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We are a group of ecumenical
Christians working to create a retreat center in the Austin,
Texas area that will offer quiet and renewal and promote personal
transformation and meaningful social engagement arising from
contemplative prayer. In addition, we envision cultivating a
small resident community that will support the activities of
the Center and will be living proof that a life embodying the
Gospel values of neighborly love, simplicity and joy is still
possible in today's world.
 We
have taken as a prototype the Center
for Action and Contemplation (CAC) in Albuquerque, an organization
dedicated to the formation of individuals for ministries in
the peace and justice arenas. Richard Rohr, the founder of
the CAC, is involved with our group in an advisory capacity
and maintains an active interest in our activities. It is his
belief that God is up to something special in Austin and that
our vision may have a part to play in it.
Action and contemplation were once thought
of as mutually exclusive, but we believe that they go hand-in-hand,
each informing the other. For this reason, contemplative prayer
will play a major role in our Center as we believe that external
behavior should be connected to and supported by inner
guidance. Our aim is to be both grounded in tradition and boldly experimental.
We will be intentionally inclusive, bridging the gaps between the faith
and justice communities. Our desire is to accomplish something innovative
and beautiful in the world, trusting entirely in God's grace.
The transformational journey will be encouraged
and supported by a milieu that takes the individual out of
the life of business-as-usual into the possibly unfamiliar
life of the spirit. This
liminal space will be cultivated through the use of quietude, solitude,
simplicity, and beautiful, sacred space. The individual will be supported
on her/his spiritual journey by carefully crafted programming, meaningful
spiritual practices and an unobtrusive, hospitable staff and resident
community.
Founding
Members
RiverStone is incorporated
under Texas laws with 501(c)3 (nonprofit) status. |
