Immaculate Conception Church

Seekers of Silence

Seekers of Silence is a gathering of men and women coming together to listen. We listen to presenters, who speaks about a topic on spirituality,

we listen to God in silent prayer, and we listen to each other in small group sharing. Participants come from a variety of religious traditions, not

only Catholics. Members of several denominations as well as followers of other faiths come from all over East Tennessee to attend.

Originally during the eight years that Father Terry Ryan, CSP was pastor of John XXIII, we came together to listen to Father Ryan who presented workshops on contemplative life and spirituality. After Father Ryan left Knoxville, a group of attendees decided to continue meeting every month and offer a similar program. We call ourselves Seekers of Silence and offer a “Contemplative Morning” experience one Saturday a month at John XXIII University Parish from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

We gather at the Paulist Room. After a half hour of coffee and tea in the Library area we start with 20 minutes of silent prayer and the first part of the presentation, followed by group sharing and questions. After a short break, we gather again for the second part of the presentation and another period of 20 minutes in silent prayer. This format varies slightly according to the subject and the wishes of the presenter. We adjourn for an optional brown-bag-lunch at 12 p.m. We ask for a donation to defray the cost of mailings and to provide a small honorarium for our presenters.

 A small team meets twice a year to decide on topics and speakers. Our speakers have included both lay and religious, covering many topics: The Jesus Prayer - the Ancient Prayer of the Heart; The Contemplative Rosary; Chanting into Silence; Thomas Merton and the Contemplative Path; Liturgy and Spirituality; Icons: Visual Scripture, to name just a few. For additional information contact Ghislaine Miller at (865) 521-6835.