The Golden Road: Contemplative Prayer in a Digital Age

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Technology promised us freedom and connectivity, yet many of us find ourselves bound by "digital tethers"—addicted to the scroll, the notification, and the screen. For the Christian leader, this isn't just a productivity problem; it’s a spiritual crisis. When our attention is fragmented, our relationship with God is the first thing to suffer.

This executive education course offers a "mindful roadmap" back to the interior life. Grounded in the Catholic mystical tradition, we move beyond simple "digital detoxes" to explore the "Golden Road" of contemplative prayer. You will learn to use the ancient tools of the Church to silence the noise, heal digital dependencies, and rediscover the profound freedom found in the presence of God.

This course is an online, self-paced course including the following modules:
  • Module 1 – Pleasure, Desire, and the Brain
  • Module 2 – Purity and Contemplation
  • Module 3 – Go for Gold!

What you will be able to do:

  • Practice "Digital Fasting": Move from mindless consumption to intentional abstinence, using the spiritual discipline of the desert fathers to break screen addiction.

  • Cultivate Interior Silence: Implement specific contemplative prayer techniques that act as a "neuro-shield" against the chaos of modern technology.

  • Achieve "The Golden Mean": Find the virtuous middle ground (The Gold) where technology is a used for good without becoming a master over your soul.

  • Lead from the Center: Learn to move through a busy administrative day with an "interior chapel" of peace, making decisions from a place of prayer rather than reaction.

"My academic research and personal experience taught me just how much power there is in prayer. I share it with you here." 

 

Rev. Robert Gahl, Ph.D.
Assoc. Professor of Church Management and Director of Church Management Program
Busch School of Business
The Catholic University of America
For a complete bio, click here.

Completion of this course grants a $149 voucher toward our Graduate Certificate or MCA (Masters of Church Administration). Enroll for $149, and if you choose to pursue a Graduate Certificate or MCA later, your $149 will be applied as a tuition credit.

Most dioceses offer reimbursement for clergy ongoing formation of this kind. Contact your Vicar for Clergy to confirm this course applies to your diocesan policy. 

 

Total Time: 3 Hours

Completion Time: One Afternoon

Time Saved: Hours Every Week

Solve a Problem: Take a self-paced non-credit course ($109).
Stack Your Skills: Earn your Certificate of Completion and a $109 credit.
Lead the Church: Apply your credits toward a Master of Science in Church Management.

Solve a Problem: Take a self-paced non-credit course.
Stack Your Skills: Earn your Digital Badge and a tuition credit.
Lead the Church: Apply your tuition credits toward a MCA degree.

Sustainable leadership requires a deep interior well. Our Master’s in Church Administration integrates professional excellence with spiritual formation, ensuring you have the interior depth to lead the Church through the complexities of the 21st century.


Pathway to Mastery


Is your parish facing financial hardship? We believe no priest should be denied formation due to budget. Click here to apply for a Parish Excellence Grant to your enrollment, or send an email to busch-cmp@cua.edu.

Most dioceses offer reimbursement for clergy ongoing formation of this kind. Contact your Vicar for Clergy to confirm this course applies to your diocesan policy. 

Online, asynchronous through Brightspace at The Catholic University of America.

No in-person or specific course days/times required.

Start and end when you want. 

This course is taught in English. Other languages are available upon request. Please email busch-cmp@cua.edu for more details.

Price: $149.00
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