Life is loud. It’s not just blaring car horns on busy interstates or the endless pings of notifications. It’s also the low-level but persistent sounds of simply living today: the hum of the refrigerator, the rattle of the garage door, the clanging of the elevator, the indistinct tone of conversations, and the music track in the grocery store.
While many of these sounds can be annoying, they can also be comforting or distracting. When it’s “too quiet,” we are often ill at ease and looking for something to break the silence. Quiet middle-of-the-night wakeful moments can make our minds race and fill us with dread. French author Andre Maurois wrote, “Men fear silence as they fear solitude because both give them a glimpse of the terror of life’s nothingness.”
Even in churches, sometimes silence is avoided. In his book Bored Again Catholic, Timothy O’Malley wrote, “Our parishes have become spaces of constant devotion and activity. Before Mass, parishioners gather to pray the Rosary and the novena of the day together. We practice the music of the day, otherwise, who would be able to sing the Sanctus?… Before and after Mass, conversations fill the space, since these help form Christian community. In each of these ways, we create parish churches where noise is more expected than silence.”
But as Catholics, we don’t need to dread or fear the silence. In fact, the saints teach that we should seek it. Pope St. John Paul II said, “In reality, only in silence does man succeed in hearing in the depth of his conscience the voice of God, which really makes him free.” St. Teresa of Calcutta also encourages, “We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence.” St. John of the Cross describes silence as a way to express our love for God, “What we need most in order to make progress is to be silent before this great God with our appetite and with our tongue, for the language he best hears is silent love.”
Perhaps now, in the closing weeks of summer, we can consider ways to encourage parish families to seek and find silence—”not a gloomy silence, but an interior silence,” as St. Faustina describes, “that is to say, recollection in God.”
Consider each of these suggestions as possible content for a series of push emails to parishioners or an article series you could publish on your website, blog, or social media. Then, invite feedback and suggestions from your parishioners that could be shared weekly as tips on silence. Even the busiest and most “noisy” families should be able to glean something useful for their personal lives.
Communing with God
In the stillness of silence, Catholics find a unique opportunity to draw closer to God. As Psalm 46:10 encourages, “Be still, and know that I am God.” In silence, the distractions of the world fade away, allowing for a more intimate connection with the Divine. Cultivating moments of quietude in prayer and reflection creates a space for God’s voice to be heard amid the noise of everyday life.
Reflection questions for your parish:
- When can you find 60 seconds of silence in your day?
- How do you think just 5 minutes a day turning your heart and mind to God could change your relationship with him?
Parish action step:
Designate a specific time each week when the church remains open with dimmed lights, soft music, or even complete silence, inviting parishioners to come in for quiet reflection. You could also create a “Sacred Silence Hour,” where all parish activities pause, and the space is available for anyone who wants to disconnect from the noise and spend time in silent prayer or meditation. Note: Your parish could promote this widely as a refuge for anyone who needs some relief from the stress and noise of the world today.
Reflecting on the Word
The Bible is full of wisdom and comfort for Catholics, giving us guidance and strength to navigate life’s challenges and grow in faith. Taking some quiet time to read and think about Scripture can help you connect deeply with God’s Word. Whether you use Lectio Divina or just sit in silence, these moments let Christ’s teachings sink into your heart.
Reflection questions for your parish:
- What do you find most challenging about reading Scripture?
- Many Catholics find the Daily Mass readings easy to start with. Challenge: Read the Daily Mass readings for a week, then ask yourself: How did this time make me feel closer to Jesus and his Church?
Parish action step:
Introduce a “Scripture in Silence Program” at the parish, a structured initiative designed to help parishioners engage deeply with Scripture through silent reflection and guided activities. Allow parishioners to choose their preferred track and encourage them to rotate through the various options.
- Lectio Divina Sessions: Host regular Lectio Divina gatherings where parishioners practice this ancient method of praying with Scripture in a quiet setting. The gatherings focus on reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation of selected passages.
- Guided Scripture Reflection: Offer scheduled times for guided reflection on specific Bible verses or themes, with short, meditative readings and prompts to help parishioners delve into the meaning of the Scriptures.
- Scripture Journaling Workshops: Provide workshops on using journaling as a tool for silent reflection on Scripture, encouraging participants to record their insights and personal revelations during their quiet time with the Word.
This program supports parishioners in developing a more contemplative approach to Scripture, allowing them to experience the transformative power of silence in their spiritual journey.
Inner Peace and Tranquility
In a world filled with stress and anxiety, silence becomes a balm for the soul. Taking moments of silence throughout the day provides an opportunity for inner peace and tranquility to take root. It is in these moments that Catholics can let go of the burdens they carry and find solace in the gentle presence of God.
Reflection questions for your parish:
- Do you feel more or less anxious or stressed when it’s quiet? Do you intentionally seek out either noise or silence to help calm yourself?
- How might spending time in silent prayer help alleviate your stress and enhance your overall well-being?
Parish action step:
Introduce “Sacred Silence Saturdays” at the parish, a special monthly event dedicated to experiencing the calming and stress-relieving benefits of silence. Begin with a brief talk on how silence can alleviate stress and promote well-being, introducing the concept of “holy detachment”—finding peace and renewal by momentarily stepping away from everyday distractions. Throughout the day, you could offer various activities that foster this peaceful detachment, such as guided silent prayer sessions, meditative walks, or designated areas for quiet reflection.
Discernment and Clarity
Silence is a powerful tool for discernment. In silence Catholics can listen to the whispers of their own hearts and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Whether faced with life-changing decisions or seeking a clearer path in daily life, silence allows for a discerning heart to emerge, untangling the complexities that may cloud one’s judgment.
Reflection questions for your parish:
- How could incorporating silence in your day help you feel more connected to the Holy Spirit?
- In what ways has silent reflection influenced your decision-making? Or, how could silence help shape your decision-making process in the future?
Parish action step:
Organize a “Discernment in Silence” retreat or workshop. During this time, parishioners can gather in a quiet setting where they’re guided through silent reflection exercises, meditation, and prayer specifically aimed at helping them listen for God’s guidance in their decisions. Including brief, silent periods for personal journaling or spiritual reading can also help deepen their discernment process in a peaceful, contemplative atmosphere. NOTE: This is great for youth and young adults and could be a wonderful way to encourage them to pray for vocations!
Listening to Others
Cultivating silence isn’t just about personal reflection; it extends to how Catholics engage with others. In moments of quiet listening, individuals can truly hear the needs, joys, and sorrows of those around them. This active listening fosters empathy, compassion, and a deeper connection within the community.
Reflection questions for your parish:
- In our desire to help people, sometimes we find it difficult to silently listen. How might it be more beneficial to your family member or friend to just listen?
- Is there someone in your life who models this quiet listening for you?
Parish action step:
Host a “Listening with Love” workshop. This session could teach parishioners the art of active, empathetic listening, with a focus on being fully present and silent while others speak. Through scripture, guided exercises, role-playing, and reflections, participants can practice creating space for their loved ones to share, fostering deeper connections and understanding in their relationships.
Fostering Family Bonds
Family life can be a whirlwind of activity. Introducing intentional moments of silence within the family unit creates a space for shared reflection and prayer. These moments strengthen familial bonds and instill a sense of the sacred within the home.
Reflection questions for your parish:
- Challenge: As a family, try just 5 minutes of silence together before bed or at another peaceful time of your day. What was most difficult? What surprised you about the quiet time spent together?
Parish action step:
Create a “Quiet Connection Night” program. Encourage families to dedicate one evening a week (or a month) to turning off all electronic devices and spending time together in silence. Provide a guide with activities such as shared silent prayer, meditative walks, or “silent storytelling.” Offer a workshop or handout on the benefits of silence in strengthening family bonds, helping families to appreciate and embrace these peaceful moments together.
Technology Detox
Consider implementing technology-free periods in your day. Silence the notifications, power down the devices, and create a sacred space where the noise of the digital world can’t intrude.
Reflection questions for your parish:
- How do technology-free periods impact your sense of peace and connection with God?
- What changes have you noticed in your thoughts and feelings when you create a sacred, device-free space in your day?
Parish action step:
Invite parishioners to participate in a “Tech-Free Sunday” at the church. Encourage them to leave their phones in the car or at home when they come to Mass, creating a truly distraction-free worship experience. After Mass, offer a variety of tech-free activities at the parish, such as a communal meal, outdoor games, a nature walk, or a silent prayer hour in the sanctuary. These activities can help parishioners disconnect from technology and reconnect with each other and with God in a meaningful way.
Encouraging parishioners to incorporate silence into their daily lives can significantly enhance their spiritual journey. Parish staff can promote this practice by regularly sharing reminders and tips through a church management system (ChMS) like MinistryPlatform. Simple suggestions like setting aside a few minutes for quiet prayer, meditation, or reflection can be communicated via weekly emails, social media posts, or bulletins. Additionally, the parish can organize silent retreats or designated quiet times within church activities to emphasize the importance of silence. By consistently highlighting the value of silence in parish communications, you can help parishioners create space for a deeper connection with God.
Polly King
Polly King has over 30 years in the marketing and communications field, the last 12 in Catholic publishing. As a convert to the Catholic faith, she has a deep passion for helping parishes engage and evangelize their communities. This led her to join ACS Technologies as part of their mission to serve the Church with technology and solutions that support their ministries. Polly currently resides in Indiana with her husband Bob and their 14-year-old Australian Shepherd, Riley. Her commitment to her faith and dedication to her profession make her an inspiring figure for those looking to make a positive impact in their communities.
