The beginning of the liturgical year has come and gone with Advent. New Year’s Day is in the rearview mirror, as well. No need to feel bad if you haven’t started a new habit, you can begin any day at any time, or even begin again. 

 

Do you feel a tug to do something to deepen your spiritual life? Below are five resolution ideas for Catholics: 

 

 

1. Pray Daily 

 

Prayer is how we communicate with God. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) website offers thoughts to ponder about the act of praying. 

 

It is one thing to know about prayer and to learn prayers by heart. It is quite another to pray fervently with the heart, mind, and soul. 

 

There are many ways to incorporate prayer into your life: 

• Use a printed booklet or devotional 

• Pray spontaneously, talking to God out loud about your day 

• Add grace before and after meals 

• Begin your day with a Morning Offering 

• End your day with an Examen 

• Choose a prayer app (Hallow, Laudate, Amen, etc) and set an alarm to pray at a particular time of day 

 

 

2. Study the Bible 

 

Have you wanted to study the Bible but don’t know where to begin? Or have you started reading from Genesis and quit by Deuteronomy or Leviticus? You’re not alone! 

 

The Bible isn’t meant to be read in chronological order, but there is an order to it. You can find Bible study guides and videos online, if a study is not currently offered at your church. 

 

You can also check out Ascension Press for the Great Adventure Study Bible and associated materials to help you understand the story woven throughout Scripture. 

 

Another option is Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz. Using the study Bible format mentioned above, you can find the program on Catholic radio, or begin anytime with Day 1 by listening online. 

 

 

3. Study the Catechism or Church Document 

 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church is available not only in book form, but online. There are also study guides and other versions and layouts of the tenets that define the Catholic Church and her teachings throughout the ages. 

 

If you like the way the Bible is studied with Fr. Mike Schmitz, The Catechism in a Year may be to your liking. 

 

Also, don’t forget to look at Church documents. They are written for the Catholic faithful. Some explain doctrine, others exhort the faithful in a variety of matters. 

 

Here are some websites to begin your search for new knowledge and deeper understanding of what the Church teaches: 

• Papal Encyclicals Online 

• Constitutions / Documents of the Second Vatican Council 

• Apostolic Exhortations of John Paul II (you can also search for more that are written by other popes) 

 

 

4. Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation Monthly 

 

Some people refer to the sacrament of reconciliation as “going to Confession”. Both references are appropriate. Unfortunately, the protestant belief that no priest is necessary for confession has permeated even Catholic circles. 

 

Before approaching the confessional, prayerful examination of conscience should be made. This includes consideration of both venial and mortal sins that have dulled the senses and conscience, or even cut oneself off from a close relationship with God. 

 

To be clear, the priest does not forgive a person’s sins. Instead, the priest “in persona Christi” (“in the person of Christ”) prays the words of absolution and it is Jesus Christ Who extends forgiveness of sins. 

 

This sacrament is one of healing. Spiritual matters are intertwined with those of the body, mind, and emotions. 

 

Further, because we are one body of believers, whatever is done to one part affects the rest. One individual’s sins have a ripple effect in God’s spiritual economy. 

 

If you have not been to confession in a while, here are some materials to aid your preparation: 

• 7 Secrets of Confession 

• A Pocket Guide to Confession 

• Pocket Guide to the Sacrament of Reconciliation 

 

 

5. Listen to Catholic Radio 

 

Tuning in to Catholic radio programs is another resolution idea to deepen your spiritual life. Catholic radio can also assist with the above ideas. You can listen to: 

• The daily Mass and prayers, like the rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet 

• Listen to Bible in a Year and Catechism in a Year 

• Hear the teachings of the Church Fathers and popes 

• Learn more about the blessings of receiving the sacraments 

 

Catholic radio serves as fuel to help you turn your mind, cares, and daily challenges over to God. You will begin to see things differently when you can connect your daily activities to prayer and the ultimate goal of eternity with God. 

 

 

You can listen online to one of our five livestreams, find your local station, or download our free app for Apple and Android.