Hand dipping gently into still water, creating soft ripples — symbolising the quiet transformation of contemplative practice

Calgary, Edmonton & Beyond

Contemplative
Gatherings & Retreats

Whether you are testing the waters or have been deepening your journey for years, there is a place for you here.

Stack of contemplative books by Thomas Merton, Beverly Lanzetta, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin and others, with a lit candle and singing bowl — grounding Liz's offerings in the Christian contemplative tradition

Once we’re tired of the shallow end, we begin to crave the depth.

In a world that feels superficial and exhausting, many of us feel a pull toward something much deeper. This is a space for those who want to truly inhabit the profundity we usually only glimpse in passing. Through silent practice and shared wisdom, we enter that depth together.

Here is how we go deeper in…

Silence

We sit in receptive silence, surrendering, opening, coming home.

Cream hand-drawn heart with an inner sparkle on a dark plum background, symbolising heart-centred spiritual direction

Wisdom

We drink from mystic wisdom, cosmic wonder, and the living world.

Cream hand-drawn sun icon on a dark plum background, a decorative header marking a contemplative offering

Community

We invite each other’s authenticity, sharing from an unmasked heart.

Cream hand-drawn orbit-and-spiral icon on a dark plum background, evoking Deeptime, cosmic cycles and the Universe Story

Upcoming Gatherings & Retreats

Hands holding a wooden mallet and a bronze Tibetan singing bowl, representing meditation, sound practice and centring

Wisdom Journey

Weekly · Mondays 7:00-8:30pm
Living Spirit Centre, Calgary

A weekly contemplative gathering rooted in the Centering Prayer lineage. We sit together in silence, receive wisdom for the journey, and share in community about the unfolding of the spiritual life in each of us. Drop in for one session or join us for the season.

Everyone is welcome.

Black and white image of leather boots standing at the ocean's edge, evoking the contemplative pilgrim's path

New Monastic Saturdays

Monthly · Saturdays 1–4pm
Living Spirit Centre, Calgary

A monthly afternoon gathering for contemporary seekers on a deep spiritual journey. We come together to deepen our silence and connection, drawing from the wisdom of the mystics, the cosmos, and the living world. Our monasteries are in our hearts, and our work is compassion in the world.

Everyone is welcome.

Come with me to the Palace of Nowhere.

Come with me to the Palace of Nowhere. ✧

Silhouetted hand reaching toward a glowing sunset, evoking spiritual longing and the mystic's yearning for the Divine

The Spiritual Journey & Sacred Vocation

A Silent Centering Prayer Retreat

July 19 to 26, 2026
Providence Renewal Centre, Edmonton

3, 5 and 7 day options available
Registration closes July 9

A week-long silent retreat rooted in the teachings of Thomas Keating's Spiritual Journey series. We will explore our vocational stirrings — both the inner call to change of heart and the outer call to service — through extended Centering Prayer sessions, wisdom teachings, and sacred community.

Come away deepened, affirmed and inspired.

Meet Liz

Liz Rees seated against a gnarled tree trunk with eyes closed in silent contemplation, an image of grounded prayer

All of us are precious, and all of us are pilgrims. Like you, I stumble, tremble, break open, and sometimes touch in on something utterly pure inside. I feel the gravitational pull to the centre and invite you to join me on the journey.

Overhead view of booted legs resting in sunlit grass, representing grounded presence and Eco Ministry's rootedness in the earth
  • “Liz has a special gift of being tender, real, deep and playful all at once!  She is a wise elder, mentor and spiritual guide and deeply committed to her service in this realm.  I am truly grateful for her, and what she has created.”

    Judy in Calgary

  • “Liz continues on a decades long intentional spiritual journey, affirmed by her engaged and deep presence.  She skillfully brings alive the richness of Contemplative Wisdom traditions, past and present, to awaken us to the sacredness all around us; challenging and encouraging us to engage courageously in our spiritual contemporary lives.”

    Heather in Edmonton

  • “I love how well Liz reminds and invites and encourages us to listen deeply and engage with the heart.”

    -Retreat participant, Edmonton

  • “A much appreciated guide on the contemplative journey.”

    -Retreat participant, Edmonton

  • “Liz is a gifted retreat leader.”

    Retreat participant, Edmonton

Here is an unspeakable secret: paradise is all around us.

-Thomas Merton