Build your spiritual life in the new year

Friday, Jan. 16, 2015

On New Year’s Day, the CNS Blog published a list of 10 resolutions that Pope Francis had for Vatican employees and their families to focus on in the new year. On the top of the list was: “Take care of your spiritual life, your relationship with God, because this is the backbone of everything we do and everything we are.” The entire list can be found at https://cnsblog.wordpress.com/2015/01/01/pope-francis-suggested-new-years-resolutions/. 

I want to build upon Pope Francis’ suggestion and propose four things you can try this year to strengthen your spiritual life and your relationship with God.

1. Attend a weekday Mass. We Catholics have the opportunity to go to church every day, not just on Sundays. Going to a weekday Mass exposes us to more readings from the Holy Bible and reflections in the homily, and is a great way to be reminded that we are part of the Body of Christ every day of the week.

2. Sign up to be part of a ministry. There are lots of opportunities for us to serve our parish or mission community and each of them are important to the Church. Some ways to get involved are becoming a liturgical minister, joining the hospitality team, becoming a Catechist, volunteering in youth ministry, helping in the Boy Scout or Girl Scout programs, or joining the choir. 

3. Read a biography of a saint. Saints are people who truly embraced their spiritual life and made their relationship with God their priority. Their life stories are examples for us. Reading their biographies can inspire us and give us concrete ways to strengthen our personal relationship with God.

4. Pray with your family at home. This is a great way to strengthen family unity and invite all members of your family to a stronger spiritual life. Some things you can do are: praying a rosary together one night a week, praying a Novena, utilizing the newly revised edition of Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers (available at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops online bookstore), or having each family member take turns planning the prayer night.

These are just a few ideas to strengthen your spiritual life that have helped me in the past. Please let me know your ideas by sending me an email at samantha.almanza@dioslc.org.

Note: Rev. Les Schmidt, a Glenmary Missioner, will lead a retreat for parish lay leaders on Saturday, Feb. 7, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at St. Therese of the Child Jesus Catholic Church. The retreat, titled “Growing as a Spiritual Leader,” will delve more deeply into Pope Francis’ suggestions. Please RSVP by Feb. 4 to me at 801-328-8641 ext. 313.