As the teaching and training arm of the Guild, the Institute offers educational opportunities that range from introductory workshops to in-depth courses in spiritual life and practice. In the summer and fall, we also offer several "special event" programs through the Guild Institute. The Institute also brings noted teachers and scholars to the area to speak on topics of interest to our community. Previous teachers and scholars have included Thomas Keating, Cynthia Bourgeault, Martin Laird, Rami Shapiro, Christopher Pramuk and John Chryssavgis.
2012 Institute: Deepening Wisdom
We are delighted to announce our 2012 "Deepening Wisdom" Institute programs with Rev. Dr. Cynthia Bourgeault, Fr. Richard Rohr, and Rev. Dr. Martin Laird.
Each of the Guild's "Deepening Wisdom" weekends consists of a Day of Teaching on Friday at St. Andrew by the Lake Episcopal Church in Seal Cove (Mount Desert Island), Maine, and a Retreat on Saturday and Sunday at the Alcyon Center, a small retreat center also in Seal Cove.
The Day of Teaching and Retreat are distinct events with separate fees. You may register for either one or both.
The Northeast Guild and The Alcyon Center are distinct and separate entities, as well. Registration fees for a Guild Day of Teaching and/or Retreat are separate from room and board costs at The Alcyon Center. After registering for a Guild program, you are encouraged to arrange room and board accommodations at The Alcyon Center. Accommodation costs at The Alcyon Center vary according to single or double room occupancy or if you are staying elsewhere and need meals only. The Alcyon Center can accommodate 15 overnight guests. It is essential that you arrange for accommodations, and you can do so by contacting The Alcyon Center Co-directors, Joan Jordan Grant or Kathryn Booth at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or at 207.244.1060. Other accommodations are available on Mount Desert Island as well, and we are happy to share additional accommodation options. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call us at 207.244.5168
Spring Weekend, June 15 – 17: Rev. Dr. Cynthia Bourgeault is an Episcopal priest, an international retreat leader, and a preeminent teacher of Centering Prayer. Her books include Love is Stronger than Death, Chanting the Psalms, Mystical Hope, The Wisdom Way of Knowing, Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening, The Wisdom Jesus, and The Meaning of Mary Magdalene: Discovering the Woman at the Heart of Christianity.
Summer Weekend, August 17 – 19: Father Richard Rohr is a Franciscan priest of the New Mexico Province and the founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque. An international retreat leader, teacher and preacher, he is the author of more than 30 books, including Everything Belongs, The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective, The Naked Now, Breathing Underwater: Spirituality and the Twelve Steps, Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life, and A Lever and a Place to Stand.
Fall Weekend, October 19 – 21: Rev. Dr. Martin Laird is Associate Professor of Theology at Villanova University and the author of the classic guidebook to contemplative prayer, Into the Silent Land: A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation, and its companion volume, A Sunlit Absence: Silence, Awareness and Contemplation. Martin has extensive formation in contemplative disciplines and gives retreats throughout the United States and Great Britain.
The Northeast Guild offers a Special Subscriber's Tuition. Attend all three weekends (nine days) for a reduced cost of $575. This includes an additional "Day of Retreat and Integration" on November 2nd.
Register Below for the Spring Weekend with Cynthia Bourgeault
Day of Teaching, June 15, Friday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at St. Andrew by the Lake Episcopal Church, Seal Cove, Maine $60 (after June 1st $75)
Retreat, June 15-17, 7:00 p.m. Friday to 10:30 a.m. Sunday at The Alcyon Center, Seal Cove, Maine $150 (after June 1st $175)
Register Below for the Summer Weekend with Richard Rohr
Day of Teaching, August 17, Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at St. Andrew by the Lake Episcopal Church, Seal Cove, Maine $75 (after June 1st $85)
Retreat, August 18-19, Saturday 9:00 a.m. to noon on Sunday at The Alcyon Center, Seal Cove, Maine $200 (after June 1st $225)
Register Below for the Fall Weekend with Martin Laird
Day of Teaching, October 19, Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at St. Andrew by the Lake Episcopal Church, Seal Cove, Maine $60 (after June 1st $75)
Retreat, October 20-21, Saturday 9:00 a.m. to noon on Sunday at The Alcyon Center, Seal Cove, Maine $150 (after June 1st $175)
Special Subscriber's Tuition for all three weekends $575
Receipt of a check in the amount of $575 by June 1, 2012, will reserve your place at all "Deepening Wisdom" programs this year, including an additional Day of Retreat and Integration on November 2, 2012, at The Alcyon Center.
Please send checks payable to the Northeast Guild for Spiritual Formation, P.O. Box 335, Bass Harbor, ME 04653.