Genesis School for Contemplative Living

"Contemplative communities are more than ever necessary to counterbalance the deep resistance to maturity and evolution as a species. As Jung said in 1960, 'our technology is outpacing our consciousness'; we are at a crossroads and the coming together for contemplative practice and action is essential." -Brother Don Bisson

Genesis School for Contemplative Living, 2021 Cohort

Mission

Genesis’ third incarnation of the School for Contemplative Living will begin in September 2020. With five residential weekends, and in-person or online group meetings between sessions, the school is a formation program for the contemplative journey, rooted in the Christian wisdom tradition in an emerging, interspiritual, ecological and socially-engaged framework. The GSCL qualifies for CEU credits through Our Lady of the Elms College.

Theological Approach

This program will be taught through Christian, Contemplative, Evolutionary, Prophetic, and Interspiritual lenses.

Core Faculty

Jane Comerford, CSJ

Fr. Norm Comtois, OMI

Christina Leano

Liz Walz, ASP

Rev. Matthew Wright

with Brother Don Bisson, FMS

Learning Outcomes

Develop a daily contemplative practice

Create a Rule of Life

Integrate skillfulness in daily life and dealing with difficult emotions; cultivate embodied spirituality

Aquire an intellectual framework for understanding this moment in history

Understand and apply the School lenses to your life circumstance: Christian, Contemplative, Evolutionary, Interspiritual, Prophetic.

Dates for the On-Site Sessions

September 17-20, 2020; November 6-8; January 15-17, 2021; March 5-7, and May 13-16

During the five residential weekends, learning is both intellectual and experiential, nourishing both the head and the heart for the transformational journey. Each residential weekend will have specific learning outcomes related to the content for that weekend.

Components

Weekends consist of:

Communal silent practice
Presentations with Question and Response
Individual reflection and journaling; small group process; large group gleaning
Ritual and liturgy
Contemplative movement
Opportunity for one-on-one mentoring related to your contemplative practice

Between residential weekends, learning continues through a commitment to daily practice, group meetings or video calls, and study.

Intended Audience

This program is designed for beginner and experienced meditators alike.

People from any faith tradition, or none, who are interested in the Christian contemplative tradition.

Fee Structure

Tuition for the nine-month program, materials, and room and board for five weekend sessions is $2,800 if paid in two or more installments, or $2,500 if paid in full by September 1, 2020. Financial aid is available.

Tuition & Materials	$1,245
Room and Board or Five Weekends/12 nights; 36 meals	$1,555
Total	$2,800

The School qualifies for 8 Religious Studies CEUs through Our Lady of the Elms College!

Application

For more information or to receive the application for the Genesis School for Contemplative Living by mail, contact
JComerford@GenesisSpiritualCenter.org
413-562-3627 ext. 105

You may download the application here: GSCL Application. Applications are due by midnight on Saturday, August 15, 2020 with a $35 nonrefundable application fee.