Forty years ago Contemplative Outreach of Colorado began. It started small. A humble space graciously offered by Spirit of Christ Church in Arvada Colorado. The community grew. It evolved. Now Contemplative Outreach of Colorado thrives. It occupies a leased church building from the Episcopal Diocese. This sacred place serves as its Denver Center.
Contemplative Outreach of Colorado isn’t just a place. It’s a living testament to the contemplative way of life. It expands this practice in service to the world. The organization aims to awaken the inner monastic within each of us. The goal is to inform ordinary life with extraordinary love.
This Denver Center offers more than just prayer. It includes a chapel for communal prayer. There are administrative offices and classrooms. Upstairs you’ll find a large kitchen a dining room and a multipurpose meeting room. The community is integral. All are welcome to its hospitality. People participate in Centering Prayer. They enjoy various spirituality-based classes days of prayer and special programs. These are offered in person via Zoom and in a hybrid format. Twice a year weekend retreats are held at Sacred Heart Retreat House.
Contemplative Outreach of Colorado is overseen by a Board of Directors. Judie Blanchard serves as President. Other board members include Debbie Quinn Colleen Hatton and Chuck McKenna. Melissa O’Neal is the Interim Coordinator for the Denver Center. Jennie K Curtis administers Snowmass Retreats. Jean-Marie Hegarty is the Secretary. Lisa McKenzie Netanel Miles-Perez and Hal Wright also serve on the board. Rory McEntee is the Treasurer.
The Center for Contemplative Living in Denver is one of two branches. The other is Contemplative Outreach Retreats in Snowmass. Both share a common Board of Directors. The Center’s primary purpose is introducing people to contemplative prayer. It also provides a support system for spiritual development. This support is provided through workshops retreats and educational programs. The Center is closely associated with the Cistercian Monks at St Benedict’s Monastery in Snowmass Colorado.
The work of Contemplative Outreach of Colorado is rooted in the teachings of Thomas Keating. Centering Prayer a core practice is described as resting in the Divine Presence already within us. It’s a way to raise awareness of this presence. It helps us move beyond conversation with God to communion with God. This is a journey of deep transformation. It invites us to let go of what holds us back. It allows us to become who we can truly be. Contemplative Outreach of Colorado provides a pathway to this transformation. It offers a sanctuary a community and a guide on this spiritual journey.