Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton

Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton

Bridges is a small group program of spiritual growth inspired and enriched by the writings and life of Thomas Merton. It is intended for anyone seeking to live more contemplatively.

Merton insists that our spiritual life is our everyday lived experience. There is no separation between them.

Contemplative living is a way of responding to our everyday experiences by consciously attending to our relationships. It deepens the awareness of our connectedness and communion with others, becomes a positive force of change in our lives, and provides meaningful direction to our journey. Ultimately, contemplative living leads us to a sense of well-being, profound gratitude, and a clearer understanding of our purpose in life.

Bridges is especially designed for small group dialogue. The selected themes of each session are intended to progressively inform and deepen the relationships that form our everyday lives. Each session begins with scripture and ends with prayer. In between there is time and mental space for spiritual reading, reflection, and contemplative dialogue. Bridges does not require an academic background in theology, religion or spirituality, nor does it require use of any particular spiritual practices or prayers. There are no levels of perfection, goals to attain, or measurements of progress. Everyone will find a particular way of contemplative living within his or her own circumstances and spiritual practices.

Bridges invites the busiest among us to discover, explore, develop and deepen an accessible contemplative life. It assists in the creation of a “still point” in our lives that brings together the simplicity and complexity of life today—the one thing necessary to make us more deeply joyful and courageous human beings.

** Bridges is an approved program for Archdiocesan Catechist Re-certification Hours**

Intrigued? Interested? Contact Barb Foreman at barb4man@ameritech.net

Sessions will be held weekly at various locations within the parish starting the week of February 8 and continuing through the week of March 28. A variety of days and times will be available.

This program is offered collaboratively between St. Francis Xavier Parish and The Well Spirituality Center. For further information, please contact Barb Foreman at 708-482-5088 or bforeman@csjoseph.org.

You can also check The Well's website (www.csjthewell.org).

Cost of Text: $6.00 Registration Fee: Free Will Offering