in this moment. Fifty-one Sisters from the United States, Mexico, and Peru will gather in the Student Engagement Center Ballroom and across campus. Together, we will enter a time of prayer, discernment, and deep listening as we seek clarity and direction for the next four years of our shared mission. We are grateful for your prayers and accompaniment during this sacred time of journeying together.

During the days of Chapter, we will be gathering at different times of the day; would you be able to join us at these times, in your own space, wherever you are?

1. Wednesday, March 25, 9:30 - 10:00 a.m.
2. Thursday, March 26, 9:30 - 10:00 a.m.
3. Thursday, March 26, 4:45 - 5:15 p.m.
4. Friday, March 27, 9:30 - 10:00 a.m.

During these times, we will be praying in the style of centering prayer, and we invite you to learn about this prayer, and engage in centering prayer yourself, during these times. Please read at the end of this invitation about centering prayer. If you are not comfortable with centering prayer, please do pray for us with your own tradition.

Two other times, we will be together in the Chapel of the Incarnate Word, and you are invited to join us in person. If you cannot be with us in person, both will be livestreamed: ccvichapel.org/livestream. All are welcome!

• Tuesday, March 24, 9:30 a.m., Opening Mass of the Chapter of Affairs, Chapel of the Incarnate Word
• Wednesday, March 25m 4:30 p.m., Feast of the Annunciation, Mass, Chapel of the Incarnate Word

We will also be celebrating Eucharist on Thursday and Friday at noon; thank you for praying for us during these hours, in your own space, wherever you are.

What is Centering Prayer

Centering Prayer is a method designed to facilitate the development of contemplative prayer by preparing our faculties to receive this gift. Centering Prayer is not meant to replace other kinds of prayer; rather it casts a new light and depth of meaning on them. It is at the same time a relationship with God and a discipline to foster that relationship. This method of prayer is a movement beyond conversation with Christ to communion with him. The focus of Centering Prayer is the deepening of our relationship with the living Christ. It tends to build communities of faith and bond the members together in mutual friendship and love.

Engage in Centering Prayer

1. If you are in a group, choose a leader; the leader reminds the group of the guidelines.
   1. We each choose our own sacred word. The sacred word expresses our intention to consent to God's presence and action within. Examples of sacred words are faith, compassion, Jesus, love, etc.
   2. Sit comfortably. "Sitting comfortably" means relatively comfortably so as not to encourage sleep during the time of prayer. Whatever sitting position we choose, we keep the back straight. Close your eyes
   3. When engaged with your thoughts, or distractions of mind or body, return ever so gently to the sacred word.
   4. At the end of the prayer period, remain in silence with eyes closed.
2. Then, a beginning sound is played; a chime, bell, simple chant, or bowl bell are all very calming sounds to introduce the prayer.
3. Then the group sits for 20 minutes in silence, using the chosen sacred word to bring us back to our consent.
4. Another sound is introduced to bring us back. Remember to then remain in silence with eyes closed, for about two minutes.
5. The leader might lead everyone in the sign of the cross, the Glory be, or something similar to close the session.