You may wonder where those who follow the Spiritist Doctrine (Spiritists) go to meet, to study, work, and pray together. Spiritists do not have what they call a church, temple, shrine, etc. We go to what we call a Spiritist Center. So what is the Spiritist Center like? Well, a Center is made up of a group of people who want to study and and work together in the doctrine. We often say that Spiritism is not actually a religion per se (i.e. in the traditional sense), since there exists no hierarchecal structure of authority or dogmatic practices, and the center itself, likewise, does not have any hierarchecal positions, head preachers, etc.

 The Organization 

Centers are independently run, though some pertain to larger associations or federations that bring various centers together for events, doctrinary initiatives, etc. They are often (though not always) named after a historical pioneer of the doctrine, a mentoring Spirit, or sometimes a charitable quality, etc. For example: Allan Kardec Spiritst Center, Andre Luiz Spiritst Center, Love and Fraternity Spiritist Center, etc.

Centers are often run by a board of directors, but these are elected positions. Such positions, as well as those involving the other work that goes on in managing the center and organizing and running its activities are non-paid positions. The people who work in a Center and fulfill those rolls do so as volunteers.

 Typical Spiritist Center Activities 

Spiritist Centers cover an extremely broad spectrum in terms of size and number & scope of activities. There are some Centers with as few as 10 or 20 people, others with hundreds, and even, in some cases, thousands of members. Still, the following is a list of some basic activities common to most Centers, independent of the frequency in which they are offered.

Public Meetings

These are meetings in which one person (sometimes two) speaks to an audience about a topic, often of a Gospel-related theme. Normally, one such meeting is held at least one day per week, but they may be held on multiple days or multiple times in one day, depending on the size of the center. In addition there may be similar meetings held at other times as well, in which the topic is of a different nature, but within the teachings of the Doctrine. Those who perform such lectures are not ordained or "certified" preachers, but rather those who have studied the Doctrine well, and as such, are prepared and willing to share it with others. Lecturers are scheduled in advance and are assigned a topic that they must work to prepare before presenting. Often times, guest lecturers from other centers are called in to speak, either at regularly scheduled meetings or at special seminars. Following the regular public meetings, a fluidic therapy session is usually held for those who wish to participate (see below).

These meetings are an excellent way for those who are new to the Doctrine to learn more about what it teaches and what the Center is like. And for those who are not new, it is a great way to come together fraternally with others who share the same beliefs and common goals. And for all, it is always a valuable resource for education and lessons that help us in our efforts toward inner reform and growth, as well as a source of harmonizing energy offered through the fluidic therapy sessions.

Fluidic Therapy 

This practice of magnetization involves the transmission/ donation of positive, restorative energies/fluids that help to revitalize and re-balance those of the patient. Normally, it refers to the utilization of a technique involving “hand passes” as well as magnetized/fluidified water. (Note: You may hear also his referred to at a Spiritist Center by the name of “spiritual healing” or “bioenergetic therapy”. Should you come to know Spiritism through speakers of Portuguese or Spanish, you will hear this referred to as “passe”.) You can read more about Fluidic Therapy by clicking HERE.

Children's and Youth Studies 

Many Centers offer a study time for children to attend while their parents are attending a public meeting. In this way, the Center helps the parents to expose children to the basic precepts of the doctrine and the teachings of Jesus in a manner that is accessible to them. They're given the seeds of a knowledge that will help them to interact in a positive way with the world around them. At the same time, all the family is at the Center together, participating in an activity that will help them to be conscious of the way they treat one another at home, the way they interpret the situations and challenges they must face together, and the way they relate to others outside their home. Children also participate in the fluidic therapy with the adults. Many centers offer meetings and/or study groups for the youth as well, again, with lessons brought to them in a manner appropriate for their age group and with topics presented in a way to help them deal with what goes on in their daily lives.

Focused Study Groups 

Many Centers offer classes or study groups that run (usually once a week) for a determined period of time, sometimes weeks, sometimes a year or years, depending on the scope of the study, which is centered around a particular book or theme. Likewise, many Centers also offer a class that teaches the basic principles of the doctrine for newcomers.

Mediumship Sessions 

These are closed meetings (meaning not open to the public) that are held with a consistent group of disciplined mediums who are knowledgeable in the doctrine and who have been prepared to work together, along with at least one ????? who also works consistently with the group. Such meetings may be held for different target objectives, but are always of a serious nature, with the general goal of fraternal, spiritual assistance, often offering counseling, instruction, and friendly support to suffering Spirits who come (or are brought by higher spirits) to communicate, and in some cases to Spirits who are involved in a negative and harmful relationship with an incarnate who is seeking help from the Center.

Fraternal Assistance 

This is like a friendly counseling service offered to those who come to the center looking for advice or help with a particular personal issue. The person who works in the counseling role will sit with the individual seeking help, listening to their problem and helping them to analyze the situation with a Spiritist vision and find an appropriate solution or answer.

Community Outreach 

Centers often organize different activities, sometimes one-time events and other times on a regular schedule, that offer social assistance to their community. A few examples may be: the collection and donation of material items (food, clothing, etc.) or the provision of free medical assistance (offered by doctors volunteering their time) for the poor; friendly visits at hospitals, nursing homes and orphaned; educational campaigns, and other activities in which those who wish to reach out and help others can volunteer their time and abilities to help others less fortunate than themselves.

As you can see, a Spiritist Center is more than just a place to study. It is a place to pray, learn, grow, collaborate, and work in benefit of others. As we often say, it is a school, a hospital and a home- all in one.