Formed by Silence is a free online retreat from The Contemplative Society (TCS), created especially for seminarians and young faith leaders aged 40 and under who want to experience the Christian contemplative tradition more deeply.
The retreat invites participants into the practice of contemplative stillness based on the 14th-century mystical text The Cloud of Unknowing. Through Centering Prayer, the Welcoming Practice, teaching, and shared reflection, participants will explore how silence and attentive presence can nurture spiritual formation, resilience, and a more grounded approach to ministry and leadership.
The retreat will be facilitated by Nicholas Fournie, with a keynote presentation from The Rev. Dr. Therese DesCamp. Participants will have access to a private digital cohort, session recordings, a 30-Day Practice Guide, curated resources, and opportunities for continued connection with other emerging faith leaders.
The event is offered in partnership with the Faculty of Divinity at Trinity College, University of Toronto, and students from all seven Toronto School of Theology member colleges are warmly invited to participate. The retreat is made possible through a generous bequest from the Estate of Constance Irene Burns.