"I believe that we could very easily change the direction of our society and economy toward sustainability with nothing but benefits to our children, ourselves, and our economy. The only losers would be those currently making fortunes from destruction and exploitation. We have the power. Spend your dollars with your children in mind."
Click here to read all of J. Henry Fair's essay “Spend Your Dollars With Your Children in Mind,” the latest in our Reflect Series.
Inaugural Young Authors Sacred Essay Contest
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Wishing all of our Jewish brothers and sisters a Happy Hanukkah!⁠ This year, the holiday began on the evening of Dec. 10 and ends Dec. 18.
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Hanukkah is the Festival of Lights, the holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. It is celebrated for eight days in honor of the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days in the Holy Temple. On each day, celebrants light candles on a Hanukkiah (a nine-branched candelabrum), starting with one candle and adding one more each day.⁠
Christmas Worship Services Online
As Christian faith traditions prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, CIR is compiling a list of houses of worship offering online services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We will continue to update this list as the holiday approaches and invite you to send us an email if you would like us to add a service to the list.
Thomas Merton
On truly living
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 installments on the CIR blog.
Wisdom Wednesday
Cynthia Bourgeault on centering prayer
In this #WisdomWednesday, the Rev. Cynthia Bourgeault explains how we can relieve our agitations by allowing our thoughts to flow freely through centering prayer. Click the photo to watch our Wisdom Wednesday clip, or click here to watch the entire session from the 2017 Festival of Faiths: "Compassion Shining Like the Sun."
Common Action
Shop local to support your community
For our latest #CommonAction, we encourage all who are preparing to embark on holiday shopping to SHOP LOCAL this season. The pandemic has severely impacted small businesses, so choosing local over big-box retailers whenever possible will go a long way toward helping your community.

Check out this directory of Louisville independent businesses to support this holiday season.

And here's a brand new resource list that allows you to shop local ONLINE! It includes specific lists featuring Black-owned businesses, along with businesses owned by women, veterans, disabled individuals, LGBTQX and people of color.
Inspiration
(In 280 Characters or Less)
Sometimes wise words appear in the most unexpected places — like Twitter. Check out this week's enlightening tweet...
CIR believes giving blood is an expression of our common humanity. That's why we're seeking 25 donors from anywhere in the U.S. as part of a nationwide #SleevesUp campaign. Sign up through our link and donate at a Red Cross drive near you, no matter where you live.

A single blood donation can help save up to three lives, so your contribution would make a real difference. Please consider donating NOW, as blood supplies are especially low due to the pandemic.

As an additional service to donors, the Red Cross will be testing all blood, plasma and platelet donations for COVID-19 antibodies.
Thanks to all who have contributed to CIR this year to support our mission of "Many Faiths, One Heart, Common Action." We are grateful!

And please remember: It's never too late to give! Just click the button below for easy online giving options.
Special Thanks To Our Institutional Partners
3 Ways to Engage with the Center