Saturday, October 16, 2010 7:30 AM–4:30 PM
Autumn Monastic Quiet Day
Kurt Aschermann
Monastic environments offer the time and place to readily experience the rhythms of silence, reflection, and renewal. Whether for a day or an extended period such experiences help us along our spiritual journey and align us with the great tradition of Benedictine spirituality.
The Community of Reconciliation invites us to join in monastic silence in the midst of our everyday lives by creating a ‘monastery of the heart.’ Our Monastic Quiet Day, anchored at Washington National Cathedral, sets apart a full 24 hour period in monastic prayer and silence. The “Quiet Day” begins in our own homes on Friday evening and continues Saturday throughout the beautiful spaces of the Cathedral and grounds of the Cathedral close. All who wish to set aside time and place for silence, reflection, and renewal are welcome.
As in a monastery, our quiet day is guided by the rhythms of several practices— intentional silence, observance of the Daily Office, individual and corporate prayer, the Eucharist, reflective reading, shared work, and the taking of meals together. During our time this ‘monastery of the heart’ offers a chance to participate in an authentic contemplative experience in ways that nourish balance in life and reconciliation in the world.
A light breakfast is provided. Plan to bring a light lunch to share or purchase one at the Cathedral Store.
Monastic Day Schedule
Friday Evening — In your own home
6 pm - Dinner (enjoy with your family or alone)
7:30 pm - Office of Compline— your quiet day begins
7:45 pm - The Great Silence
Saturday — Sacred Spaces and Grounds of Washington National Cathedral
7:30 am - Eucharist
8:00 am - Breakfast in silence
8:45 am - End of the Great Silence
8:55 am - Call to prayer
9 am - Morning Office
9:30-10:15 am - Optional Conference #1
10:15-11:55 am - Private time
11:55 am - Call to prayer
12 noon - Mid-Day Office
12:15 pm - Lunch, Reading, and conversation
1-1:45 pm - Optional Conference #2
1:40 pm - Call to prayer
1:50-2:30 pm - Silent Prayer
2:30-3:15 pm - Community reflection and discussion
3:15 pm - Blessing
4 pm - Evening Prayer (Cathedral)
About Kurt Aschermann
Kurt Aschermann is an independent consultant who also serves as president of the Charity Partners Foundation. He has also been an active contemplative for more than 30 years, since experiencing Benedictine spirituality at Holy Cross Monastery in upstate New York (where he has been an associate for 23 years).
About Angie Dodson
Angie Dodson serves as associate director of Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens here in NW Washington. Trained in art history and museum education, Angie has worked in museums for 20 years, making her way through art museums, history centers, and historic houses before arriving at Hillwood in 1999.
Angie has also dedicated the past two decades to seeking a spiritual home which she has found in the Benedictine sensibilities practiced by the Community of Reconciliation.