Institute of Christian Spirituality: The Seven Storey Mountain Book Discussion
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 6:30 PM-Tuesday, February 24, 2026 2:30 PM
Online, Zoom
The Institute of Christian Spirituality presents "A Year with Thomas Merton" with four month-long book discussions in February, April, August and October.
Join us for "A Year with Thomas Merton," an online series exploring the spiritual life through the writings of one of the twentieth century’s most enduring voices. Across four seasonal book discussions in 2026, we’ll trace the arc of Merton’s life and thought—from the restless energy of his early years to the deep integration of contemplation and action that defined his mature vision.
Each four-week discussion focuses on one of Merton’s major works and the key themes it represents:
- Conversion: The Seven Storey Mountain (February)
- Formation: The Sign of Jonas (April)
- Contemplation: New Seeds of Contemplation (August)
- Action: Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander (October)
Together, these readings invite us into Merton’s unfolding discovery of what it means to be fully human, deeply awake, and responsive to the divine in a complex world.
Participants may join for a single book or for the entire year-long journey. Each session includes brief teaching, group discussion and guided reflection.
Facilitating the discussion is Lance Bolay, D.Min., Director of Mission Impact at Mosaic Counseling Centers of East Texas, a trained spiritual director (ICS & Shalem Institute), guiding others in contemplative formation since 2010 and as an ICS instructor since 2015.
Cost: Each 4-week book discussion will be $100. Attend the first three and receive the final discussion at half-off ($50 discount).