Invitation to Contemplation
 ADRIAN, MI, May 22, 2009-- For the last ten years, the Dominican
Ashram has been a place of centered contemplation and quiet. It
offers Dominicans an opportunity to live a more contemplative life
for a committed period of time. Currently, the community members
are inviting others to consider joining them in the contemplative
life.
The Dominican Ashram is a three-story building on the property of
the Dominican Sisters in Adrian, Michigan, where there is ample space
for walking and a quiet atmosphere on holy ground. We gather together
for sitting meditation in common, celebration of the Liturgy of the
Hours and Eucharist.
The ashram strives to create a place where seekers come together
in their search for a greater and deeper relationship with God. The
ashram does not offer programs as such. It is not a retreat house,
though many of its guests do make private retreats. The ashram provides
silence and solitude to be alone with God along with regular liturgical
and personal prayer, and all with a community of similar intent.
It is meant for those willing to encounter God, themselves and reality.
At present there are five members of the core community but we expect
that there will be changes in the coming year or two. Thus as we
have done before, we wish to encourage members as well as those in
leadership who might be able to encourage others to consider the
possibility of a more contemplative style of Dominican life for a
couple years.
We invite you to share our contemplative life and prayer, in an environment
of silence, solitude and simplicity. We practice silence and seek
to maintain a quiet atmosphere. A more conscientious or solemn silence
is observed in the ashram following Evening Prayer until Morning
Prayer.
At the ashram, there are also readings after Evening Prayer from
other religious traditions, sitting meditation twice a day during
which one may choose a more Eastern style of prayer, and study from
time to time concerning other religions.
You can learn more about the ashram way of life by checking our
website, by contacting a current member of
the core community (phone 517-266 4285) or by contacting a member
of the Advisory Council whose members and email links are listed
below. Also, there is an excellent article by Liam Walsh, recently
published in Spirituality,
a journal of the Irish Dominicans, about his experience as a two
month guest at the ashram, which we could send you as an attachment
if you are interested.
So, if the thought passes your mind, or the Holy Spirit seems to
be planting a seed, perhaps it is something at which to take a closer
look. Get in touch with one of us and begin a conversation remaining
open to wherever it may go. The Ashram has been a blessing to its
members and to the wider Dominican family. Consider becoming a part
of the movement toward deeper integration as active contemplatives.
(cllick on the name to launch email)
Donald
Goergen, OP
Rosa Monique
Pena, OP
Ann Willits, OP
John
Meany, OP
Arlene
Flaherty, OP
Visit our website to learn more.
Friends of God Dominican Ashram
1261 E. Siena Heights Drive
Adrian, Michigan 49221
Phone: (517) 266-4285
(voicemail only, checked frequently daily)
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