By Janelle Lafantaisie, Youth Speak News
December 29, 2019
YSN: Speaking Out
January 1 is right around the corner — to some, that means New Year’s Day. A time for clean slates, a fresh start and all the goal-setting. To the Catholic man or woman, it’s all that and the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.
New Year’s Day can truly bring serious stress on some when it comes to goal-setting and resolving a new year with a new life. Whether those resolutions look like healthier habits, a better work ethic, performance-based goals like running a marathon, the list goes on.
One of the coolest parts about being Catholic is that we’re always called to greater and better things. This is a year-long, life-long call, so there’s no real need to stress about this one particular time of the year. If you’re the type of person who finds yourself needing structure and guidance, the Church has your back!
I’ve noticed at least two times throughout our liturgical year that are ideal for goal-setting. The first is the first Sunday of Advent. This is the true New Year of the Church’s calendar and sets us up for a time of waiting and making ourselves worthy for the coming of Christ. The second is Easter. With the coming of spring, we can find ourselves in a good mindset to look at our goals and and treat Easter as a “midway New Year.”
Here are some ideas if you’re looking to enhance your faith life in 2020:
“O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of your Sacred Heart, in union with the holy sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, for the salvation of souls, the reparation of sins, the reunion of all Christians, and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father this month. Amen.”
There are a lot of ways that we can improve and work on our path to holiness throughout the year ahead. As mentioned, resolutions are not just for January.
This list contains only a few ideas, but I hope they get you inspired as the year comes to a close. Cheers to a new decade!
(Lafantaisie, 24, is owner and photographer for Alice and Flore Photography in Winnipeg, Man.)
YSN: Speaking Out