News From New Mexico

A monthly newsletter from the Center for Action and Contemplation

From the Archives: Richard Rohr on “Action and Contemplation” (1987) 

To celebrate the Center for Action and Contemplation’s (CAC) 35th Anniversary year, we will be releasing a series of archival recordings of Richard Rohr from the early days of our founding. This first recording is from a series of foundational teachings on “Action and Contemplation” given by Richard in 1987 — CAC’s very first year!

In this 90-minute talk, Father Richard lays out the reasoning behind our intentionally chosen name: “Even though it gives us an awfully long title, I think we didn't want to risk anybody missing what we were about. Even the act of holding ourselves to what we want to be about, is to embark on a contemplative journey…” He goes on to describe the contemplative life and offers some advice for those seeking the prophetic path. 

Listen to the full recording! 

Registration EXTENDED! Sign Up for Mary Magdalene by March 26

Cynthia Bourgeault’s wisdom continues to grow deeper roots in my being, which brings my heart great peace and joy. —Ann Marie K., CAC Community Member  

What do you know about Mary Magdalene’s life and wisdom? Mary Magdalene: Apostle to Our Own Times explores one of Christianity’s most courageous women and an important disciple of Jesus who truly embodied his non-dualistic approach and deep understanding of the Divine feminine. Learn what made Mary one of Jesus’ most important and beloved disciples and discover her legacy as an apostle to our times—revealing a path of conscious love that we too are invited to walk. 

Learning Objectives: 

• Cultivate a depth of love in your daily life through reflection and engagement with contemplative teachings and practices. 
• Expand your awareness of Mary Magdalene and what she reveals about the nature of conscious love.  
• Develop your contemplative practice to engage and embody these teachings.  
• Connect and learn with other spiritual seekers. 

Register Today for Mary Magdalene: Apostle to Our Own Times 
Time Commitment: 2–4 hours a week 
Registration EXTENDED: March 26, 2023 

Join us for a series of Virtual Sit Meditations for Lent   

You cannot know God solely with your mind. You need full access knowing, which many call the contemplative mind. —Richard Rohr   

If you are looking for a grounding practice this season, we invite you to journey with us in a series of free Virtual Sit Meditations broadcast on YouTube each Friday during Lent, at 10:00am PT (find your time zone) every Friday until April 7. 

Broadcast on YouTube every Friday in Lent  
10:00 am – 10:30 am (PT) 
March 10 – March 17 – March 24 – March 31 – April 7 
Presented by the Center for Action and Contemplation  

Sign up for our Lenten Virtual Sit Meditations email series! You will receive an email before each of the Virtual Sit Meditations to ground you in wisdom for the upcoming practice.  

Discover Meister Eckhart in a New Season of  Turning to the Mystics

God gives us the power to love. Meister Eckhart says this is the gift of our faith—the problem lies in our possessiveness of heart. —James Finley  

How do we access untouchable joy amid the busyness of life? This season on Turning to the Mystics podcast, CAC faculty member James Finley explores the wisdom of Meister Eckhart, a mystic who lived outside the cloister, offering guidance for walking in spiritual wisdom without leaving the world behind.  

Jim offers a modern take on the timeless wisdom of the Christian mystics through meditation and practice. This podcast is for people searching for something more meaningful, intimate, and richly present in the divine gift of their lives. 

Subscribe to Turning to the Mystics on your favorite podcast player or listen online! 

Register Now for  The Franciscan Way Online Course

Francis knew that only love is big enough to handle and hold truth. Truth which is not loving, joyful, and inclusive is never the Great Truth. —Richard Rohr 

The Franciscan Way online course features the teachings of Richard Rohr, which offer a unique window into Franciscan wisdom, thought, and practice. This course explores the path of St. Francis of Assisi, a humble icon of gentleness and compassion, and a radical prophet who challenges people of all faith traditions. Step outside your comfortable ideas and habits, as you develop a contemplative practice to support freedom from the dominant ego self. 

Learning Objectives: 

• Cultivate Franciscan wisdom in your daily life through reflection on and engagement with Fr. Richard’s teachings. 
• Expand your awareness of the themes and founders of the Franciscan way, including the Alternative Orthodoxy, Univocity of Being, and the Great Chain of Being. 
• Develop a contemplative practice to grow alternative consciousness, which provides the only freedom from the dominant ego self and from cultural falsities. 
• Connect and learn with other spiritual seekers. 

Register Today for The Franciscan Way! 
Time Commitment: 2–4 hours a week 
Registration Ends: April 11, 2023 
Apply for Financial Assistance by April 4, 2023