Teaching Sacred Silence
- Kevin D
- Nov 14, 2019
- 2 min read
I was reading Doug Lemov's blogpost/review of Reader, Come Home by Maryanne Wolf. This passage near the end struck me:
It is true that schools are one of the few places that could ensure time and space for deep reading, sustained and meditative. But this would require a changed vision: school as a place apart as much as a place connected; school as bastion against technology as much as acolyte; school as a place that shapes rather than merely accepts social norms. Not easy work, in other words, nor work most schools seem willing to do.
Still, it could happen in isolated places. Imagine schools of choice that intentionally isolate students from technology at strategic times during the learning process. If France can ban cell phones from all schools, as it recently did, it’s plausible that a few islands could emerge here and there in our country. It’s hard to imagine at scale, though.
Catholic schools cannot be saved unless they have a rationale for their existence. In the past, they have served as a place to be Americanized and reach the middle and upper classes. They have served as incubators of the faith.
In an era of declining religion and declining faith; in an era where the White Catholics have all moved into the middle/upper classes or moved away from the schools; what is the value proposition for a $5,000+ annual tuition?
Could it be the education of sacred silence?
I recently purchased (But have not read), Cardinal Sarah's book on silence, The Power of Silence. And I believe that Lemov diagnoses a similar ill for our society - the prevalence of noise and attention grabbing. What effect will so much screen-time have on our children when they become adults?
Across the street from our school, we are blessed to have daily Adoration of the Most Holy Eucharist. This is an oasis of sacred silence. This might be part of the value-add that Catholic education can provide.
We will teach you to be holy men and women.
We will teach you to be effective learners, collaborators, and communicators.
We will teach you to serve others.
We will teach you to be yourself, to be open, to be part of something greater while still being an individual.
We will teach you to be still.
Of course, how often do I go across the street and sit with myself and with my Lord?
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