2008
This document outlines a proposed process to guide the introduction of Christian Meditation into selected classes at a school wishing to introduce Christian Meditation. / Coming Home
Guiding Principles Informing the Collaboration of the WCCM with the School
· The teaching of Christian Meditation is undertaken on behalf of the WCCM and draws on its charism, in order that students and teachers may be led into the fullness of the Mystery of Christ, through this practice of deep prayer.
· In introducing teachers and students to the practice of Christian Meditation it is intended that the simplicity of the daily discipline as taught by John Main OSB will permeate all aspects of the approach to teaching.
· The approach adopted will be sufficiently flexible to allow different teachers to use their own teaching styles whilst at the same time ensuring that the integrity of the teaching of John Main OSB and the WCCM is maintained.
· As the teachers in the schools will be modeling a prayer life for the students, it is recognized that there will be a need for their ongoing formation in the practice and understanding of Christian Meditation.
· The program will draw on the experience within the WCCM of teaching Christian Meditation in schools, especially the systemic introduction of this into the Townsville Catholic Diocesan schools.
· The specific placement of Christian Meditation as a learning activity within the school, is the responsibility of the school to determine.
· It is important that sufficient time be allowed for the introduction of Christian Meditation programs into schools, so that all key stakeholders can be brought on board in a way that is respectful of their needs.
· The work associated with the introduction of Christian Meditation into schools will comprise elements for which fees are payable by the respective school and elements which are negotiated as cost neutral to the school.
Proposed Options for Introduction Process
Option A
Option B
Option C
Option A
- Half Day Introduction to Christian Meditation for all staff .
This will include:
i) An explanation of how to meditate;
ii) Two meditation periods – introduction 12 minutes as for Year 7;
iii) An outline of the essential teaching;
iv) A brief understanding of its place in the tradition;
v) An explanation of the importance of Christian Meditation for students
vi) The experience to date of teaching Christian Meditation to students
The purpose of this half day session is to firstly introduce all staff to the practice of Christian Meditation as a way of contemplative prayer for all Christians and on this basis to ask staff to identify if they are interested in introducing Christian Meditation in their class in 2008.
2. Formation Program for Interested Staff
This will consist of three days in school time spread out over several weeks in accordance with the schools timetable. The purpose of this program is to provide a detailed introduction to the practice of Christian Meditation as a personal spiritual approach as well as provide a kit of suitable strategies to use when teaching children to meditate.
Day 1 includes: What is Christian Meditation ?
John Main and the Tradition of Christian Meditation
Teaching Children to Meditate I
Practicing Christian Meditation – x 3
Day 2 includes: The Wheel of Prayer
Leaving Self Behind
Teaching Children to Meditate II
Practicing Christian Meditation – x 3
Day 3 includes: Meditation as a Way of Life
Teaching Children to Meditate III
Presenting to Parents
Practising Christian Meditation x3
Option B
- Full Day Introduction to Christian Meditation for all staff.
This will include:
i) An explanation of how to meditate;
ii) Two meditation periods – introduction 12 minutes as for Year 7;
iii) An outline of the essential teaching;
iv) A brief understanding of its place in the tradition;
v) An explanation of the importance of Christian Meditation for students
vi) The experience to date of teaching Christian Meditation to students
The purpose of this full day session is to firstly introduce all staff to the practice of Christian meditation and on this basis to ask staff to identify if they are interested in introducing Christian Meditation in their class in 2008.
4. Formation Program for Interested Staff
This will consist of two days in school time spread out over several weeks in accordance with the schools timetable. The purpose of this program is to provide a detailed introduction to the practice of Christian Meditation as a personal spiritual approach as well as provide a kit of suitable strategies to use when teaching children to meditate.
Day 1 includes: John Main and the Tradition of Christian Meditation
The Wheel of Prayer
Teaching Children to Meditate I
Practicing Christian Meditation – x 3
Day 2 includes: Leaving Self Behind
Meditation as a Way of Life
Teaching Children to Meditate II
Practicing Christian Meditation – x 3
Option C
- Full Day Introduction to Christian Meditation for all staff.
This will include:
i) An explanation of how to meditate;
ii) Two meditation periods – introduction 12 minutes as for Year 7;
iii) An outline of the essential teaching;
iv) A brief understanding of its place in the tradition;
v) An explanation of the importance of Christian Meditation for students
vi) The experience to date of teaching Christian Meditation to students
The purpose of this full day session is to firstly introduce all staff to the practice of Christian meditation and on this basis to ask staff to identify if they are interested in introducing Christian Meditation in their class in 2008.
6. Formation Program for Interested Staff
This will consist of two days in school time spread out over several weeks in accordance with the schools timetable. The purpose of this program is to provide a detailed introduction to the practice of Christian Meditation as a personal spiritual approach as well as provide a kit of suitable strategies to use when teaching children to meditate.
Day 1 includes: The Wheel of Prayer
Leaving Self Behind
Teaching Children to Meditate I
Practicing Christian Meditation – x 3
Twilight Session 1 Meditation As a Way of Life
Teaching Children to Meditate II
Practicing Christian Meditation – x2
Twilight Session 2 Teaching Children to meditate III
Speaking with Parents
Practising Christian Meditation – x2
7. Attendance at the National Forum and the National Seminar – Teaching Children to Meditate (April Melbourne 2008)
Attendance at this event will deepen participant’s understanding of the contemplative path of prayer , and of the path of Christian Meditation in particular and provide greater practical insight and increased confidence in introducing Christian Meditation into schools.
8. Parent – Teacher Evening to inform parents of the introduction of Christian Meditation and to teach them to meditate.
The purpose of this event is to inform parents of the introduction of Christian Meditation into classes at the school and to answer any questions they may have regarding this. Parents would be taught to meditate and also given hints as to ways in which they can assist their children to also meditate at home.
9. Commencement of Teaching Christian Meditation in the Classroom
It is proposed that this commence following the completion of the teacher training. It is important that the timing will be when the teachers feel ready and all stakeholders are in agreement.
10. Ongoing Formation
i) It is proposed that this includes informal “catch up” meetings with a mentor or Program Coordinator, identified for each school situation, to discuss progress, issues and ways forward.
ii) Approximately 4-5 months (Sept/Oct) after the introduction in the classes, it is proposed that a one day retreat/discussion day be held with the participating staff at a venue separate from the school. This would be led by the leadership team. The purpose of this day is to refresh the teachers in their understanding and to deepen their understanding of the tradition and the way.
11. Resources
i) Coming Home – A Guide to Teaching Christian Meditation to Children by Ernie Christie – Book and DVD.
ii) Born Contemplative by Madeleine Simon RSCJ. Published by
iii) Word Into Silence by John Main
iv) Moment of Christ by John Main
v) Heart of Creation by John Main
vi) The Way of Unknowing by John Main
vii) Jesus The Teacher Within by Laurence Freeman. Published by Continuum Press
viii) The Light Within by Laurence Freeman. Published by Medio Media
Websites
ix) http://www.wccm.org
x) http://www.christianmeditationaustralia.org/
xi) http://www.meditationwithchildren.com/
xii) http://www.cominghome.org.au/
xiii) http://www.resource.melb.catholic.edu.au/
12. Proposed Costs
Option A
Half Day Introduction to Staff – Outside Presenter $
3 Day Introductory Program $250 per day - Outside Presenter S
Presentation at Parent-Teacher Meetings – Outside Presenter $ Nil
Mentoring Program $ Nil
Retreat/Discussion Day – Outside Presenter $
Attendance @ Australasian Seminar - $100 per staff member $
Backfilling for Staff attending 3 Day Introductory Program & Retreat/Discussion $
Option B
Full Day Introduction to Staff – Outside Presenter $
2 Day Introductory Program $250 per day - Outside Presenter $
Presentation at Parent-Teacher Meetings – Outside Presenter $ Nil
Mentoring Program $ Nil
Retreat/Discussion Day – Outside Presenter $
Attendance @ Australasian Seminar - $100 per staff member $
Backfilling for Staff attending 2 Day Introductory Program & Retreat/Discussion $
Option C
Full Day Introduction to Staff – Outside Presenter $
1 Day Introductory Program $250 per day - Outside Presenter $
2 Twilight Sessions $125 per session $Presentation at Parent-Teacher Meetings – Outside Presenter $ Nil
Mentoring Program $ Nil
Retreat/Discussion Day – Outside Presenter $
Attendance @ Australasian Seminar - $100 per staff member $
Backfilling for Staff attending 1 day Introductory Program & Retreat/Discussion $
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