Photo © Janet Malsam
THRESHOLDS:
CELTIC CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY AND PRACTICE
THE CELTIC CENTER’S FOUNDATIONAL LEARNING AND GROWTH EXPERIENCE
GROUNDING PRINCIPLES AND SPIRITUAL PRACTICES IN THE CELTIC CHRISTIAN AND CONTEMPLATIVE TRADITIONS
DEVELOP LASTING CONNECTIONS WITH OTHERS IN OUR COMMUNITY
PREREQUISITE FOR OUR SOUL FRIEND TRAINING AND SPIRITUAL DIRECTION CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
Celtic Spirituality is an ancient tradition that includes both pre-Christian and Christian ways of understanding our relationship with the One who is both Mystery and Love and the multi-faceted ways of understanding and experiencing that relationship. In the Celtic mindset, it is impossible to talk about a Christian perspective as if it is entirely different from a pre-Christian perspective. In this tradition we experience God’s Love and Being greeting us in both Nature and in a very personal and human face. These two ways of experiencing and understanding our soul-longing for Divine relationship are wonderfully intertwined in the Celtic mind. This program, which we call “Thresholds”, is an experience of informing the mind and engaging the soul from a Celtic spiritual perspective in order to wake up to who we truly are.
In the Celtic mind, “thresholds” is a powerful term of invitation. It is the movement from our small and limited view to an eternal and otherworldly participation. As we cross the threshold, both in grand ways as well as in daily and ordinary ways, we have the opportunity to wake up into the presence of the Divine embrace in all experiences, in all times, and in relationship with all things.
“Thresholds” is The Celtic Center’s foundational program and provides a grounding in understanding and exploring the Celtic way of spiritual thinking and development. It is a 9-month group program. We meet monthly for discussion, spiritual practices, and support of one another. Between our meetings we read books, watch instructional videos, and practice contemplative and Celtic spiritual practices. “The Celtic Christian Perspective and Practice” online course is included in this program (if you have already paid for the online course then there is an option for you to pay for “Thresholds” at a discounted rate which takes into consideration that you have previously purchased the course).
The goals of our 9 months together are:
1) Learning about Celtic Christian Spirituality through recorded lectures and readings. We will discuss a class or a book at our gatherings and have plenty of time for discussion about this rich tradition.
2) Understanding and experience of Celtic and Contemplative Spiritual practices.
3) Community sharing to support one another as we seek to grow spirituality within this tradition.
CLASS
CELTIC SPIRITUALITY COURSE
You will watch the three classes (two lessons per class) of The Celtic Christian Perspective and Practice course to learn of the Celtic tradition and spiritual practices and their relevance to our spiritual life today.
Celtic Soul
Soul Design: The Celtic Christian Perspective
Nature: God’s Presence and Participation
Celtic Way
Imagination: Story and Art as Divine Participation
Practice: Participating in Divine Relationship Over a Lifetime
Celtic Calling
Through the Mist: Encountering God through Text, Nature, and Relationship
Relational Responsibility: Caring for Others and Nature
GROUP MEETINGS
CLASS AND BOOK DISCUSSION
At each meeting we will discuss a class from The Celtic Christian Perspective and Practice course or a book that we have all watched or read prior to our meeting. These classes and readings will ground us in the Celtic perspective and help us to develop thinking and practices to support a lifetime of spiritual growth.
LEARNING, SUPPORT, AND COMMUNITY GROUP MEETINGS
In addition to our learning discussions, we will consider several spiritual practices grounded in Celtic and Contemplative traditions. We will learn about these ways of “doing” our spiritual lives as well as practice these experiences together. Additionally, we will get to know one another by sharing our particular spiritual narrative and encouraging our participation in the Celtic way.
READING & WRITING
You will read several relevant books on Celtic and Contemplative spirituality. For each book you will write a brief response paper to help you to articulate the substance of the writing and to bring it into a relevant conversation with your own spiritual growth.
Additionally, you will have two written assignments. The first is a spiritual autobiography and the second is a paper on “life as sacred story”.
SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
You will be required to participate in your own spiritual direction by a trained spiritual director who supports the Celtic perspective throughout your time in the program.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCES
Other experiences that you are encouraged, but not required, to attend include the monthly Community and Prayer online gathering and the Celtic Friends group which begins in September as well. Additionally, you are encouraged to consider joining us for a pilgrimage to Inishmore, Ireland. There is no better way to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the Celtic tradition than to come with us to the very places that it all began to experience the ancient ones, the ruins of structures that hold the story, and the magnificent landscape of the Irish coast.
SCHEDULE
The program runs partly on a fixed schedule and partly on your own timing. You can watch the classes and read the books on your own schedule. However, you will need to complete the video assignments or book readings before specific discussions that will focus on that particular material. In addition, you will need to schedule your own spiritual direction.
We offer two different groups to accommodate a variety of needs and time zones. Group A meets on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6:30 pm (U.S. Pacific Time Zone) and Group B meets on Mondays from 9:00 to 11:00 am (U.S. Pacific Time Zone). The schedules for both groups are below. Each group will need a minimum of 4 participants. Most groups have more than the minimum, but please note that if a group does not reach the minimum number then we will ask that you move to the other group or wait until a later offering for your desired group time. You will note your desired group time in the application.
(All time zones listed here are in U.S. Pacific Time Zone)
Thresholds - Group A
Sept 4, 2024, 4:30-6:30 pm
Oct 2, 2024, 4:30-6:30 pm
Nov 6, 2024, 4:30-6:30 pm
Dec. 4, 2024, 4:30-6:30 pm
Jan 2, 2025, 4:30-6:30 pm (note this a Thursday)
Feb 5, 2025, 4:30-6:30 pm
March 5, 2024, 4:30-6:30 pm
April 2, 2024, 4:30-6:30 pm
May 7, 2025, 4:30-6:30 pm
Thresholds - Group B
Sept 9, 2024, 9:00-11:00 am
Oct 7, 2024, 9:00-11:00 am
Nov 4, 2024, 9:00-11:00 am
Dec. 2, 2024, 9:00-11:00 am
Jan 13, 2025, 9:00-11:00 am
Feb 10, 2025, 9:00-11:00 am
March 10, 2024, 9:00-11:00 am
April 7, 2024, 9:00-11:00 am
May 5, 2025, 9:00-11:00 am
COST
The entire program is included in the cost. “The Celtic Christian Perspective and Practice” course is included as well as all the group meetings and administrative costs. The total fee is $995 which will need to be paid in full before the program begins each September. Alternatively, you can pay the fee in 6 monthly installments ($166 x 6). If you are able to pay the full fee, then please consider that contribution toward your own growth and professional development even if it stretches you a bit. However, if the cost is a deterrent in any way, then please contact us so that we can discuss your needs (for example, we may be able to set up smaller payments over time for you).
Additionally, please note that your personal spiritual direction cost is between you and your spiritual director. Your director may or may not include a fee for their work and you will need to work that out with them on an individual basis. Their fee will be in addition to the fee that you pay to The Celtic Center for this program.
Applying to the program does not obligate you to participate. After being accepted to the Thresholds program you will be offered an opportunity to join our group by paying the fee.
QUESTIONS?
If you have questions at this point then please let us know by clicking on the contact button below. We are glad to answers questions and to help you make a decision that is appropriate for you.