Formed By Silence

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.

Facilitator: Nicholas Fournie

He holds a BA in Arts and Contemporary Studies from Toronto Metropolitan University and an MTS in Christian Spirituality and Interfaith Dialogue from Trinity College, Toronto, where his studies in theosis and contemplative practice deepened amid a personal search for authentic Christian formation. Raised with a background in formal Zen Buddhist training, Nicholas Fournie later explored Gaudiya Vaishnavism and Eastern Christian spirituality before finding a spiritual home in the Western Wisdom tradition.

Now based in Calgary, he serves as Communications Co-ordinator for The Contemplative Society (assisting with digital engagement, SEO, and social media), while leading Centering Prayer circles, facilitating yoga and meditation, and creating online courses on Insight Timer. He was recently featured in The Anglican Journal for his work on the history of Contemplative Christianity in Canada.

As lead facilitator for the "Formed by Silence" retreat, he draws from his own seminary journey to guide young leaders into the transformative silence of Centering Prayer, The Cloud of Unknowing and the Welcoming Practice.

Keynote Speaker: Rev. Dr. Therese DesCamp

Therese DesCamp has been walking personally and professionally into the places where words fail us for most of her life.

Therese holds a BS in psychology from Portland State University, an MDiv from Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley, and a PhD in Biblical Studies with a concentration in cognitive linguistics from the Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley. She has taught graduate school courses in two inter-religious seminaries in spirituality, biblical studies, feminist studies and cognitive linguistics. She was ordained in the United Church of Christ, admitted to the United Church of Canada, and has worked with groups in these churches as well as the Anglican Church of Canada, the Episcopal Church, and the Presbyterian Church. Therese has co-taught retreats with a Zen Buddhist priest; co-ministered with a Jewish rabbi; and first learned meditation from a Sufi teacher. She was long-listed for the 2023 CBC Nonfiction award, and her publications include Hands Like Roots: Notes on an Entangled Contemplative Life (Santos Press, 2025); a newspaper column about spirituality that doesn’t use the word “God,” one book on cognitive linguistics, and numerous scholarly and popular magazine articles.

Therese’s current work includes an evolving form of community spiritual companionship outside the walls of church, but rooted deeply in scripture, community and Christ. She leads a monthly contemplative group, a bi-monthly prayer group, works as a spiritual director, and serves on the board of The Contemplative Society as its President. Her past volunteer work includes ten years on the Slocan Lake Stewardship Society and a yearlong stint with Grade 4-5-6 learners at Lucerne Elementary in New Denver, where she lives with her husband George Meier.

Partnership: Faculty of Divinity, Trinity College, University of Toronto

The Contemplative Society is honoured to partner with Trinity College’s Faculty of Divinity for Formed by Silence, a free retreat offered over Reading Week for seminarians and emerging faith leaders. Trinity’s Faculty of Divinity is one of the oldest centres for Anglican theological education in Canada and is part of the Toronto School of Theology, an ecumenical consortium of seven theological schools affiliated with the University of Toronto.

Rooted in Anglican tradition, The Contemplative Society has grown into an officially ecumenical community committed to making the sacred practices of silence, prayer, and contemplation accessible across Christian traditions. In that spirit, students from all seven Toronto School of Theology member colleges are warmly welcomed to join this shared time of spiritual renewal, prayer, and fellowship.