In these extraordinary times that we find ourselves in, I have been profoundly moved at how meaningful online retreats and courses have become for so many. Everyone knows that Zoom is no substitute for a week at a monastery — but it’s much better than nothing!
Here are some online events that will be happening over the next few months. Although they are sponsored by monasteries and retreat houses located in New York, South Carolina, Georgia, California, and other locations, because they are all online they are available for everyone — and at a very reasonable cost. I hope one or more of these events will fit in with your schedule — it would be good to stay connected!
July 21-23: Praying with the Spanish Mystics (Online Retreat) — sponsored by Holy Cross Monastery in West Park, NY. This retreat explores the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Teresa of Ávila, and St. John of the Cross. Offered on a donation basis, with the suggested amount being $45 or $15 per session if you can’t attend all three. For more information and registration information, click here.
August 10-13: Wisdom of the Desert Mothers and Fathers (Online Retreat) — sponsored by Mepkin Abbey in SC. Let’s enter the “desert” of this extraordinary time of pandemic and social isolation together, turning to our desert elders for inspiration and spiritual guidance. The four-day retreat costs $60. For more information and to register, click here.
September 12-13: Tolkien, Lewis and MacDonald: Spirituality of the Christian Imagination (Online Retreat) — sponsored by the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, Conyers, GA. We will reflect together on how the imaginative writing of JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis, and George MacDonald is filled with spiritual guidance. Suggested donation for this retreat is $45. To register, please call the Monastery Guest House at 1-770-760-0959.
September 28-November 9: Wisdom of the World’s Mystical Traditions (Seven Week Online Course) — sponsored by the Zeitgeist Center, Atlanta. In this seven week program, we will explore the great mystical/contemplative traditions of the world, and engage in a meaningful spiritual exercise designed to explore the contemplative practice of that particular lineage. To learn more about this program and to register, click here:
www.zgatl.org/carl-mccolman-mysticism.html
November 2-27: Wisdom of the Christian Mystics e-Course, co-facilitated with Tessa Bielecki — sponsored by Spirituality & Practice. We will explore the wisdom and insight of a dozen major Christian mystics, looking at how they invite us deeper in our own spiritual practice. Cost is $59.95. To learn more and to register, click here: www.SpiritualityandPractice.com/WisdomoftheChristianMysticsE-Course
To learn more about these and other online events, please visit my “Events” page on my website, by clicking here: www.carlmccolman.com/events/
