As the New Year approaches, we often find ourselves reflecting on the past year and considering what the New Year will bring. It is natural to want to start fresh, to leave behind the mistakes and failings of the previous year, and to embrace the opportunities of the year ahead. This practice of setting New Year’s resolutions aligns beautifully with our Catholic faith, which calls us to constant growth in holiness and ongoing conversion of heart.
Setting goals, particularly spiritual ones, allows us to take intentional steps toward holiness. God created us to show forth His goodness and to share with us His everlasting happiness in heaven. To fulfill this purpose, we must regularly examine our lives and ask, “How can I better serve God and others?” The New Year’s resolutions provide a perfect opportunity for us to examine our lives and take concrete steps to better our lives and grow in holiness.
Scripture often highlights the importance of purpose and direction in life. St. Paul writes, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run so as to win” (1 Corinthians 9:24). Setting goals gives us a clear vision of the “race” we are running. It helps us focus our efforts and avoid distractions that pull us away from our ultimate goal: union with God.
In the busyness of life, it’s easy to drift spiritually. Days turn into weeks, and weeks into months, often without deliberate attention to how we are growing, or failing to grow, in faith. By setting goals, we can measure our progress and guard against simply coasting through our spiritual journey.
Resolutions are a way to take part in the call to ongoing conversion. The Church calls us to a continual turning back to God, whether through the Sacraments, daily prayer, or acts of charity. As we begin the New Year, we are reminded that God’s mercy is always available to us. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23).
When it comes to resolutions, simplicity is key. We often overcomplicate things, setting ambitious goals that become overwhelming. Instead, focus on small, consistent changes that will bear fruit over time. Remember, it is better to take small steps faithfully than to set lofty goals we abandon by February. Here are 10 resolutions that can help deepen your faith and draw you closer to God:
1. Pray Daily: Start with five minutes of quiet prayer or a decade of the Rosary. “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (James 4:8).
2. Go to Confession Regularly: Confession brings healing and grace. Aim for monthly or quarterly confession to cleanse your soul and grow in holiness.
3. Read Scripture: Begin with the Gospels or daily Mass readings, or listen to the Bible in a Year podcast.
4. Attend Daily Mass: If possible, attend weekday Mass to receive the Eucharist more often and deepen your love for Christ.
5. Simplify Your Life: Declutter possessions, limit social media, or slow your schedule to focus on God and loved ones.
6. Deepen Marian Devotion: Pray the Rosary or entrust your life to Mary, who always leads us to her Son.
7. Volunteer: Serve at your parish, help with events, or visit the sick. “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).
8. Share Your Faith: Live joyfully and invite others to Christ by example, especially at home.
9. Practice Gratitude: End each day by thanking God for three blessings you received that day.
10. Commit to Spiritual Reading: Read a Catholic book or saint’s writings to nourish your soul and deepen your faith.
Remember that any resolutions we make must be rooted in humility and trust in God’s grace. We are not called to perfection but to faithfulness. Even if we stumble or fall short, God’s mercy is always there to help us start again. As St. Paul assures us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
May this New Year be for us a time of grace, renewal and growth in holiness. May we embrace the opportunities it brings with joy, courage and trust in the Lord. Happy and Holy New Year!
Father Roque Meraz is an associate pastor at St. Paul in Valparaiso.