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Center for Action and Contemplation

Online Education

Discover the transformational wisdom of the Christian contemplative tradition.

We believe the task of nurturing contemplative consciousness in the world is more important now than ever before. As Father Richard teaches, people need a new way of being in the world — one that embodies the reality that all life is sacred, precious, and connected.

Our online courses give everyone the opportunity to discover the wisdom of the Christian contemplative tradition. Learn to bring these teachings and practices into your own routine and deepen their impact on your life. Meet other spiritual seekers, grow your prayer practice, and strengthen your compassionate engagement with the world.

Wherever you are on your spiritual journey — that’s where God is.

All courses

Breathing Under Water

A spiritual study of the twelve steps through the lens of Richard Rohr’s book, Breathing Under Water. Learn to apply Alcoholics Anonymous’ guiding principles to your own life and addictions.

Immortal Diamond

A spiritual exploration of the True Self based on Richard Rohr’s book, Immortal Diamond. Rediscover your forgotten Self that can never be destroyed—only transformed to live in eternal Love.

Interior Castle

A spiritual journey through the seven mansions of St. Teresa of Ávila’s Interior Castle. Practices of prayer, reflection, humility, and self-knowledge will turn spiritual insights into experiential wisdom.

Introductory Wisdom School

Discover the Christian Wisdom path and its relevance for us today. Awaken to your yearning for a different kind of presence and to develop the skills, knowledge, and actions for self-transformation.

Mary Magdalene: Apostle to Our Own Times

Learn what made Mary Magdalene one of Jesus’ most important and beloved disciples. Discover her legacy as an apostle to our times—revealing a path of conscious love that we too are invited to walk.

Mystical Sobriety

Hope can often feel beyond our grasp when we are stuck in cycles of trauma. Learn to recognize attachments of the mind and heart through a deep exploration of past trauma and find your path forward.

The Divine Exchange

This course builds on the foundations established in the Introductory Wisdom School. Learn how kenosis, or self-emptying, can lead to a participatory exchange between the finite and the infinite.

The Franciscan Way

Get a unique window into Franciscan thought and practice with Franciscan Richard Rohr. Step outside your comfortable ideas and habits. Move into new experiences of God, self, and others.

Falling Upward: Life as a Spiritual Journey

Are you ready to embark upon a heroic journey of descent, transformation, and self-discovery? Learn psychological, mythological, and spiritual truths to prepare for the second half of life to naturally unfold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is financial assistance available for an online course?

The CAC is able to offer a limited amount of financial assistance for each online course. Please fill out our Financial Assistance Application at least one week before registration is scheduled to close.

How long will I have access to course content?

Some courses provide access to articles and audio files after the course closes. Others, however, do not have student access after the end date has passed.

Are there live teaching elements in any of the courses?

Courses feature previously recorded teaching content from our faculty. Most courses do not offer live interaction with any of the teachers; please review each course’s specific details for information about faculty interactions.

Will I be able to connect with other participants in an online course?

Most online courses include a Discussion Forum where participants are encouraged to share with and engage with each other. However, that is not the case for every course. Please review each course’s details for specific information on opportunities to connect.

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Hidden Fields


Find out about upcoming courses, registration dates, and new online courses.
Our theme this year is Radical Resilience. How do we tend our inner flame so we can stand in solidarity with the world without burning up or out? Meditations are emailed every day of the week, including the Weekly Summary on Saturday. Each week builds on previous topics, but you can join at any time.
In a world of fault lines and fractures, how do we expand our sense of self to include love, healing, and forgiveness—not just for ourselves or those like us, but for all? This monthly email features wisdom and stories from the emerging Christian contemplative movement. Join spiritual seekers from around the world and discover your place in the Great Story Line connecting us all in the One Great Life. Conspirare. Breathe with us.