Thomas Merton Center

Members of The Thomas Merton Center strive to develop a spirituality based on Jesus Christ's message of love, compassion and forgiveness and to live his message in today's world. The TMC community seeks to attract those who are on a quest for a deeper spiritual life and invite them to share in this vision.
 

• To foster a variety of ways by which Catholics and others may develop a deeper spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ and, through him, with God.
• To augment, support and lead the development of ecumenical spirituality, bringing together Christians and non-Christians in areas of common interest and values.
• To build a lay community based on inclusivity and consensus.
• To develop and enhance the faith life of families.

Model of Thomas MertonThomas Merton (1915-1968) was a Trappist monk of the Cistercian Abbey of Gethsemani near Bardstown, Kentucky. Merton was internationally known for his religious profundity and insightful reflection, his interest in interfaith and social action work on the problems and possibilities of the world. Merton's courageous spirituality was the model for what we intend to do and be at The Thomas Merton Center.
 
Legal Organization
The Thomas Merton Center is organized as a private, tax-exempt, non-profit, independent religious education organization, incorporated under the laws of the State of California. A Board of Directors has legal and fiduciary responsibility for the organization, accountable to the applicable state and federal laws, to its Bylaws, its Mission Statement and its registered members. Though Catholic in its origins, intent, and liturgies, The Thomas Merton Center is an independent religious educational organization, not legally affiliated with any church.
 
Membership
Membership in The Thomas Merton Center is open to everyone without restriction, as are all liturgies, retreats, and spiritual education programs. Nominal membership dues are paid annually.

• Posted Annual meeting minutes 5/30/2020
• Added Donate  button  in the banner 
• Posted 2020 USCCB Liturgical Calendar 1/13/20 (Resources Page)
• Updated Board Minutes Section 3/14/2020 see: (Home > Board)
• Updated Board Membership 12/22/19
• Latest TMC Bulletin was posted on 8/9/2020

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 15: (Solemnity)

This day marks the end of Marys life on earth. Catholics believe that her being, her soul and body. was "assumed" into heaven by the Lord.

Learn more (here).

Northern Ireland Peacemaker John Hume Jan, 1937 - Aug. 2020

Peace Nobelist and architect of the plan that brought peace to Nothern Ireland has died.

Noted Catholic politition John Hume's own words speak volumes.

"I want to see Ireland as an example to men and women everywhere of what can be achieved by living for ideals, rather than fighting for them, and by viewing each and every person as worthy of respect and honor," he said in 1998. "I want to see an Ireland of partnership, where we wage war on want and poverty, where we reach out to the marginalized and dispossessed, where we build together."

"Ireland is not a romantic dream; it is not a flag; it is 4.5 million people divided into two powerful traditions,"he said. "The solution will be found not on the basis of victory for either, but on the basis of agreement and a partnership between both. The real division of Ireland is not a line drawn on the map, but in the minds and hearts of it."

Feast Day of the Transfiguration of the Lord is August 6

The Gospels describe this event in Jesus" life when he and three of his disciples went to what has been referred to as Transfiguration Mountain. There Jesus glowed with great light and was referred to as "Son". Learn more (here)

Congressman John Lewis Feb, 2040 - July, 2020

Though I may not be here with you, I ask you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe. In my life I have done all I can to demonstrate that the way of peace, the way of love and nonviolence is the more excellent way," Now it is your turn to let freedom ring."

"..........hate and fear has to be answered with love and hope."

Congressman Lewis held the distinction of being the most arrested member of congress...."good trouble."

The memory of this heroic man of deep faith will always be a blessing.
 

Black Lives Matter at Oakland parish:

(Excerpted from July 26 TMC Weekly Bulletin)

The TMC faith-sharing group on racism and white privilege that meets on Wednesday afternoons has been impressed with the work of St. Columba Parish in Oakland: https://stcolumba-oak.com/ St. Columba Catholic Church’s mission is clearly stated on the website: “St. Columba is a community of believers in Oakland California who know “who and whose we are” (God’s people). Through African-American traditions, we are moved by the Spirit to serve in this world today.” It is a vibrant parish, with many ministries and prayer and action events. Take a look, participate, be educated and inspired.

COVID-19

Note: All TMC sponsored masses are cancelled until further notice: (8:45 am Sunday Mass). Note there are numerous masses online (Youtube)  including ones sponsored by the Catholic Community at Stanford and the St Thomas Aquinas Parish, Palo Alto. Check the TMC Weekly Bulletins for specifics and more timely updates.

TMC Sponsored retreats. lectures, seminars, and social gatherings have also been temporarily suspended.

We hope to resume our normal activities when it is safe to do so and will practice recommended social distancing as required.

DSJ Mass Cancellations

Bishop Oscar Cantu of The Diocese of San Jose has cancelled all public masses effective March 14, 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Please read his message (Here)

Daily Mass is celebrated at Saint Elizabeth Seton School Playground, Mon-Sat at 8:30 a.m.

Bulletin Archives

Board Meeting Minutes

Link to Catholic Women Preach website and this week's video click (Here)

GLOBAL CATHOLIC
CLIMATE MOVEMENT

This site has featured information on the Global Catholic Climate Movement (CCCM). See below left. The San Jose Mercury news printed in its December 5 edition that carbon emissions, directly related to the greenhouse effect, have started to rise again after abating for the last few years. We have provided a link to read the article. We hope that all people of faith do what they can to take care of and protect our common home.

Link to the article   ( here)

“On climate change, there is a clear, definitive and ineluctable ethical imperative to act.”
— Pope Francis

The science is irrefutable. There are many ways to act. Please vis[t the GCCM Website to find out what you can do. (Here)

ENCYCLICAL LETTER LAUDATO SI’ OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS ON CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME,