Silent Lunches
Join us at our Silent Lunches, every Tuesday, 12–1 pm, in the SGA Conference room, MacKay 2nd Floor. We will share a silent meal—a practice common in monasteries, but rare in American culture. This is a time to simply be with God and others, free from noise, conversation, or social expectations. It’s a weekly space to begin with rest—a habit of Sabbath at the start of your week. We’ll keep the door closed for quiet, but a welcome sign will let you know you’re invited in. You are free to enter or leave whenever you like during the hour. At 12:45 pm, we will offer a short prayer to honor God’s presence in the silence. This space is open to all students, staff, and public visitors—free of charge and open-hearted in spirit.
Contemplative Listening Circles
Contemplative Listening Circles (CLC’s) make up the heart of programming here at the Center for Contemplative Leadership. These small groups, often called Group Spiritual Direction or Group Spiritual Companionship elsewhere, centralize listening prayer as a means for connecting with God and neighbor. Guided by a trained facilitator, each circle typically consists of 4-5 participants. In a framework of equally shared spiritual leadership, participants are invited to listen to the Spirit on one another’s behalf over the course of a 90-minutes session.
Here’s what you can expect in a typical Contemplative Listening Circle session:
1. Opening Meditation: The facilitator offers an opening prayer or meditation
~ 3-5 min. Of Silence ~
2. 1st Presentation to the Group: One participant offers a little bit of what’s on their heart. Sometimes this is a recollection of a few recent experiences in one’s spiritual journey. Sometimes it’s a deeper question from one’s studies or simply what stood out in the silence.
~ 3-5 min. Of Silence ~
3. Responses from the Group: This is a chance for group members to pray “What is God’s desire for the person who just spoke?” Sometimes group members will respond to the person who spoke by naming what they noticed while listening. Sometimes, group members respond by offering an image that came to them in silence. Sometimes they respond by saying nothing – rather, they simply offer a loving presence.
~ 3-5 min. Of Silence ~
4. Quiet Prayer & Repeating the Process: At this point, the group closes in silent prayer and repeats the process for the next person who feels led by the Spirit to offer some of what’s on their heart.
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Spring Break Retreat
As part of our Student Resources, join us at Holy Cross Monastery for Spring Break! A PTS tradition for over 20 years, this 3-day (2-night) retreat during March reading week offers a peaceful opportunity to dwell in quiet and rest with God. You’ll sleep in a humble monastic cell, share meals and conversations with the brothers, participate in the liturgical daily office, and embrace the “Great Silence” each night. The scenic monastery grounds along the Hudson River deepen the contemplative experience. The retreat includes a brief opening and closing gathering, but most of the time remains unstructured for personal reflection. A faculty member and student leaders will be present to accompany you. We hope to see you there!
2026 Registration Details:
Super Early Bird: Those who register by the beginning of Thanksgiving break, Tues. 11/25, are charged $75.
Early Bird: Those who register by the end of fall semester, Fri. 12/19, are charged $85.
Regular Registration: Those who register by the third Monday of Spring semester, Mon. 2/16, are charged $95.
Scholarships are available for those who would like to attend but may face a financial burden. Please email wesley.tenney-free@ptsem.edu with any inquiries.
Other Events
Contemplative Movie Nights
Kick-off your shoes, get comfy, and join us for a movie night over at CRW! Once a semester we will gather together in one of the lounges, share some snacks, and view a film that welcomes a more meditative experience. You can expect that we will open with a prayer, host a silent 5-min. intermission halfway through the film, then facilitate a brief reflection discussion at the end of the movie.
Please check back soon for details of our next gathering.
Please check out our Events & News page for more public events that you are welcome to attend.