Spring 2000 Newsletter

Letter from the Executive Director

Dear Friends,

 I am delighted to report to you that our Annual Meeting Enrichment Weekend was held at the Mercy Center in Burlingame, CA., September 27th to October 3rd.  There were 80 people in attendance for the meeting, and over 200 joined us on Saturday for an Enrichment Day.  The theme for the weekend was Contemplative Service.  When asked "what is contemplative service?" Father Thomas said, "contemplative service is the God in us serving others."  The spirit of this statement permeated the weekend.

Carol DiMarchello of Adrian, Michigan and Caroline Humphreys of Birmingham, Alabama were elected to serve on the Board of Trustees for three-year terms.  Marie Howard of Davenport, Iowa was reelected to serve her second term.

The Contemplative Outreach Faculty will hold their Annual Faculty Meeting at the Cedar Brake Retreat House in Austin, Texas January 26th to 31st, 2000.  George Cairns of Beverly Shores, Indiana was newly appointed to the Faculty.  High on the agenda will be to expand the Contemplative Outreach curriculum.

Newly appointed Coordinators are Bob Hope of Rockport, Massachusetts, Cathy McCarthy of Orange County, New York, Richard Steph of Atlanta, Georgia and Ray Tucker of  Weston, Connecticut.  Newly appointed Co-Coordinators are Carol Rome and Sr. Linda Snow of Encino, California.

Mark your calendars!  The Annual United in Prayer Day is scheduled for Saturday, March 18th, 2000.  The day will feature the NEW videotape by Fr. Thomas on the Fruits of the Spirit.  Please join us for this event.  It is a wonderful opportunity to join hearts in a silent bond across the globe.  See the article below for details.

Please be sure to check our newest resources listed on page 10.

If you haven't taken our Study Program yet, contact Bonnie Shimizu at 970-927-3858 or bjs@rof.net for more information on how to register.

During this season of abundance we are reminded of the many blessings we have received during the year.  One of our blessings is your financial support of this Newsletter.  We are grateful for the $7936 we received of the $13,100 that it takes to publish and mail 40,000 newsletters.  We ask for your continued support.

With a grateful spirit,

Gail Fitzpatrick-Hopler
Executive Director