Adult Education opportunities are on Sundays at 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. in the Parish Hall and are open to all.  For further information about a particular topic, speak to Jo Barrett or to the contact person listed.  Ideas for other discussions are always welcome!

January 18  Book Study: Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace---One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson, discussion lead by Joan Young and Patrick Barber.  (See your Dec. 15 – Jan. 31 newsletter, page 10 for more info).

January 25  No adult education (Annual Meeting)

A Study Program for Lent 

Thomas Merton: A Spiritual Companion 

Sunday mornings, beginning March 1, 2009

9:30 until 10:15

(In the Library) 

      Merton was born in 1915 in France of American parents.  He was orphaned as a young, man, returned to the United states, attended Columbia, enjoyed the fast life of a budding writer, found faith, and by the age of 27 entered a severe monastic order known as the Trappists in Kentucky.

      Merton became known to the outside world through his books.  In 1948 his Seven Storey Mountain sold 600,000 copies.  He published numerous essays and journals.  Since his death in 1968 several volumes of his correspondence have been published.

      He possessed an uncommon gift for written expression.  Today his thinking still retains a remarkable relevance.  Removing himself from the day to day details of life in the world, he was able to see life's issues with rare clarity.

      Thousands of people, 40 years after his death, continue to find spiritual companionship in reading his works.  This program will provide you with an opportunity to become familiar with this remarkable person.  Dick Stowe, our priest associate, will share his many years of Merton studies.