Have We Been Here Before? Ancient Wisdom for Days of Disruption
“The early Christians emphasized lifestyle practice. They told stories, much as Jesus did, about ego, love, peace, divine union, and inner freedom.”
—Fr. Richard Rohr
Event Details
At this live 90-minute online gathering, CAC Faculty Carmen Acevedo Butcher, Ph.D., James Finley, Ph.D., Fr. Richard Rohr, and guest teacher Kaitlin Curtice, will show you how ancient contemplative wisdom and traditions may support us in times of social, political, and spiritual instability.
Learn from CAC Faculty about the wisdom of the early Christians, such as the desert mothers and fathers, and their practices of silence, discernment, and inner freedom. Guest teacher Kaitlin Curtice broadens the lens by integrating Christian and Indigenous spirituality as a Potawatomi woman. You’ll explore a diverse lineage of ancient contemplative teachers and traditions, including:
- The Beguines and their communal, embodied spirituality.
- The transformative teachings of John of the Cross on navigating darkness and change.
- The radical simplicity and compassion of St. Francis of Assisi.
You’ll leave this online gathering with perspectives that may expand your faith, reveal new paths, and create grounding. Whether you join live or watch the replay, uncover an embodied daily spirituality that offers solidarity for an uncertain future.
You will need a device with reliable internet access, such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer to access Zoom.
Registration
Registration for this event is open from Wednesday, March 18, through Saturday, May 2, 2026, or until online space is full. All who register by May 2 will receive access to the live event and the replay for one full year. Replay access will be emailed within one week of the event.
Cost
The full cost for this event is $95. While this price reflects the true cost of creating and offering this event, we are committed to reducing financial barriers to participation. That’s why we’re offering additional price levels — $30, $10, and $5 — so you can choose the price that best aligns with your current financial circumstances.
These reduced options are made possible by the generosity of our donor community, who help ensure that seekers from all walks of life can engage the wisdom that calls us toward healing, wholeness, and deepening love.
“CAC’s online events were instrumental in fostering who I am today and who I will be tomorrow.”
—Lora C., CAC community member
Meet Your Speakers
Carmen Acevedo Butcher, Ph.D.
CAC Dean of Core Faculty
Carmen Acevedo Butcher, Ph.D., is an award-winning author, poet, and translator of spiritual texts — she has translated the books The Cloud of Unknowing and Practice of the Presence. Carmen teaches at UC Berkeley, focusing on language evolution and inclusive communication. Her work highlights the power of words and the connection between personal and global healing.
James Finley, Ph.D.,
CAC Core Faculty
A student of Thomas Merton and clinical psychologist, Dr. James Finley, teaches how connecting to our Divine indwelling can transcend fear and shame and awaken to our True Self. He is the author of Merton’s Palace of Nowhere and The Healing Path, and the host of CAC’s podcast Turning to the Mystics.
Fr. Richard Rohr
CAC Founder & Faculty Emeritus
As a Franciscan friar and ecumenical teacher, Fr. Richard Rohr bears witness to the deep wisdom of Christian mysticism and traditions of action and contemplation. Fr. Richard teaches how God’s grace guides us to our birthright as beings made of Divine Love. He is the author of numerous books, including The Universal Christ, The Tears of Things, Breathing Under Water, and Falling Upward.
Kaitlin Curtice, Award-Winning Author
Guest Teacher
Kaitlin Curtice is an award-winning author whose newest book is Everything Is a Story. As an enrolled citizen of the Potawatomi Nation, Kaitlin writes on the intersections of spirituality and identity and how that shifts throughout our lives. Kaitlin participates in conversations on topics such as colonialism in faith communities, and she has spoken at many conferences on the importance of interfaith relationships.
CAC encourages authentic conversation in our various online experiences. We expect all participants to abide by our community and conversation guidelines.
As we collectively navigate times of social and political instability, we hope you’ll find solidarity with the deep wisdom of Christian mysticism.
Event details are subject to change. If you have any questions, contact our Community Support team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Participants will need a device with reliable internet access, such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer to access Zoom.
Even if you are unable to join live, we recommend registering for the event, as all registrants will receive access to the online gathering recording for one full year.
Online gathering recordings will be sent to all registrants via email the week following the online gathering. Event recordings are available to view for one calendar year from the event date.
To cancel your online gathering registration and request a refund, please send your request to our Community Support Team. Requests must be received before May 2, 2026.
Registrations for the online gatherings are individual registrations. We ask that you do not share event access outside of individual or household viewing.