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SCHOOL FOR CLERGY
FROM THE HEART

    A two-day workshop was held from 13-15 March 2006 at the recently
    opened Christian Meditation Retreat Centre at the Monastery of Christ
    the King Cockfosters. The event was the very first UK School for
    priests and ministers on the teaching of Christian Meditation. We came
    from Lancashire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Kent and London. Two
    were Roman Catholic, and three Anglican.

    The programme was led by Fr Laurence Freeman and Liz Watson. It
    included the history of the tradition, our own personal spiritual
    journeys and the significance of Christian Meditation for us. On the
    second day, each of us gave a short talk introducing meditation to an
    imaginary but specific audience, and the whole group then shared in
    the evaluation of the presentations in a supportive but not uncritical
    atmosphere. Later, we had a question-and-answer session, where
    each of the participants answered likely questions from an imaginary
    ‘audience’. We also had an address from Fr Laurence on
    psychological aspects of the stages of the journey in meditation,
    dealing with the level and kind of distractions that are likely to be
    encountered by anyone embarking on meditation. The final morning
    began with an informal contemplative Eucharist, followed by a final
    session on the need for contemplation in contemporary priesthood.
    Meditation was practised regularly, and there were opportunities for
    joining the monastic community in Morning Prayer and Mass.

    The group very much appreciated the planning and skilful leadership
    provided by Liz and the interest, presence and input of Fr Laurence at
    mealtimes as well as during the sessions, meditation and Mass. We
    also appreciated the intimacy provided by a small group as we got to
    know each other, rejoiced in each other’s stories and priestly
    ministries, and marvelled at how God’s grace works through the
    varied circumstances of our lives. Accommodation and food were
    excellent.



    Graeme Watson, London
    Email: gchwatson@blueyonder.co.uk
    March 2006