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News From New Mexico

A monthly newsletter from the Center for Action and Contemplation

Returning to the Center: Moving Forward Together

Returning to the Center is a series of updates and reflections from the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) on our discoveries and growing pains as we do the challenging work of reclaiming our founder’s vision for action and contemplation in a time of global change and contemplative renewal.

In his third reflection, CAC Executive Director Michael Poffenberger considers the connection between inner and outer change and why he believes that by building on Father Richard’s work the CAC can become a catalyzing force for change inside of Christianity:

For the past two years Father Richard has been engaged in a gradual process of stepping back from public life. This has included a reduction in his public speaking and travel schedule as well as less involvement in the day-to-day operations of the CAC.

That’s not to say Richard is never around — he continues to be a very active presence in many projects. Yet we are drawing close to the time when Richard will fully release his role at the center of this organization and our community — an inevitable future that, if I’m being honest with myself, I both grieve and sometimes resist. Richard has been my own primary spiritual teacher now for over a decade, and the idea of carrying on without him feels unthinkable. In many respects, he is wholly irreplaceable, a larger-than-life teacher, personality, and mentor.

However, I also know there is nothing that would horrify him more than the CAC becoming a monument to Richard-the-person. None of this has ever been about him, but always about the message and supporting a movement of people who are bringing it to life in the world.

Read the rest of Michael’s letter on our website.

Embark on an Online Spiritual Study of the 12 Steps — Register Now for Breathing Under Water

Breathing Under Water is a 15-week spiritual study of the Twelve Steps based on Richard Rohr’s book of the same name. Explore the parallels between what Jesus taught and the freedom that can be found in Twelve Step programs, while learning how these guiding principles can transform your own life and addictions.

Each week students will explore a new theme through reflections, discussions, contemplative practices, and supplemental articles and multimedia — including support from experienced teaching assistants and exclusive video teachings from Fr. Richard.

Learning Objectives

Learn More about Breathing Under Water
Time Commitment: 4 – 6 hours each week
Registration closes July 13
Apply for Financial Assistance by July 6
Course Runs: July 20 – Nov. 1

The Latest from Brian McLaren: Do I Stay Christian? and a new season of Learning How to See

CAC teacher Brian McLaren's new book,Do I Stay Christian?, invites readers to explore the powerful question that surprising numbers of people ― including pastors, priests, and other religious leaders ― are asking in private. Brian combines his own experience with that of thousands of people who have confided in him over the years to help readers make a responsible, honest, ethical decision about their religious identity.

Everyone who purchases Do I Stay Christian? from our online bookstore will be invited to participate in an exclusive Community Read-Along on Facebook! There will be discussion questions, prompts, and shared practices as we move through the book each week.

The CAC is an educational nonprofit organization whose mission is to strengthen compassionate engagement in the world. When you purchase this or any other book from our online bookstore you help us to introduce seekers from around the world to the contemplative Christian path of transformation. Everyone who purchases a copy of Do I Stay Christian? will receive a link to join the discussion group via email.

You can also follow along with the newest season of our podcast, Learning How to See. In the third season, Brian invites us to see and experience Christianity in new ways.

Subscribe to Learning How to See on your favorite podcast player or listen on our website.

Unveil the Contemplative Mind in the Newest Issue of ONEING

In his introduction to the latest issue of ONEING, Richard Rohr describes unveiling as “a gift for those who are ready to see more fully.”

The “gift,” he refers to is contemplation — it takes the contemplative mind to be able to see and absorb the ugly underbelly of the United States of America, as revealed by a political administration that unwittingly unveiled it. It takes a contemplative mind to spend months living and working in relative isolation — away from family, friends, and colleagues because of a devastating pandemic — and not lose hope. It takes a contemplative mind to see live footage of global starvation and death, desperate Afghans falling from an airplane, and the effects of global warming — and be able to absorb it all with faith and love.

“The Greek word apocalypsis” according to Rohr, “literally means to unveil something and thus to reveal its true form and colors.” The contributors to the Spring 2022 edition of ONEING have been invited to do just that: unpacking and revealing what the contemplative mind is capable of both holding and grieving in each moment in time.

ONEING: Unveiled is available in a limited-print edition or as a downloadable PDF.

Established in 2013, ONEING is the biannual journal of the Center for Action and Contemplation. Renowned for its diverse and deep exploration of mysticism and culture, ONEING is grounded in Richard Rohr’s teachings and wisdom lineage. Each issue features a themed collection of thoughtfully curated essays and critical perspectives from spiritual teachers, activists, modern mystics, and prophets of all religions.

Discover the Christian Wisdom Path in Introductory Wisdom School, featuring Cynthia Bourgeault

Introductory Wisdom School is a 14-week online course exploring the Christian Wisdom way of knowing and its relevance to our realities today. Cynthia Bourgeault blends teaching with contemplative practices to help students engage in their conscious work on an embodied level — aligning the mind, body, and heart — to develop the skills, knowledge, and actions for self-transformation.

Each lesson introduces students to a new topic with a teaching, inner task, and specialized chant. Each week students will explore new teaching materials, contemplative practices, and student discussions. Deepen your sense of God, self, and others by applying this conscious work into your own routine and experience the diverse and unexpected ways it can transform your life.

Learning Objectives:

Learn more about Introductory Wisdom School
Time Commitment: 4 – 6 hours each week
Registration closes July 13
Apply for Financial Assistance by July 6
Course Runs: July 20 – Oct. 25

Explore the Sublime Poetry of John of the Cross

In Mirabai Starr’s newest book, Saint John of the Cross: Luminous Darkness, readers are treated to a collection of new translations and reflections on the sacred wisdom of one of Christianity’s most poetic mystics. This book is a contemplative offering that invites you to rediscover the sublime wisdom of the Spanish mystic. Discover how the essence of Saint John’s teachings can sustain our modern lives in God’s love and grace.

Order a copy of Saint John of the Cross: Luminous Darkness

The CAC is Hiring: Salesforce Product Manager

Are you a Salesforce administrator eager to use your professional talents to support transformation and inspire loving action? The CAC is hiring a Salesforce Product Manager to lead the continued investment in our CRM ecosystem as part of a highly coordinated, team-oriented, and results-focused Digital Product Team.

The Salesforce Product Manager will seek to understand the CRM-related needs of the organization and translate them into beautifully integrated technology solutions that empower our staff and support our mission.

This role requires someone with excellent strategic, organizational, and communication skills who will bring a high level of expertise to product management, Salesforce platform administration, and team management.

Interested or know someone who would be a good fit?
Apply today or help us spread the word.

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