Thomas Merton
On creating our own lives
Every Monday, we share a bit of Thomas Merton's wisdom to get the week started. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter to be among the first to see #MertonMonday.

You can find past #MertonMonday installments on the CIR blog.
May you have a blessed Advent this holiday season! Advent is the time in which Christians prepare for Christmas, the celebration that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. The word Advent comes from the Latin phrase "Adventus Domini," meaning arrival of the Lord. The Advent season is of variable length, and the start date changes every year.

Throughout the next month, America Magazine is publishing regular Advent reflections along with related essays, podcasts and videos. Click here to follow along.
Wisdom Wednesday
Dr. Diana Eck on Globalization
“We are global citizens, no matter if we like it or not. The question is whether we’re good global citizens or not. The religious and ethical questions that are implications in globalization are very serious. How do we think about the growing inequities of the world that we share with each other?”

Dr. Diana Eck, scholar and director of the The Pluralism Project at Harvard University, shared these words during an Interfaith Prayer Breakfast at the 2004 Festival of Faiths.

Click the photo to watch a clip of this never-before-seen video!
Common Action
Helping West Louisville Families in Need
Our latest #CommonAction highlights Change Today, Change Tomorrow's Adopt-A-Block Project. The initiative will provide food, clothes and toys to West Louisville families in need. This is an opportunity for businesses, philanthropists, individuals and corporations to “adopt” residential blocks in the West End as part of the nonprofit’s holiday giving initiative, Bless the Block. Click the image for more info.
It's Giving Tuesday!
Join the Movement by Supporting CIR
Today is #GivingTuesday — a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities. Please consider joining this powerful movement by supporting our mission of "Many Faiths, One Heart, Common Action." You can donate today or any day — because every day is a great day to give!

And know that we are grateful!
Community News
Muhammad Ali Center:
Bridging The Racial Wealth Gap

Wednesday, Dec. 2
Noon to 1 p.m.
 
This Zoom discussion is the next installment of the Ali Center's “I Am America” Racial Justice series. It's free to attend, but registration is required.

The panel will explore the structures that help perpetuate staggering racial disparities in wealth in America. Panelists will discuss how this gap was created, why it persists and ways to combat it. Click here to learn more.
Drepung Gomang Center:
The Buddha’s Middle Way: Going Beyond Extreme Thinking with Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel

Wednesday, Dec. 2
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Buddhist teacher, author and practitioner Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel (a Festival of Faiths alum!) will lead a guided meditation and open the evening to dialogue as participants explore topics such as balance, moderation and looking within ourselves.

The cost to participate in this Zoom event is on a sliding scale. Click here to learn more.
Americana Community Center:
Free Flu Shots

Friday, Dec. 4
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To help address flu risk, the Americana Community Center is offering free flu shots to adults 18 and older. The center is located at 4801 Southside Drive. No appointments, insurance or photo IDs are needed. Interpreters will be available for Spanish and other languages. Please help spread the news!
Inspiration
(In 280 Characters or Less)
Sometimes wise words appear in the most unexpected places — like Twitter. Check out this week's enlightening tweet...
Special Thanks To Our Institutional Partners
3 Ways to Engage with the Center