Touching the Heart with Christian Mystics: Contemplative Insights and Meditative Practices
A 6-Week Contemplative Circle with Erica McIlroy & Will Adams
Mondays, 6:15-7:15, June 8 - July 13 (6 week series)
(Following QiGong class in Studio 2, second floor)
This 6-week series will explore core spiritual insights from the Christian mystical tradition; and it will introduce participants to meditation practices such as Centering Prayer and lectio divina (contemplative reading).
By way of pointers from Erica and Will, and shared group conversation, the sessions will explore teachings from Jesus, Julian of Norwich, Meister Eckhart, the Cloud of Unknowing, Saint Teresa of Ávila, Saint John of the Cross, Thomas Merton, and James Finley. We will engage in meditative practices every week.
Healthy snacks will be provided. Donations are welcome.
Kindly RSVP below so we may prepare the space for our gathering.
*This series will complement Green Heiress’s upcoming Lake Chautauqua Retreat (July 24th - 27th), where participants will have the opportunity to continue deepening these practices within a retreat setting.
Meet the instructors:
Will W. Adams, PhD.
Will W. Adams, PhD, is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Psychology Department at Duquesne University. Over the years he has served as a psychotherapist, ecopsychologist, and meditation teacher. Will’s contemplative training includes four decades of practice with esteemed teachers, both Christian and Buddhist. He serves as Assistant Zen Teacher in the Sanbo Zen lineage. He facilitates a weekly meditation group at Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church. (Tuesdays, 5:45-7:00. Everyone is welcome, no experience necessary.) Will is the author of A Wild and Sacred Call: Nature-Psyche-Spirit. He is working on a new book entitled Trauma, Love, and Meditation: Contemplative Dimensions of Healing. Will’s life is blessed with a wonderful wife, two marvelous children, two sweet dogs, and a home in the woods.
Erica D. McIlroy
Erica D. McIlroy is the owner and founder of Green Heiress, Green Heiress Retreats, Green Heiress Productions, and Erica McIlroy Wellness. For over 9 years, she has led a holistic health center and cultivated a thriving wellness community in Aspinwall, Pennsylvania.
Erica holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh. She will graduate in May 2026 with a Master of Theological Studies from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. She has also completed advanced master training in QiGong and Reiki and leads Contemplative Prayer Circles.
Erica is blessed for her husband, Jeff, their three children, and grandson, who continue to inspire her work and devotion to community.
We look forward to gathering with you.
Please complete the RSVP form below and indicate the sessions you plan to attend. Healthy Snacks Provided. Donations are welcome.