The World Community for
Christian Meditation - USA
In Silence • Stillness • Simplicity
Our Shared Practice Creates Community
The all-important aim in Christian Meditation is to allow God’s mysterious and silent presence within us to become more and more not only a reality, but the reality in our lives; to let it become that reality which gives meaning, shape and purpose to everything we do, to everything we are.
- Fr. John Main OSB
What is Christian Meditation?
Fr. John Main taught that meditation is as natural to the spirit as breathing is to the body. Meditation is to be found in many spiritual traditions around the world. Ours has its roots all the way back to the lived teachings of the Christian Fathers and Mothers who fled to the Egyptian desert in the Third Century.
Meditate with Us
We have over 200 local groups throughout the United States, as well as a growing online listing. There is never a charge to learn more or to participate.
Upcoming Events - USA
Fifteenth Anniversary Celebration & Fundraiser for WCCM-USA's NEPTUNE BEACH, FL CENTER
- DATE: September 17th, 2023
- TIME: 3:30 - 4:30 pm Eastern
- LOCATION: In person in Atlantic Beach FL and ONLINE
- DESCRIPTION: Come Celebrate with English Afternoon Tea! Celebrate the history of our all-volunteer non-profit Center, through photos, music, meditation, and a special message from Fr. Laurence.
WCCM-USA Essential Teaching Weekend
- DATE: Friday, July 21 - 23, 2023 - Chicago, Illinois
- LOCATION: In person in Frankfort, IL (Chicago area)
THE PEACE OF CHILDHOOD Introducing Meditation to Children:
Children experience God before they think about God
- DATE: 3:00 pm, Tuesday, August 1 - 10:00 am, Thursday, August 3, 2023
- PRESENTERS: Fr. Laurence Freeman OSB and Dr. Noel Keating
- LOCATION: ONLINE, and in person in Parma OH (near Cinncinnati)
- Watch these introductory videos below to learn more about this exciting topic!
The Good Heart Teachings - Session 4
Original Video with Discussion:
The Gospel of John
- DATE: August 12, 2023
- Description: In 1994 The John Main Seminar featured H.H. The Dalai Lama in dialogue on the Gospels, with Fr. Laurence Freeman OSB and other members of WCCM. Watch the final segment of the video of that historic dialogue and engage in a contemplative discussion with meditation.
- FACILITATED BY: Dr. Paul Dunn
- LOCATION: ONLINE
- TIME: 12:00 pm Eastern
The John Main Seminar: New Wine, New Skins
Dates: Sept 14 – 17th, 2023
Led by: Cynthia Bourgeault, Andrew Harvey and Laurence Freeman
Location: Online and at Bonnevaux Center for Peace, France
Join us ONLINE the first Mondays of every month for Evening COMPLINE and MEDITATION
- DATE: Next first Monday, October 2, 2023
- TIME: 8:00pm Eastern and 7:00pm Pacific
- LOCATION: ONLINE via Zoom, registrations are rolling.
- DESCRIPTION: Compline (Night Prayer) is traditionally the last of the monastic hours before retiring for the evening. It is a wonderful way to end your day. The gathering will include the office of Compline along with a 25-minute meditation period.
Upcoming International Events
- The Space Between Words: How to read the Bible & Other Sacred Texts - 9 Part Series
- Presented by: Laurence Freeman
- Location: Online
- When: Starting September 25, 2023 - ending September 2024 ; 19:30 - 21:30 French time
- Contemplative Journey to the Holy Land
- Led by: Fr. Laurence Freeman OSB
- Location: Holy Land and Jordan
- When: October 2 - 11, 2023
-
Good Measure, Pressed Down & Overflowing:
How Contemplation Shapes Our Action - Presented by: The Right Reverend Dr. Rowan Williams
- Location: Bonnevaux Centre for Peace, FRANCE
- When: November 14- 19, 2023
SAVE THESE USA DATES!
Cleveland, OH – August 1-3, 2023
Introducing
WCCM Academy
A two-year programme of interdisciplinary study in the context of contemplative practice.
Fr. Laurence Freeman celebrates Eucharist Sundays from Bonnevaux
Time: 6:00 am Eastern
Location: Live Webcast on WCCM.org
Cost: Free
Outreach
“Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” Matthew 10:8
Children & Youth
Young children are natural meditators. They enjoy just being with God. Just as they are happy paying attention when their parents or grandparents read them a story, so they are happy to be quiet and still in prayer.
Addiction & Recovery:
Meditation as an 11 Step Practice
Addiction and Recovery outreach offers a way to practice Step 11 of the 12 Steps to a spiritual awakening. “Faith is more than our greatest gift; sharing with others is our greatest responsbility.”
Helping with the Work of Our Community
Whether making a friendly call to check in with far flung group leaders, taking photographs at local community events, sharing skills in bookkeeping, or writing newsletter articles, there are many opportunities to volunteer, strengthening and connecting our community!
About WCCM-USA
The World Community for Christian Meditation in the USA is one of 175 national communities that make up The WCCM global family. WCCM-USA currently has over 200 groups in many states. We meet in churches of every denomination, and in other venues such as online, in hospitals, prisons, YMCA’s, and private homes. Our online groups are a growing presence. Our organization is run entirely by very dedicated and hard working volunteers.
The Mission Statement of The WCCM is part of our WCCM-USA Constitution, in common with other national communities:
To communicate and nurture meditation as passed on through the teaching of John Main in the Christian tradition in the spirit of serving the unity of all.
Support Our Community
Tax deductible donations help to support our modest infrastructure, connecting our meditation communities and spreading our practice to a world hungry for inner peace. US donors who also wish to support our new WCCM Meditation Center in Bonnevaux, France should click here as well.
