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TCDSB Christian Meditation
An Overview for PrincipalsTHURSDAY, JANUARY 12TH, 2017
SUSAN HOOKONG-TAYLOR, AND MICHELLE PERES, LISA MALCOLM
What is Meditation?
Meditation is a prayerful quest engaging thought, imagination, emotion, and desire. (CCC 2723)
Meditation is rooted in the Greek meaning, “care, study and exercise.” It is a path to the knowledge of the love of Christ and union with him. (CCM p. 386)
Meditation is, in the Catholic context, ‘to sit silently in the presence of the Trinity, within their circle of Love. (Ernie Christie)
The History of Christian Meditation
Jesus – withdrew to pray by himself (Mk1:12, Matt 14:13, Matt 26:42)
3rd century - The Desert Fathers and Mothers of the church
Fr. John Main - Benedictine monk in 1970’s
Examples of Meditation in a Catholic Context
Lectio divina Taizé prayer Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament The Rosary Guided meditation Christian meditation (Silent Meditation)
Christian meditation is NOT Zen or Eastern meditation, relaxation, or mere psychological activity.
Support for Meditation in the Classroom: Research and Findings“Coming Home: A guide to Christian Meditation” by Ernie Christie (p. 33-36)
Meditation: leads to increased self-knowledge and self-acceptance Increase our desire to build community with others Deepens our personal relationship with our God
St Paul names the fruits of prayer in his letter to the Galatians (5:22):
Spiritual Fruits of Meditation
“While Christian meditation will produce positive results psychologically and physically these are by-products; the goal is unity with God in Christ.”
Taken from a Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church on Some Aspects of Christian Meditationby Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger
Christian Meditation in our schools
Deepens our convictions of faith, prompts the conversion of our hearts, and strengthens our will to follow Christ. (CCC 2708)
Implemented successfully in other Catholic School Boards across Ontario
Component of the new Religious Education Policy Document Supported by the Institute for Catholic Education Rediscovery of an ancient way to pray to God Teaches life skills
Guided Meditation
The LORD is my shepherd,I shall not want.He makes me lie down in green pastures;he leads me beside still waters;he restores my soul.He leads me in right pathfor his name’s sake.
- Psalm 23:1-3
Christian Meditation (Silent Meditation)
“Be still and know that I am God”- Psalm 46:10
Christian Focus Words
Maranatha…Elohim AdonaiJesus Prayer
How to Meditate in Silence
Sit uprightBe StillBe Silent
Upcoming Dates
1st Training session for Teachers –January 18th, 2017 and January 24th, 2017
Contact Information
Susan HooKong-TaylorCatholic Teacher’s CentreSusan.hookong-taylor@tcdsb.org
Michelle PeresAreas 7 & 8Michelle.peres@tcdsb.org
Lisa MalcolmAreas 3 & 4Lisa.malcolm@tcdsb.org
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