Still Point began in November 2019 with a simple vision: to give people a way to pray together in shared silence and reflection, no matter where they lived. Our chapels grew out of Adventures in Contemplation, a program offered by Old St. Patrick’s Church in Chicago and St. Margaret Mary Church in Lisle, IL. For four years, this program gathered people in person to explore the Christian contemplative path through study, silence, and spiritual community.
Over time, we discovered two essential truths: daily (or near-daily) prayer is vital for spiritual growth, and the depth of our prayer increases when we share it with others. Moving online allowed us to create a consistent, welcoming space where hospitality, silence, reflective reading, and sacred sharing help us stay grounded in God’s presence and action in our lives.
The pandemic—and the quiet guidance of the Spirit—transformed Still Point from an in-person gathering with occasional virtual opportunities into what we are today: a vibrant, online contemplative community supported by occasional in-person retreats and gatherings in the Chicago area.
Our circle now stretches far beyond the original congregations. People join us from across the country and beyond, united by a shared desire to nurture a relationship with the Divine and live from the still point within.
Our Community Anchor
Old St. Pat’s, founded in 1846 and housed in Chicago’s oldest surviving public building, is a vibrant Catholic community with a bold vision to “Live our faith. Heal the world.” Rooted in radical inclusivity, beautiful worship, and transformative kinship, Old St. Pat’s extends hospitality to all who seek to deepen their relationship with God. Its commitment to spiritual formation creates space for both tradition and innovation—nurturing ministries like Still Point that invite people into a life of prayer, community, and service.
A Shared Journey
Still Point began as part of Old St. Pat’s Adventures in Contemplation program and remains deeply connected to the church today. Old St. Patrick’s provides the practical and pastoral support that makes our ministry possible: hosting our registration and donations through its Pushpay platform, offering staff leadership through Al Gustafson, and equipping our chapel hosts with resources and guidance. The parish also welcomes our community into its spaces for in-person gatherings and retreats, helping bridge our online chapels with opportunities for face-to-face connection. This partnership grounds our virtual prayer life in the living, breathing community of Old St. Pat’s—extending its mission of radical welcome and transformative kinship to contemplatives near and far.