About Us

“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience.”

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

BACKGROUND

Begun in 2013, the Center for Contemporary Mysticism is an independent, member-supported, nonprofit organization committed to enriching the human experience through a better understanding of the spiritual and mystical dimensions of life. Toward this goal the Center offers a wide variety of programs and events ranging from mindfulness to metaphysics, and from spiritual exploration to the teachings of ancient and modern wisdom traditions. Today, most events take place online. However, we are working toward the goal of returning to some in-person meetings hosted at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, PA. These programs will also be “hybrid” events allowing participants to attend either in person or online. The Center now has a following of over 2,000 members and friends—not only in the Philadelphia area, but across the country and around the world. All activities of the Center are open to the public and sincere persons of all faiths. Welcome to the Center!

MISSION STATEMENT

It is the mission of the Center for Contemporary Mysticism to enable the spiritual and mystical capacities of ordinary people; to create a place of belonging where those interested may gather, study, and come to better understand the transcendent quality and mystery of life; to help our members and friends act upon what is revealed in the transcendent message of life-giving union with the Divine and one another; and finally to foster a more loving world, given our understanding that all souls, everywhere, are subject to possible transformation and may contribute to an awakening new, interconnected world unblemished by separation, exclusion and inequality.

MYSTICISM

Visitors to our website sometimes ask what we mean by the word mysticism, or they express an interest in knowing more about mysticism. If you fall into this category, we invite you to click here to read the article “What the Heck Is Mysticism” for a variety of examples and perspectives on mysticism.

WELCOME

As Coordinator, it is my pleasure to welcome you personally to the Center! On this website you will find information, inspiration and a rich array of programs, groups and videos of locally and internationally renowned spiritual teachers and leaders. I invite you to join, get involved and become a member of our "Center Family." If you have any questions about the Center, please feel free to contact me at irwin@contemporarymysticism.org. Thanks for visiting and we look forward to seeing you soon—either in person or online!

Warmly, Joseph Irwin