Experience Centering Prayer at St. Charles workshop

Healing Gardens, a two-acre expanse of woodland and perennial gardens at Stone Hill Farm off Dean Street in St. Charles, will host a workshop teaching a prayer method called "Centering Prayer," which is based on the teaching of the early Christian Desert Fathers and Mothers in an updated form. It is not meant to replace other kinds of prayer. The Centering Prayer method facilitates the opening of mind and heart - your whole being - to God.

The workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 19.

Deborah Marqui, a licensed clinical social worker and owner of Healing Gardens, will lead the workshop. A two-time cancer survivor, she attributes her healing to the restorative power of nature and the simple prayer practice of Centering Prayer. Marqui is a commissioned presenter of Introduction to Centering Prayer. The cost is $65 and includes six follow up sessions that will assist in the strengthening of the Centering Prayer practice. Scholarships are available. Register by calling (630) 377-1846 or register online at www.healinggardensatstonehillfarm.com.

The gardens are open to the public on the second Sunday of each month from April through October. The admission fee is $5 per person and $10 per family. Call for discounted group rates. Cancer survivors are free, although donations of time or money for upkeep are appreciated. Healing Gardens is at 37W249 Dean St., St. Charles.