Christian Contemplative Experience

The Christian Contemplative Experience at Holy Family (CCE) seeks to affirm the oneness of all Christians and to transcend our outward differences by joining together in silent prayer. Our purpose is to provide a space where Christians can meet as a Contemplative Community and to learn, share and pray together in our Christian contemplative tradition. We also affirm our solidarity with the contemplative dimension of other religions and sacred traditions and engage in enriching Interspiritual dialogue and learning. 

CCE is informed by the principles, prayer practices and teachings of Contemplative Outreach, LTD, founded by Thomas Keating in 1984. It includes the methods of Lectio Divina, Centering Prayer and Welcoming Prayer, among others.  We are also enriched by various classical and modern Christian Contemplative, Mystical and Wisdom teachers and masters. Learn more about the Christian Contemplative Tradition from our friends at Contemplative Outreach. 

Our inspiration is to be a regional center for Christian Contemplative practice, learning, and spiritual renewal seeking to expand our CT Community to serve the rest of New England and New York. We offer a structured program of Christian Contemplative formation, community enrichment and retreat experiences for all levels of experience from beginners to intermediate and advanced practitioners. 

For more information about the Christian Contemplative Experience at Holy Family, please contact Mike Smoolca at cce@holyfamilyretreat.org.


Communities of Practice

Establishing community is a foundation of CCE. Community members are invited to come together to embrace and share practice as well as to learn from and accompany one another on their Christian Contemplative journey.

Contemplative Prayer Group

This group focuses on Welcoming Prayer, Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina and meets year-round on Thursday. We typically meet in the Passionist Chapel (third floor of the Monastery Building) on the first and third Thursday of the month and by Zoom on other Thursdays. We share in an evening of prayer, teaching and dialogue. The groups meets from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. with a newcomer orientation at 6:30 p.m.

We will continue to assess the location of our meeting in consideration of the safety of all participants during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on how to join us, please contact Mike Smoolca at cce@holyfamilyretreat.org


Enrichment Days

Our enrichment days provide an immersion experience of contemplative prayer and community. Programs support teaching and small group sharing and are led by qualified and experienced teachers from around the country.


Annual Day of Reflection

The objective of this day is to gather together as a large Christian Contemplative community to share experience with a master contemplative teacher. This enriching retreat promotes deeper contemplative union with God and with one another. 


Overnight Retreats

Overnight retreats provide an opportunity for intensive and extended time in silent practice under the guidance of a master teacher, with the support of a community of practitioners.


Formation Programs

Formation programs are designed to support faithful learning and ongoing practice of Christian Contemplative and Wisdom methods. Teachers are certified, commissioned or otherwise authorized to lead the programs.


Enneagram Formation

Explore how Enneagram-informed contemplation can support our spiritual life with these immersion weekends.


Contemplative Recovery Retreats

Offered in partnership with The 12 Step Outreach program of Contemplative Outreach which was established to offer Centering Prayer to people in all 12 Step fellowships as an 11th Step prayer/meditation practice.

Check back soon for future programs and dates.