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
USA 40 Day Lenten Online Retreat
BEAUTY AND SILENCE
- DATES: February 14 - March 27, 2024
- TIME: Your choice of afternoon and/ or evening times - 3:30pm Eastern or 7:30pm Eastern
- LOCATION: ONLINE
- DESCRIPTION: Weekly thought provoking emails will precede the Wednesday online gathering. Beginning with a presentation or practice related to the topic of the email, we will move into our time of meditation together. Those who wish may stay for sharing or questions.
WCCM-USA Essential Teaching Weekend
- DATE: Friday, July 21 - 23, 2023 - Chicago, Illinois
- LOCATION: In person in Frankfort, IL (Chicago area)
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
Join us ONLINE the first Mondays of every month for Evening COMPLINE and MEDITATION
- DATE: Next first Monday, April 1, 2024
- 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.
REGISTRATION NOW LIVE!
Widen Your Tent ~ 2024 John Main Seminar
July 8 – 13, 2024
New Harmony, Indiana & Online
Led by Archbishop of Trinidad and Tobago, Jason Gordon
Pre seminar retreat led by Fr. Laurence Freeman
Ongoing International Events
- Holy Week Retreat - Sacred Life is Death and Resurrection
- Presented by: Fr. Laurence Freeman OSB
- Location: ONLINE
-
When: Monday, March 25 - March 31
Times various through the week
-
Beholding Divine Beauty:
"And God saw that it was very good" - Presented by: 10 Different Speakers throughout 2024, beginning with Charles Taylor
- Location: ONLINE
- When:Ongoing through 2024
- INTO THE MYSTICS | What do the Mystics Have to Say to Us Today?
- Presented by: Dr. Bernard Mc Ginn, Professor Emeritus, University of Chicago Divinity School
- Location: ONLINE
- When: Series of 10 lectures throughout 2024, beginning JANUARY 23 | 19:30 - 21:45, French Time
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.