Merton
 

"You are made in the image of what you desire"

-Thomas Merton
 

  


Thomas Merton

A Fugue in Threeht

A Fugue in Threeht
The Thomas Merton – Alexander Peloquin Correspondence
and the "Four Freedom Songs"

Speaker: Vaughn Jerome Fayle

2 p.m. Sunday, Apr. 20, 2008
Rectory Assembly at Immaculate Conception Parish
7211 W. Talcott, Chicago (just west of Harlem, just north of Kennedy Expressway Harlem exit)

Shrouded in controversy, the correspondence between Alexander Peloquin and Thomas Merton in 1968 about the composition and performance of the "Four Freedom Songs" highlight timely tensions between race, artistic expression and pastoral concerns.

Join 2007-2008 ITMS Shannon Fellow and Adjunct Professor of the Philosophy of Religion at Catholic Theological Union for an interesting discussion of the correspondence.  After years of research and negotiation, Vaughn Fayle was responsible for the recent acquisition and transfer of the original scores of the "Four Freedom Songs" to the permanent collection and archive of the International Thomas Merton Society (ITMS) Research Center at Bellarmine University in October, 2007.  A classically trained musician and student of literature, Vaughn Fayle is an authority on Merton's poetry.  He has given numerous programs for the Chicago Chapter of the ITMS through the years, most recently the presentation of The Singing Voices of Thomas Merton; Mark Van Doren: Merton's Poetic Mentor; and a discussion of "The Behavior of Titans."

Thomas Merton: Love and Citizenship

Speaker: Steven P. Millies, Ph.D.


2 p.m. Sunday, May 18, 2008
Rectory Assembly at Immaculate Conception Parish
7211 W. Talcott, Chicago (just west of Harlem, just north of Kennedy Expressway Harlem exit)

Dr. Millies' presented "Contemplative Citizenship: Thomas Merton and Responsible Political Freedom" at the 10th General Meeting of the ITMS at Christian Brothers University in Memphis last June.  This talk enlarges on that presentation based on some new ideas and feedback following the conference.  The problems of citizens in secular regimes can profit from the contemplative tradition.  Christianity and secular political thought share a common dilemma: How can we transform selfish individuals into responsible actors?  Thomas Merton's writings about monastic renewal point to a confluence between these problems and suggest intriguing possibilities. Join us for this intriguing talk in a big election year.

Steven Millies teaches political philosophy at the University of South Carolina, Aiken.  His research focuses on the relationship between religion and politics.

For more information, contact Mike Brennan, coordinator, Chicago Chapter – ITMS, at 773-447-3989, or cc.itms@gmail.com.  Website: www.chicagomerton.org


Sign Up Now for CTU Summer Course:  "Thomas Merton and the Freedom of Christ"
Catholic Theological Union, the largest Roman Catholic graduate school of theology and ministry in the United States, offers one-week courses during its Summer Institute for credit or audit.  Summer Institute 2008 features Vaughn Fayle presenting Thomas Merton and the Freedom of Christ in the World during the week of June 2nd.  For a course description and more information click on Summer Institute Course Descriptions  Or contact Keiren O'Kelly, Director of Continuing and Distance Education, by calling 773-371-5442 or at kokelly@ctu.edu

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Chicago Merton Chapter February Meetings

Chicago Merton Chapter February Meetings

Sunday, Feb. 17:

  • "Thomas Merton's Four Mystical Experiences" is the subject of our next chapter speaker meeting at 2 p.m. next Sunday, Feb. 17, in the Rectory Assembly, Immaculate Conception Parish, 7211 W. Talcott, Chicago (just west of Harlem).  Our presenter is Dr. Mark Quinn, who taught theology for 27 years at St. Laurence High School.  A native of the South side of Chicago, a graduate of  St. Leo Grade School and Leo High School, Dr. Quinn has a B.A. degree in English from Iona College, New Rochelle, N.Y., and Ph.D. in theology from Marquette University in Milwaukee.   "When I was searching for a dissertation topic, my mentor, Dr. Keith Egan (now at St. Mary's University in South Bend, Indiana) advised me to work on Thomas Merton," says Dr. Quinn.  "I took his advice," and this presentation is part of Dr. Quinn's dissertation.  He has just finished a book, Finding God Everyday: Practical Spirituality for Lay People, which is being reviewed by St. Anthony Messenger Press for possible publication.   We were delighted that Dr. Quinn and his wife, Nancy, were able to attend our January meeting with Sr. Monica Weis at Dominican University.  We hope you will be able to attend his talk, which will allow for a brief discussion after each of the four sections.


Monday, Feb. 25:

  • Passion for Peace: The Struggle for Non-Violence, will be the next book tackled by the Merton Study Group, meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25, at the Passionist Monastery, 5700 N. Harlem, Chicago, in Mercurio Hall.  (Please plan to arrive before 7 p.m., as there is no one at the door afterwards.)  Fr. Francis Cusack, C.P., will lead a discussion of the book's first 60 pages, which includes the essays "The Root of War is Fear," and "Nuclear War and Christian Responsibility."  Please note, if you have the book Passion for Peace — The Social Essays, you will find all the same material (and more).  For more information, contact Fr. Francis at 773-631-1686, ext. 241.

 

Also, here are some other events you may find worthwhile:

Wednesdays, Feb. 13, Feb. 27:

  • The Theology of Park Ridge winter series, "The Odyssey of Life," is continuing in St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 205 N. Prospect in Park Ridge. Programs, from 9:15 to 11:15 a.m., include - Feb. 13: The Rev. Wayne N. Miller (formerly of Niles and St. Luke's), Bishop of Metropolitan Chicago Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, "Domestic Violence and the Religious Community." Feb. 27: The Rev. John C. Cusick, director of Young Adult Ministry, Archdiocese of Chicago, "An Adult Appreciation of the Passion of Christ - A Journey Through the Scriptures."

Wednesday, Feb. 20:

  • Fr. Pat Brennan, pastor of Holy Family Church in Inverness, will explore "The Necessity of Forgiveness: the Possibility of Reconciliation," from 9:30 to 11:15 a.m. Wednesday Feb. 20, speaking for the adult spirituality forum Ekklesia at St. Giles McDonough Hall, 1101 N. Columbian, Oak Park.  He will discuss the psychological benefits of engaging in forgiveness and discuss the importance of rebuilding trust, or building bridges of reconciliation where there has been a breakdown of trust.  Forgiveness and reconciliation will be presented as important experiences of real-life new beginnings.  Admission is $6.  The hall is wheelchair accessible.  Parking is available in the lot on the SE corner of Columbian at Greenfield.  Coffee is available at 9:15 and the lecture starts at 9:30 a.m.  For more information, contact Judy at 708/383-4742.
  • The Siena Center of Dominican University presents a "The Common Good?  Responsibility for the Public Square" at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, in the Auditorium of the Priory Campus, 7200 W. Division, River Forest.   "Albino Barrera, OP, will explore contemporary understandings of the common good, highlighting philosophical and theological foundations drawn from Thomas Aquinas and Catholic social thought. This will help us reflect on how to take a stand on difficult social issues, a task essential for responsible action within the public square. Barrera, a Dominican friar, is professor of economics and theology at Providence College and author of numerous books, including Globalization and Economic Ethics (2007), Modern Catholic Social Documents and Political Economy (2007), and God and the Evil of Scarcity (2005)."  Admission is $10.

Friday, Feb. 22:

  • Author Garry Wills will discuss "What the Gospels Meant" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, at the Edens Plaza Borders Bookstore, 3232 Lake Avenue, Wilmette.  "Wills turns his remarkable gift for biblical analysis to the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Wills brilliantly examines goals, methods, and styles of the evangelists and how these shaped the gospels' messages. Garry Wills studied for the priesthood, took his doctorate in the classics, and taught ancient and new Testament Greek for many years at Johns Hopkins University. He is now professor of history emeritus at Northwestern University."  Professor Wills has written several Catholic-related books, such as The Rosary, Papal Sins, and Why I am a Catholic.  If you attend, ask him when he plans to write about Thomas Merton!

 

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Dear Members & Friends of the Chicago Chapter - ITMS:

Dear Members & Friends of the Chicago Chapter - ITMS:
Please join us for an afternoon devoted to viewing stunning images of the place Thomas Merton called home, the Abbey of Gethsemani near Bardstown, Kentucky.  Sr. Monica Weis, SSJ, Professor of English and Director of the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Program at Nazareth College, Rochester N.Y., and a board member and former officer of the International Thomas Merton Society, will speak to our chapter at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20, in Lewis Lounge, on the main floor of Lewis Hall, on the campus of Dominican University.   Monica will present a meditative PowerPoint presentation entitled "Finding the Sky Within You," based on her book, Thomas Merton's Gethsemani: Landscapes of Paradise.  She gave this presentation at the recent ITMS conference in Memphis. The event is free for dues-paying chapter members, students, and members of the Dominican community; and a suggested $5 freewill offering basket will be available for other visitors.

This meeting is being conducted in collaboration with Dominican University's Theology Dept., and is the first time our chapter is meeting on the MAIN CAMPUS of the university, 7900 W. Division, River Forest, near Division and Thatcher.  Please note, the main campus is about a mile west of the Priory Campus, where we held meetings in 2005. 

Monica is a gifted teacher who has encouraged many students to take an interest in Thomas Merton and to apply for Daggy/Youth Student Scholarships, which enable young people (ages 14-29) to attend the biannual ITMS conference.  For this reason we are especially excited offering this presentation at Dominican, in order to invite students to participate.  The next ITMS conference, entitled Bearing Witness to the Light: Merton's Challenge to a Fragmented World, will be held at Sr. Monica's college, Nazareth, in Rochester, N.Y., from June 11-14, 2009. For those interested in attending, this is a great opportunity to meet Sr. Monica, a member of the program and site committee.

I am very grateful to Dr. Clodagh Weldon and Dr. Hugh McElwain for making this event possible at Dominican.  As some of you know, Dominican is one of the colleges we are considering as we prepare a proposal for Chicago to host the 2011 ITMS conference.  This would be a great opportunity to see the campus if you are not already familiar with it.
There will be a sign posted outside Lewis Hall, and an information desk when you enter.  Lewis Lounge is right down the main hall and should be fairly easy to locate. We will have about 15 copies of Sr. Monica's book for sale at a reduced price (about $20) on a first come basis.

Here is a parking update: enter campus from Division or from the new Dominican Drive on Thatcher, and proceed to the parking garage.  If you click the map link above, note that the map is outdated and the parking garage is where the Albertus Magnus Science Building was located (1).  Go to the opposite side of the garage from where you enter (towards the east) to minimize walking.  After parking, when you leave the garage, Lewis Hall (9) is directly ahead, and Lewis Lounge is right inside this back door.  There will be a MERTON sign by the entrance to guide you.

JANUARY 22:  As part of Loyola University's Faith in Film serives, the movie Into Great Silence will be shown at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, in the Crown Center Auditorium of Loyola University Lake Shore Campus, 6525 N. Sheridan Rd., sponsored by The Center for the Catholic Intellectual Heritage, and will include a discussion led by Dr. Dennis Martin, Loyola Theology professor.  The Crown Auditorium is the same place that the Merton film Soul Searching was shown last October. Anita Shaperd wrote a review of Into Great Silence in the most recent CC-ITMS newsletter.

JANUARY 28: The Merton Study Group will discuss an essay by Merton, Christian Humanism, at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28, in Mercurio Hall of the Passionist Monastery, 5700 N. Harlem.  Click the link to read/download this article which appeared in Spiritual Life Magazine .  Copies will also be available at the Jan. 20 Dominican talk.  The group will take up Merton's Passion for Peace, New and Revised: The Struggle for Non-Violence [ABRIDGED] (Paperback) on Monday, Feb. 25, at the monastery.

JANUARY 28: The Caritas et Veritas Lecture presented by Dominican University's Siena Center, "Dominican Wisdom and the Dark Night," will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28, in the Auditorium, Priory Campus of Dominican University, 7200 W. Division, River Forest. Admission is $10. 

Paul Murray, OP, will explore one of the most hidden but most fascinating aspects of the Dominican contemplative experience. Murray is an Irish poet and theologian. At the Dominican University in Rome - the Angelicum - he is President of the Spirituality Institute. His published works include The New Wine of Dominican Spirituality: A Drink Called Happiness (2006), T.S. Eliot and Mysticism (1991), and several books of poetry.


JANUARY 31: Thomas Merton born, 1915, Prades, France.  He would be 93.

FEBRUARY 7: Siena Center begins its Spring, 2008 series, "The Common Good," with a Lenten Lecture by Ronald Rolheiser, OMI, entitled "Missionaries to our Children," at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, in the Auditorium, Priory Campus of Dominican University, 7200 W. Division, River Forest. Admission is $10.

Ronald Rolheiser, OMI, will speak on the spiritual and personal dimensions of the greatest missionary challenge many of us face —not being missionaries overseas but instead missionaries to our children. What does it mean to be available to those whom we encounter, sometimes our own family members, who are spiritually searching but yet without the commitment to the church that we might have. Rolheiser is a widely published spiritual writer whose works include Against an Infinite Horizon (1996), The Holy Longing (1999), and Secularity and the Gospel (2006).


FEBRUARY 17: The Chicago Chapter - ITMS featured speaker will be Mark Quinn, Ph.D., on "Merton's Four Mystical Experiences," at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, at the Rectory Assembly of Immaculate Conception Parish, 7211 W. Talcott, Chicago. Mark came to our attention when he offered a retreat on "Praying with Thomas Merton" at the St. Charles Pastoral Center in Romeoville last Sept. 15.  Unfortunately, this program was offered the day before our chapter retreat conducted by Sr. Suzanne Zuerecher, OSB, at St. Scholastica.  Therefore we are very grateful for this opportunity to hear Mark's presentation on Merton.

FEBRUARY 25: Merton Study Group begins "Passion for Peace," at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25, Mercurio Hall, Passionist Monastery, 5700 N. Harlem, Chicago.

MARCH 16: The CC-ITMS March Meeting at 2 p.m. Sunday, Mar. 16, (Passion or Palm Sunday), will feature a VHS tape of Sr. Joan Chittister entitled "Thomas Merton: Seeder of Radical Action."  IC Rectory Assembly, 7211 W. Talcott, Chicago.

For more information, contact Mike at 773-447-3989.

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Lecture, Performance of Merton's Poems Set to Music at Immaculate Conception Sunday, Nov

Lecture, Performance of Merton's Poems Set to Music at Immaculate Conception Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007

Dr. Vaughn Fayle , Professor of Philosophy Studies at Catholic Theological Union and a longtime CC-ITMS member and presenter, was awarded a 2007-08 Shannon Fellowship by the ITMS to research "The Setting of Select Poetry by Thomas Merton to Music for Various Chamber, Orchestral, Vocal and Instrumental Groups."  Vaughn will discuss this endeavor from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, in the RECTORY ASSEMBLY (lower hall) of Immaculate Conception Church, 7211 W. Talcott .  Enter the meeting place from the church parking lot off Talcott - look for the MERTON signs.At 3 p.m. we will move to the church itself to enjoy a performance of some of these poetic works set to music.  The Singing Voices of Thomas Merton consists of pianist Vaughn Fayle, tenor Lon Ellenberger and cellist Liliana Wosko, who will perform the world premier of Dr. Fayle's song cycle. (Because of parish baptisms in the early afternoon we cannot hold the entire event in the church, but it is a very short distance from the lower hall to the church.)   We are privileged to have these musicians perform for our chapter and the event is open to all.  A reception with refreshments will follow the recital in the Rectory Assembly. The event is free to all members, and basket for freewill donations will be available for visitors to contribute if they wish.

For the information of newcomers, the monastery and I.C. Parish are both run by the Passionists and located around the corner from each other at Harlem and Talcott. Click here for map.  Also, all email communication is sent "BCC" to maintain the privacy of your email address.  If you would like to discontinue receiving emails from us, simply reply and type remove.

Qui cantat, bis orat says St. Augustine: "he who sings, prays twice." We have been fortunate in the past few years to explore Merton's theological and spiritual writings as well as his journals, photography and poetry.  This musical dimension is a new way of hearing the words of Merton that have touched us so deeply. Hope you'll attend this exceptional and groundbreaking event.



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Chicago Premiere of Merton Documentary at Loyola Lake Shore Campus Oct

Chicago Premiere of Merton Documentary at Loyola Lake Shore Campus Oct. 18

Soul Searching, a new documentary about the life of Trappist monk, author and peace activist Thomas Merton, will be shown at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, in the Crown Center Auditorium on the Lake Shore Campus of Loyola University, 6525 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago.  Filmmaker Morgan Atkinson will discuss the film immediately after the showing.  The free screening is being presented by Loyola's Joan and Bill Hank Center for the Catholic Intellectual Heritage, together with the Chicago Chapter of the International Thomas Merton Society.  Tell your family and friends about it!  

"Soul Searching is a powerful, rich and rewarding meditation on the life of Thomas Merton," says Paul Wilkes, writer and director of the 1985 PBS documentary Merton: A Film Biography.  "It not only provides valuable insights into who Merton was and why he wrote as he did, but invites viewers to look deeply inside themselves as well, using Merton's words and the reflections of both scholars and those who knew him personally."

The film features interviews with Fr. Daniel Berrigan, Anthony Padovano, Michael Mott, Dom John Eudes Bamberger, Br. Paul Quenon, Lawrence Cunningham, Paul Elie, Christine Bochen, Robert Inchausti, Martin Marty, Sr. Elena Malits, Colman McCarthy, Jonathan Montaldo, Fr. John Dear, Sr. Kathleen Deignan and others.

Refreshments will be served.  Parking is available for $6 in the main parking garage.  To view a map of the Lake Shore campus, visit http://www.luc.edu/info/maps/lsc.pdf.  For more information about Morgan Atkinson and his film, visit http://www.morganatkinson.com/images/merton.html.  The site includes four previews from the movie and testimonials from Merton friends and scholars.  For information about the International Thomas Merton Society, visit http://www.merton.org.  To contact the Center for the Catholic Intellectual Heritage, visit http://www.luc.edu/ccih/contact.shtml.  And for more information about the Chicago Chapter of the ITMS, contact Mike Brennan at 773-447-3989.

 

New Seeds of Contemplation Chapters 28-34 for Monday, Oct

 

 

New Seeds of Contemplation Chapters 28-34 for Monday, Oct. 29

The Merton Reading group will discuss Chapters 28-34 of New Seeds at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29, and Chapters 35 to the end of the book at its Nov. 26 meeting.  Dudley Nee is leading the discussion and says, " We will be deciding on a new book in November and we welcome suggestions from everyone, not just book club members; so, if you or any member of the Merton Society has read a book that they found rewarding or particularly interesting please let me know. We will give it our best attention."  Dudley can be contacted at Chicagodudley@aol.com.

The group meets on the last Monday of the month at 7 p.m. in Mercurio Hall of the Passionist Monastery, 5700 N. Harlem, Chicago.  Fr. Francis Cusack, CP, is the group moderator.

 

 

A conference on the poetry of Thomas Merton

19th and 20th October 2007

 

Thomas Merton the poet can all too easily be overlooked yet, Merton's first published book was a collection of poems, Thirty Poems, and two more volumes (A Man in the Divided Sea and Figures for an Apocalypse) were to be published before his autobiography would shoot him to fame in 1948.

 

Merton continued to write poetry for the rest of his life publishing a total of eight volumes of poetry during his life, with two more published shortly after his death and his Collected Poems, a massive tome of over 1,000 pages, published in 1977. A new selection of his poems: In the Dark Before Dawn, edited by Lynn Szabo, was published in 2005.

 

To continue exploring this important aspect of the life and thought of Thomas Merton the Merton Center at Bellarmine University is sponsoring a conference to explore Thomas Merton's poetry.

 

This conference will bring together a renowned group of international speakers who are experts on his poetry and have published widely, as well as a panel of poets who knew Thomas Merton.

Special registration rate of $65 ($50 students) for books made by October 12th. ($85 after October 12th)

This fee includes registration, refreshments and lunch and dinner on October 20th

 

 

 


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Dear Members and Friends,
YOU ARE INVITED to a special celebration of the 15th anniversary of the Chicago Chapter-ITMS --- featuring a pot-luck luncheon and a panel discussion of the recent ITMS meeting in Memphis --- at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 1, Immaculate Conception Parish Rectory Assembly, 7211 W. Talcott, Chicago.  We will provide honey ham and Italian beef, just bring a dish to pass (categories: appetizer, salad, side dish, dessert) or beverage. If possible please RSVP your dish to Penny Jaworski at 847/375-9291 or pennyjaworski@aol.com and indicate the category.

CC-ITMS members who attended the 10th General Meeting of the ITMS, Wide Open to Heaven and Earth: Contemplation, Community, Culture , at Christian Brothers University in Memphis June 7-10 will present a slide show and discuss conference highlights. [The next ITMS General Meeting will be held June 11-14, 2009, at Nazareth College in Rochester, N.Y. http://www.naz.edu/ --- and we will be proposing Chicago for the site of the 2011 conference!]

Not familiar with our meeting place?  Immaculate Conception Church is located at Harlem and Talcott, a few blocks north of the Kennedy Expressway (I-90).  It is walking distance from the Harlem "L" stop. The Rectory Assembly is on the west side of the church adjacent the parking lot.  Look for balloons and the MERTON signs.
 
Sure hope you can make it!

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Our Merton Study Group will continue discussing New Seeds of Contemplation, chapters 8-10, from 7 to 8 p.m.  Monday, June 25, at the Passionist Monastery, 5700 N. Harlem, Chicago.  The group usually meets on the last Monday of the month.  Dudley Nee is the moderator and you can contact him for more information at 773-774-8292.  The monastery and Immaculate Conception are around the corner from each other.

We will have our annual picnic on the grounds of the Passionist Monastery at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 19.  The chapter provides meats and members bring a dish to pass.  Also we take some time to read aloud our favorite Merton passages.

A one day retreat, led by Sr. Suzanne Zuercher, OSB,  is planned for September at St. Scholastica Academy in Chicago.  Details forthcoming.

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Merton @ Vancouver School of Theology's Chalmers Summer School 2007
 
Thomas Merton, Henri Nouwen and Donald Nicholl:  Pilgrims of Wisdom and Peace
Presenter:  Dr. Michael Higgins
Mon. July 2 -  Fri. July 6, 2007, 1:30 - 4:30 pm
VST, 6000 Iona Drive, Vancouver, BC
We will look at the many points of convergence in the writing and witness of these three extraordinary twentieth-century spiritual figures, including their correspondence, essays, journal entries, poetry, and other published texts.  We will examine their ministry of prayer grounded in contemplation, their commitment as peace-makers, their role as spiritual diarists, their deep interfaith appeal, and their personal holiness of life.  Information/Registration:  604-822-9563 or email registrar@vst.edu or see www.vst.edu.
 
Michael Higgins is President of St. Thomas University, author of Heretic Blood:  The Spiritual Geography of Thomas Merton, and Stalking the Holy:  In Pursuit of Saint-Making.  He is a commentator, scriptwriter, narrator, researcher, and consultant, and a monthly columnist for The Toronto Star since 1986. 
 
Thomas Merton--Monk and All
Speaker:  Michael Higgins
Free Public lecture - Thursday, July 5, 2007, 7:30 pm
VST Epiphany Chapel, 6050 Chancellor Boulevard, Vancouver, BC
Please help us celebrate the one-year anniversary of the official opening of the Thomas Merton Reading Room by attending this public lecture by the  engaging and energetic Michael Higgins!  The lecture is co-sponsored by the Thomas Merton Society of Canada and VST's Chalmers Institute.  Info: 604-669-2546 or email tmsc@telus.net or see www.merton.ca. 

 


NEW SEEDS OF CONTEMPLATION Monday, Apr. 30 :
The Merton Study Group begins a new book.  We will share our understanding and thoughts on Chapters 1-7 of Thomas Merton's acclaimed1962 book, New Seeds of Contemplation, at 7 p.m. Monday, April 30, at the Passionist Monastery, 5700 N. Harlem, Chicago.  Free.  All are welcome. Refreshments.  Park in front of the monastery along its driveway or by the garage.  Dudley Nee will serve as moderator.  Dudley says, In preparation, I encourage you to do the following:

  1. Critically read the Preface. Summarize it.
  2. From Chapter 1 select T.M.'s words that for you best answer the question, " What Is Contemplation?"
  3. From Chapter 2 select T.M.'s words most helpful to you regarding " What Contemplation Is Not."
May 15: Registration deadline for ITMS conference in Memphis; late registration fee after this date.
See http://www.merton.org/Memphis/index.asp

May 19: Tour the blockbuster exhibit, A Blessing to One Another: Pope John Paul II and the Jewish People, at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 19, at the Loyola University Museum of Art, 820 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago.  The docent for this tour is Marcia Whitney-Schenck, former editor and publisher of Christianity and the Arts magazine, who has arranged it especially for the Chicago Chapter of the International Thomas Merton Society.

 

This exhibit traces Pope John Paul's fascinating journey from a boy in Wadowice, Poland, and his friendship with a Jewish boy, Jerzy Kluger, to his years in occupied Poland. In his meteoric rise from priest to bishop to cardinal, Karol Wojtyla develops close and personal ties to the Jewish community.  In Rome , Pope John Paul reestablishes his friendship with Jerzy Kluger, who urges him to seek reconciliation between the two religions. Pope John Paul becomes the first pope ever to enter a synagogue, to make an official visit to the State of Israel, and to engage in an act of repentance for the Church's historical treatment of Jews.  The story of this lifelong friendship is told in 1998 book The Hidden Pope, by Darcy O'Brien (ISBN 0-87596-478-8).

 

Admission is $6, general; $5, seniors. The museum is located between Chicago and Pearson, across from Water Tower Park.  Please RSVP by replying to this email.


June 8-10: For those who cannot attend the ITMS conference in Memphis, we recommend a retreat led by Rev. Patrick Collins, The Spirituality of Thomas Merton, at the Cenacle Retreat Center, Batavia Road, Warrenville.  Four themes will be presented on this weekend retreat: The Journey from the False to the True Self; Contemplation; Prayer; and Desert: Solitude and Silence. The offering before May 25 is $175 single room, $160 double room.  Arrival, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Friday evening; departure Sunday after lunch.  Register at www.cenacle.org and visit Fr. Patrick's website at www.vatican2.org/patrickcollins (more information forthcoming in the newsletter).


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The Chicago Chapter-International Thomas Merton Society will meet at 2 p.m. this Sunday, Mar. 18, in the Rectory Assembly of Immaculate Conception Parish, 7211 W. Talcott (at Harlem), Chicago.  Benedictine Sister Suzanne Zuercher will give a short presentation and then facilitate a discussion centering on our first encounters with the work of Thomas Merton, our continued interest, and our thoughts about the mission of the Chicago Chapter.  This interactive meeting will include small group discussion to give everyone an opportunity to participate, followed by a "Quaker Meeting" giving members a chance to briefly address the whole group if so inspired.

The Merton Study Group will conclude its reading of The Inner Experience, Notes on Contemplation, at 7 p.m. Monday, March 26. The  group meets at the Passionist Monastery, 5700 N. Harlem (at Talcott), Chicago.  Attendees will also select the next book to read and discuss. Francis Cusack, CP, serves as moderator. The January-February 2007 newsletter, along with a slip for this year's dues ($25), has been mailed.  Dues should be sent to the chapter treasurer, Barbara Carlo, 1700 East 56th St. Unit 3008, Chicago, IL 60637.  Please contact Mike Brennan if you did not receive a newsletter or if you have any questions.  Anyone wishing to submit an article or pass along information for the March-April newsletter should do so by the end of the month.  In an effort to trim costs and identify those who are no longer interested in CC-ITMS activities, forthcoming newsletters will only be sent to dues-paying members.  We will continue sending e-mail updates to you unless otherwise instructed.  We appreciate your continued support of this local chapter of the Thomas Merton Society.

A new movie about the Carthusians, Into Great Silence, begins showing March 30 at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport, Chicago.  Thanks to Tom Cademartrie for the information.
Visit these links: http://www.musicboxtheatre.com/intogreatsilence.html 
Into Great Silence

I am grateful for your continued support and hope to see you next Sunday.

Take good care,

Mike

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Dear Friends,

Welcome to the Chicago Chapter-ITMS web page, designed to keep you informed of the activities of our Merton Study Group, Speaker Meetings, and other events.  We welcome you comments, suggestions and questions at cc.itms@gmail.com.

  • The Merton Study Group will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29, in Mercurio Hall of the Passionist Monastery, 5700 N. Harlem, Chicago, to continue discussing The Inner Experience, Notes on Contemplation, Chapters 9 & 10.  The Study Group meets at the monastery on the last Monday of the month.  The moderator is Fr. Francis Cusack.  Upcoming meetings are scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26 and Monday, Mar. 26. The meeting lasts for an hour. Refreshments are served.  Ample parking is available in front of the monastery and in spaces across from its garage.  The format is a round table discussion and participation is entirely voluntary.
  • The Merton Speaker Group meets on the third Sunday of the month at 2 p.m. to hear speakers, view movies or listen to tapes of Thomas Merton, followed by discussion.  We meet at the Rectory Assembly of Immaculate Conception Parish, 7211 W. Talcott (at Harlem), just around the corner from the monastery.  Our next scheduled meeting is at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18, featuring an audiotape on Merton; our March meeting will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Mar. 18, featuring an interactive presentation by Sr. Suzanne Zuercher, OSB, on Merton's spirituality.  Refreshments are served and ample parking is available in the adjacent parish lot.  "Merton Meeting" signs are posted by the Rectory Assembly door and parking lot entrance.

Thank you for your interest in the Chicago Chapter-ITMS, 

Sincerely, 

Mike Brennan, chapter coordinator

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New Year blessings to you and yours.

This is just an opportunity to update you on the work of the Thomas Merton Center, on some forthcoming events, and the latest publications.

The Center's 2006 Annual Report is now available on the Center's website at:

Merton Center 2006 Annual Report .

Forthcoming Events:

·       Thomas Merton's Spiritual Paradox: 'Humility, the Surest Sign of Strength' by Fr. George Kilcourse.
Monday, Jan. 29, 2007 at The Cathedral of the Assumption , Louisville – 7:00 p.m.

·       On February 10, 2007 Bonnie Thurston will lead a daylong retreat entitled "Thomas Merton: Man of Prayer and Contemplative" at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Parkersburg, WV; for more information contact Rev. William Calhoun at 304-422-2552.

·       "Thomas Merton and the Tragedy and Hope of America" by Vincent Harding.
22nd February, 2007. Frazier Hall, Bellarmine University, 7 pm.

·       Thomas Merton Conference in Toronto, Ontario - "Finding Hope in a Time of Despair" Keynote address: Fri. April 27, 2007, 7:30 pm Plenary and concurrent presentations and workshops Sat. April 28, 2007,  9:00 am - 5:00 pm at Seneca College, 1750 Finch Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario. 

·       Wide Open to Heaven and Earth: Contemplation, Community, Culture
ITMS 10th Conference and General Meeting - Memphis, June 7 - 10, 2007.

·       In the Dark Before Dawn: Thomas Merton, Poet
19th and 20th October, 2007 – a conference on the poetry of Thomas Merton. Bellarmine University.

·       The Voice of the Stranger

TMS-GBI 7th Conference and General Meeting – Oakham School, Rutland, England, April 4 – 6, 2008.

New Publications include:

·       A Book of Hours by Thomas Merton, edited by Kathleen Deignan.

·       Merton and Friends: A Joint Biography of Thomas Merton, Robert Lax and Edward Rice by James Harford.

·       Tom Merton: A Personal Biography by Joan McDonald.

·       Cold War Letters by Thomas Merton.

·       Soul Searching: The Journey of Thomas Merton by Morgan Atkinson.

·       Pre-Benedictine Monasticism: Initiation into the Monastic Tradition. by Thomas Merton, edited by Patrick F. O'Connell.

·       Echoing Silence: Thomas Merton on the Vocation of Writing by Thomas Merton, edited by Robert Inchausti. (February 2007)

·       Merton and Buddhism: Wisdom, Emptiness and Everyday Mind edited by Bonnie Thurston. (April 2007)

Details about new and forthcoming books is available on the Center's web site at: http://www.merton.org/books.htm

Daggy Scholarship to ITMS Conference in Memphis:

The International Thomas Merton Society provides 12 scholarships to enable young people (ages 14-29) to participate in an International Thomas Merton Society Conference.

The next conference is to be held at Christian Brothers University in Memphis from June 7th – 10th. (Full details of the conference are available at: http://www.merton.org/Memphis/ )

These scholarships cover all the costs of the conference (except transportation) and include one year's free membership in the ITMS.