Cathedral Events

Saturday, January 28, 2012 7:30 AM

Mid-Winter Monastic Quiet Day with Kurt Aschermann and Greg Finch

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Download: To download the quiet day guide, please click here »

To register, please call Sarah Rockwood at (202) 537-2234.

Monastic Quiet days offer a unique opportunity to experience transformational rhythms experienced in monastic communities in the midst of our own daily living. Using a simple guide for guidance and reflection, participants begin their practice of silence on Friday evening in their own homes. Saturday morning participants convene at the Cathedral—gathering for 7:30 am Eucharist, followed by breakfast, periods for reflection, and lunch—all in silence. The afternoon includes time for prayer, meditation, reflection, and short learning sessions for response and sharing, and concludes with Evening Prayer in the great choir of the Cathedral.

Led by Kurt Aschermann, President of Charity Partners Foundation, active contemplative, and former senior vice president of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Greg Finch, Director of The Community of Reconciliation at Washington National Cathedral.

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 — Gather for morning Eucharist in the Cathedral then proceed to Cathedral College
7:30 am - Eucharist in Bethlehem Chapel, Cathedral Crypt level, you will be greeted by Greg and Kurt at the Conclusion of the Service

Saturday - At the Cathedral

8:00 am - Breakfast in silence- Cathedral College Refectory
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, optional)

About Kurt Aschermann

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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).

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About Dr. Greg Finch

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Gregory L. Finch, DMin, MDiv, MTS, BEd, is executive director of the Community of Reconciliation at Washington National Cathedral and founder of the consulting firm Wild Geese Among Us in Washington, D.C.

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Parking at the Cathedral

Parking in the Cathedral’s underground garage is free on Sundays for services and organ recitals; parking for concerts and programs is available for an event-parking fee. Learn more about parking options for individuals and groups.