With the end of 2024 drawing near, you may be experiencing a case of the New Year's Scaries.
We're all about helping people grow closer to Jesus Christ, and this year is no different! If you're looking for some creative New Year's resolutions, look no further! Check out these 5 ideas, and share with a friend!
Daily blessing jar: Decorate a jar as a family, and write down a blessing from the day each night, or as regularly as you can. Next year, on New Year's Eve, you can read through the blessings of the year. This resolution is a great way to start a new yearly tradition and is a fun way to reflect on God's work in your life and focus on the positive during challenging moments.
Holy Happy Hour: Commit to a monthly “Holy Happy Hour,” where you spend one hour in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by an intentional social gathering with friends at a local pub, coffee shop or brewery. This resolution balances prayer, community and celebration, rooted in the joy of Catholic life.
Acts of Kindness Bingo: Create a bingo-style chart with different acts of kindness and spiritual practices for the year. These can include things like: "Help a neighbor with groceries," "Send a handwritten note to someone," "Fast for a day," or "Pray the Litany of Saints." Each time you complete a task, mark it off on the bingo card. Once you complete a row (or the whole board), reward yourself with something meaningful (a treat or a day of rest). It's a fun way to encourage good habits while growing in faith!
"Saint of the Month" club: Each month, pick a saint to learn about and “adopt” for that month. You can read their biography, reflect on their virtues, and look for ways to imitate their life in your own. Add a twist by choosing saints that relate to your life (e.g., St. Jude for lost causes, St. Joseph for a holy family, St. Gerard for expectant parents). You can even decorate your home with a small image of the saint as a reminder of the month’s focus.
Spiritual Bucket List: This year, create a Spiritual Bucket List by choosing 1-3 Catholic activities or experiences that inspire you to grow in faith, encounter God in new ways and create lasting memories. These can range from small, local goals to big, life-changing pilgrimages tailored to your interests and spiritual needs. Examples can include, but are not limited to:
Go on a local or major pilgrimage
Try a new devotional
Host a special dinner party for a feast day
Volunteer for a new ministry
Read through a new spiritual book or book of the bible
Do you have your resolution picked out already? Here are a few pro tips for sticking to your New Year's goal:
Write It Down: Keep your list visible. Post it on your fridge, desk or phone so it stays top of mind.
Invite Others: Share your list with friends or family to inspire them and to encourage them to hold you accountable.
Adapt the resolution to fit your life while challenging you: Pick a resolution — either one of ours above or one of your own — that suits you while challenging you a bit.
Pray About It: Ask God for guidance in choosing which resolution(s) would help you grow closer to him.
