The year 2020 is just around the corner. It’s time to make some New Year’s resolutions. How about making a few resolutions to become a better Catholic in 2020?
I found 10 suggestions to improve our spiritual life on the website https://www.beliefnet.com and included some of my own ideas. Even selecting several of these resolutions would be a good start to the new year:
1. Use your smartphone to become a better Catholic. Simply type “Catholic” in your phone’s app store search index. You should find a long list of apps, including prayers, Catholic radio stations, Confession guides, and Bibles. Instead of texting or checking email during idle times, make use of these apps to learn more about your faith.
2. Find a patron saint. Saints are our heroes in faith and are powerful intercessors for us in heaven. You might want to learn more about the saint you were named after, your Confirmation saint, the patron saint of your profession or hobby, or any saint who interests you.
3. Attend daily Mass. Many parishes offer daily Mass during the week in the morning, evening, or during lunch. There is a 12 noon Mass Monday through Friday in the chapel at the diocesan center, Holy Name Heights. Most daily Masses only take about 30 minutes of your day. In return, you will receive extra graces and blessings.
4. Go to Confession at least once a month. Yes, it’s difficult to face your sins, but frequent reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation gives you the grace to fight those sins. If your parish’s times for the sacrament conflict with your schedule, call the parish office to make an appointment.
5. Read the Bible. If you don’t own a Catholic Bible, invest in one and keep it out where you will see it every day. Consider attending a Bible study in your parish. You will also find helpful guides online.
6. Get involved with your parish. Volunteering as a lector, Eucharistic minister, choir member, or usher requires a small time commitment, but it will pay off by helping you feel like an important part of your parish. For other ideas, call your parish office and ask for volunteer opportunities that fit your schedule.
7. Pray the Rosary. The Rosary has been hailed by saints and popes as a powerful weapon to defeat evil and a beautiful way to meditate on the Gospels. There are many powerful blessings and promises granted to those devoted to the Rosary. I am fortunate to pray with a Rosary blessed by St. John Paul II.
8. Check out Catholic radio. Catholic radio stations are popping up all over America, and you need not live near one to listen. Most stations broadcast online or offer smartphone apps. Of course, we are fortunate to have Relevant Radio broadcasting in the Diocese of Madison at 1240 AM and 97.3 FM.
9. Read about your faith. Resolve to read at least five books on Catholic topics. Also, subscribe to and read the Catholic Herald-Diocese of Madison every week either in print or the e-Edition.
10. Spend some time in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Many parishes offer Eucharistic Adoration. There is Adoration every weekday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in the chapel at Holy Name Heights in Madison. Even just 10 to 15 minutes on a regular basis will deeply improve your spiritual life. Weekly Adoration is a highlight of my week.