Sacred Circle
Calvary offers a variety of contemplative practices to quiet and center the body, mind and spirit with the intention of gaining greater understanding of oneself and closer relationship to God. These practices, organized under our Sacred Circle ministry, occur at scheduled times during the year and are open to the public. Our contemplative offerings include:
For more information, please email sacredcircle@calvary-rochester.org
Yoga Classes
A 6-week series of gentle yoga and guided meditation led by a Certified Yoga Instructor is offered for a fee several times a year and is suitable for beginners or those wishing to deepen their practice. Drop-in classes are available and all equipment is provided.
Centering Prayer Group
Centering prayer is a meditative practice and Christian discipline of silent prayer that encourages receptivity to God’s presence within us. Our gatherings begin with a brief reading or check-in, followed by 20 minutes of silence intended to foster intimate awareness of the Divine.
Labyrinth Walks
The Labyrinth is an ancient symbol and purposeful path that has long been used for meditation and prayer. Calvary has a large canvas labyrinth and a Certified Veriditas labyrinth facilitator. The labyrinth is open on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 5-7pm and is open to the community.
Contemplative Art
Activities for viewing or creating art naturally lend themselves to being mindful. We offer parishioner-led opportunities to undertake spiritual renewal through Visio Divina (prayer with images), quiet activities such as coloring hand-drawn mandalas or Zentangle®, and creating SoulCollage® with a certified facilitator.
Taizé Services
Taizé services highlight simple phrases, usually lines from the Psalms or other pieces of scripture, repeated or sung in canon. The repetition is designed to serve as a form of meditation and prayer. This style of Christian worship practiced by the ecumenical Taizé community in France, is interspersed with readings, prayers, and periods of silence in a darkened, candle-lit space for 30 minutes.
Quiet Days
During Lent and Advent certain Saturdays are reserved for silent prayer and meditation in the candle-lit sanctuary. While other contemplative activities are offered in other parts of the church, the rector is in the chancel and is available for counsel, confession and companionship. The mornings conclude with a service of Noonday Prayer.