Brother James Dowd: Personal Spiritual Formation Session @ St. James, Baton Rouge
November 10, 2026 at St. James, Baton Rouge:
Personal spiritual direction sessions with Brother James
Sign up HERE
More info:The Advent House Ministry of Christ Church Cathedral is pleased to sponsor a weeklong spiritual formation residency featuring Brother James Dowd, a longtime Benedictine monk, founding Prior of The Benedictine Way, and Spiritual Guide for the Contemplative Underground. His ministry brings together contemplative prayer, Benedictine spirituality, and the pursuit of Christian social justice.
During his residency, Brother James will offer opportunities for prayer, teaching, preaching, and conversation throughout the Diocese.
Saturday, November 7 — St. James Episcopal Church, Baton Rouge Brother James will lead a contemplative prayer workshop. Free and open to the public. 9am
until noon in Coleman Hall
Sunday, November 8 — St. James Episcopal Church, Baton Rouge
Brother James will serve as guest preacher at 8:00 and 10:30
Saturday, November 14 — Trinity Episcopal Church, New Orleans
Join us for a Quiet Day on Saturday, November 14, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., led by Brother James Dowd, OSB.
Br. James is an Episcopal monk and the founding Prior of The Benedictine Way, known for weaving together the contemplative life and Christian social justice. He will guide us through a gentle monastic rhythm of Benedictine prayer, guided meditation, and holy silence. This retreat is a chance to step away from busy schedules, turn off devices, and rest deeply in God. Participants are welcome to enjoy Trinity’s grounds and labyrinth throughout the day. No experience with silent prayer is needed. A simple lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to abond@trinitynola.com by November 1 to reserve your spot.
Sunday, November 15 — Christ Church Cathedral, New Orleans
Brother James will be the guest preacher at 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM and will offer a Christian Formation class at 11:30 AM.
Throughout the Week
Brother James will also meet with students at LSU’s St. Alban’s Chapel, the Diocesan Staff, and Deanery Clergy as part of the residency.
Bio:
Brother James Dowd has been a Benedictine monk for many years and is the founding Prior of The Benedictine Way and the founding Spiritual Guide for the Contemplative Underground. Before serving as the Monk in Residence for the Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska, he served at Holy Cross Monastery in West Park, NY and at Mariya uMama weThemba Monastery in Grahamstown, South Africa. Brother James is passionate about exploring the intersection of the quest for Christian social justice and the contemplative life. The Benedictine Way was founded so that an inter-generational community of followers of Jesus might find a way to reinvigorate our little corner of the church with that quest. Before his years in monastic life, Brother James had a career in theater and television. The Contemplative Underground was founded because in Br. James’ many travels he discovered a kind of “underground” of people who either were contemplative or wanted to be contemplative throughout the United States, South Africa, Germany, Great Britain, and Canada, In all these places, there were always many people who longed for a more peaceful life and to work for a more peaceful world. Having led so many workshops on Centering Prayer and other forms of contemplative prayer, it became obvious that people wanted to do this within the context of a community – but that community was difficult to find. Contemplative Underground brings the desire for a deeper contemplative life and community together online and is led within the framework of Benedictine spirituality.