Engaging Impasse

Spent a couple days this week in Washington, DC at the regional LCWR meetings. The main presenter was Nancy Sylvester, IHM. She is the founder of the Institute for Communal Contemplation and Dialogue. She began this ministry in 2002 in response to her experiences working for justice and right relationships in church and in society. Contemplation and consciousness are two large parts of their offerings. Here's one definition that Nancy posited, "Contemplation is a long, loving look at the real." Their website is here and gives an idea of this fascinating ministry if you'd like to browse.

Her workshop for us was titled, "Compassionate Conversing in a Time of Chaos." Fascinating concepts and right in sync with the following of Jesus with his own challenges to the world of his time and his offerings of other directions, toward other realities than the accepted ones of that time.

Here are five Benedictines relaxing one night at Colonel Brook's Tavern near the retreat center in NE Washington--right across from the campus of Catholic University. We did visit the National Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Quite the place.