Formed by Silence

“Beyond all the noises of our mind is the mysterious sound of silence, which is no sound. The sound of “no sound” takes place when deep listening morphs into presence, which will cause your whole human nature to blossom, bloom, flourish, and be transformed.”

~ Thomas Keating

Formed by Silence is a free TCS online retreat designed for seminarians and young faith leaders aged 40-and-under, offering a transformative entry into the Christian Wisdom tradition through contemplative stillness. Rooted in the 14th-century mystic text The Cloud of Unknowing, this gathering guides participants from theological study into direct experience via Centering Prayer (an apophatic practice of self-emptying silence) and the somatic Welcoming Practice for embodying divine presence in daily life. Led by Nicholas Fournie with a keynote presentation from Rev. Dr. Therese DesCamp, it unfolds over two live sessions on Saturday, October 24, 2026 (9:00–11:00 AM & 12:00–2:00 PM PST), extended by a private digital cohort with recordings, a 30-Day Practice Guide, and curated resources.

More than silent prayer, this retreat provides divine therapy for the pressures of ministry formation, renewing hearts through God's compassionate welcome, while fostering genuine connections among emerging leaders who share a passion for Christian Wisdom and spirituality. In a dedicated space for young voices, you'll meet peers navigating similar vocational paths, building relationships that endure beyond the sessions through ongoing online gatherings. Made possible by the bequest of Constance Irene Burns, it's an invitation to rest, encounter mystery, and emerge formed by silence for resilient, authentic leadership.

This TCS retreat is made possible through a generous bequest received from 

The Estate of Constance Irene Burns.