The Geography of Discernment

Your way of acting should be different
from the world's way.
Rule of Benedict 4:20

The Geography of Discernment

Each person has a personal geography of the landscape of encounters with the divine. In this program of discernment we will become spiritual cartographers charting our way from our beginnings to the present moment.

We offer seekers an opportunity to come away for a while and focus on the significant landscapes of their own listening to God's call.

What is Discernment?

Discernment is the art of separating one thing from another. We take the outside information of our life circumstances and listen to its inside significance in the midst of the praying community.

What is the goal of this course?

In this 8-month program of learning discernment and deepening of lay vocation, participants will meet online to discuss and reflect upon scripture, spiritual disciplines, and assigned texts.

On-site meetings will enrich community formation, and practices of prayer, meditation and listening.

The Pilgrimage of Discernment Four Fundamental Practices

Deepening our prayer life
Recognizing the uniqueness of the way God calls us
Building a prayerful, discerning community
Continuing to move between action and reflection

Examples of projects:

Create an autobiographical map of spiritual encounters with the divine.

Create a rule of life in the midst of community

Apply the three great vows of stability, obedience and conversion of life to our life journey

Geography of Discernment Video Presentation

General Information

Cost: $400
Please register by Feb. 1, 2010

Location:
St James Episcopal Church
3100 Monkton Road
Monkton, MD 21111

Registration Form:
Download Registration Form

On-site meeting dates for 2010:
February 21, 1-5pm
March 19, Evening
March 20, Morning
April 18, 1-5pm
May 23, 1-5pm

*Online class information TBA on 2/21

Contact:
Ms. Debra Donnelly-Barton
The Center for Spiritual Development
at St. James Church, Monkton MD
410-771-4466 or