Christian Meditation at St Monica’s 

This week we were fortunate to have Helen Bramanathan from the Catholic Identity team lead our staff and students in the practice of Christian meditation. This form of meditation involves being silent, still, and simply being in God’s presence. To help quieten our minds we repeat the sacred word ‘ma-ra-na-tha,’ which means ‘Come Lord Jesus.’ After spending 2 days with our classes Helen commented on how engaged our students were during her visit.  

At St Monica’s our staff are invited to participate in Christian meditation every Thursday morning at 8.30 am before the teaching day begins. Starting next week on Thursday mornings all classes will join in Christian meditation immediately after marking the roll. During this time we will actively minimise distractions and seek your support in ensuring that your child arrives at school on time. 

Meditation is a universal spiritual practice found at the core of many religious traditions. In Christianity this contemplative dimension of faith and prayer is rooted in the Gospel teachings of Jesus and the Christian mystical tradition. 

Scientific research shows that practising meditation offers many potential benefits to children. These include improvements in mental and physical health, as well as enhanced emotional and behavioural regulation, stress management, and concentration. Additionally, research suggests that practising Christian meditation at school creates a safe, respectful space for nurturing children’s spiritual growth. The stillness and silence help create an environment where children are open to the presence of God. This: 

• strengthens children’s relationship with God, and 

• offers a sense of personal agency in spirituality, which can renew faith. 

Furthermore, research indicates that Christian meditation helps children become more aware and accepting of themselves and others by: 

• supporting identity formation and self-acceptance; 

• increasing kindness towards others; and 

• fostering a sense of community. 

If you would like to learn more, please get in touch with me. 

Ash Wednesday 

Ash Wednesday this year is on 5 March. Ash Wednesday is a Holy Day of Obligation which means that as Catholics it is a day we attend mass. On Wednesday 5 March at 9.30am Father Mick will lead mass in St Monica’s church. You are invited to join us. 

Ash Wednesday is the start of Lent, a time of preparation for the great feast of Easter. The word ‘Lent’ is short for ‘lengthening of days’ where in the Northern Hemisphere the days are getting longer and warmer. Here in the Southern Hemisphere our days are getting shorter and cooler as we prepare for Autumn and Winter. Lent is a joyful season where we prepare for the resurrection of the Lord.   

Opening Our Hearts to the Holy Spirit