Catechesis Study Program-Winter 2009

Christian Meditation Ministry

Blessed Sacrament’s Christian Meditation Ministry promotes the practice of Christian meditation in our Parish. If you are interested in learning about Christian meditation, we invite you to join us. Youth are especially welcome.

Meeting Details

We meet every Sunday, from 7:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. in the Parish Library. At our meetings, we listen to a recording of a talk by Father John Main. Then, we meditate for 25 minutes.

What Is Christian Meditation?

Christian meditation is a practice through which we quiet the mind and become still and attentive to God. It is a prayer of silence that takes us beyond words, thoughts and images to experience the presence of Christ in us.

Historically, it is a form of prayer rooted in Christian tradition from the earliest times. It was rediscovered by Father John, a Benedictine monk, and renewed through his teachings.

How Does a Person Meditate?

To meditate, take the following steps:

1. Find a quiet place, and sit upright and relaxed.
2. Gently close your eyes.
3. Silently repeat to yourself a mantra, which is a word or short phrase. Father John recommends the use of the word “Ma-ra-na-tha,” which means “Come Lord.”
4. Listen to the sound as, gently and continuously, you say your mantra.
5. If thoughts or images come, keep returning to simply saying your mantra.

Meditate each morning and evening for 20 to 30 minutes.

Questions?

To learn more about Blessed Sacrament’s Christian Meditation Ministry, please feel free to write George Brown, the Group Leader, or you can call him at 613 248 2222.