Patrick R. Manning, Ph.D., associate professor of Pastoral Theology and director of the Center for Catholic Studies at Seton Hall University, has published a new book titled “Be Still and Know: Contemplative Practices for Christian Schools and Educators.” The book aims to provide practical guidance for teachers, administrators, and formation leaders seeking to foster peacefulness, attentiveness, and faithfulness in educational settings.
Manning emphasizes the importance of contemplation in Christian education. He states, “Christian schools should be a place where educators and students alike find the resources and support needed to become transformed, vibrant, peaceful human beings and disciples.” The book is structured to guide readers through a typical school day while integrating contemplative practices into daily routines.
Drawing on research from psychology, neuroscience, education, and spirituality, Manning presents the contemplative Christian tradition as a resource that addresses current challenges in education while supporting the Catholic mission of schools. He explains that his approach is designed to fit naturally within the structure of a school day: “The book walks readers through a school day in which they experience people, time, space and school activities in a more contemplative manner.”
Manning describes contemplation as “the practice of resting in God’s love,” suggesting it is not about escaping responsibilities but about being formed internally. This formation influences attention, patience, and care throughout daily life.
Regarding his hopes for the book’s impact, Manning says: “God knows best, so I trust in the work of the Holy Spirit. That being said, I hope the book will help people come to a deeper sense of God’s presence in their lives and a more abiding peace.” He also highlights the need for strong communities within Catholic schools to address broader societal challenges: “The ubiquity of digital technologies and the massive scope of the political, environmental and spiritual crises we face today can make us feel powerless as individuals. We need strong communities to unite people in cultivating countercultural practices and ways of life. Our Catholic schools can be these kinds of communities, and I hope this book will contribute to that work.”
Manning is developing further research on how contemplative practices might help respond to changes brought by generative artificial intelligence while protecting human well-being.
He notes that his work is closely linked with experiences at Seton Hall University: “I dedicated this book to the Contemplative Pedagogy Fellows of Seton Hall,” Manning says. “This is a group of our faculty who for several years participated in a seminar focused on learning about and applying contemplative practices. It was one of the most beautiful experiences in my time at Seton Hall and inspired much of what I had to say in the book. We are fortunate to have a core of faculty at the university who are knowledgeable about such matters and committed to bringing a contemplative spirit to their teaching and their work here.”
