Next Meeting: April 14 (Zoom)

The next meeting of the Grand Rapids chapter of the International Thomas Merton Society will be Wednesday, April 14th, at 7pm via Zoom. To join, contact Bill via e-mail. Request to be included in the Zoom invitation e-mail. For our next meeting, we will dive into Thomas Merton’s book The Ascent to Truth. Written in … [Read more…]

No Meeting In December (Merry Christmas!)

RECAP OF PREVIOUS MEETING On November 11, 2020, Merton’s book The Silent Life became the springboard for lively discussions about the history of monastic life, Merton’s own vocation, and what we can glean from Merton’s insights to apply to our own lives.  Topics discussed included obedience, poverty, love (usually referred to as “charity” in Merton’s … [Read more…]

Next Meeting: September 9 (Zoom)

This week, we’re honored to have author/poet/resident Merton scholar Bob Hudson with us. Bob often presents short discussions titled “Merton and…” This month, Bob will discuss Merton and The Shakers. After we listen to Bob, we’ll finish the wonderful little book from Thomas Merton titled Life and Holiness, reading and disussing pages 86 (“Charity”) to 119 … [Read more…]

Next Meeting: August 12th

For our Wednesday, August 12th (2020), meeting, we will continue our now-monthly tradition of getting together online, via Zoom. In fact, we plan to meet via Zoom until Michigan Gov. Whitmer gives us the okay to meet in person. For sure, we miss seeing everyone in person. The hand shaking, hugging, and treat sharing in … [Read more…]

Next Meeting: June 10th

Hello Friends! Because of on-going restrictions regarding the opening of retail stores, we will meet virtually (via Zoom) again this month. As we did last time, we will send out a Zoom meeting invitation around 6:30pm. So, if you’re interested in joining us, please contact Bill to let him know and give him your e-mail … [Read more…]