Clearly working in Christ’s vision of love, we all are called by our Christian vocation to ensure the well being of our loved ones and also to follow in His footsteps.
We are called to be proactive as we work in service, whether it be in our personal relationships, our parish activities or through our work with charities.
For me, this sharing of a common vision is like an umbrella for my faith.
Love is the focal point of Catholicism and everything falls beneath its protective shelter.
The habits call us to pursue life with a win-win mind frame.
In a Catholic light, it can be seen as a way to work so that all can share in the joys of Christ. Despite the difference of each individual, we work for the betterment of everyone.
A habit that was particularly prominent was habit six: Synergize. It means to focus on the whole rather than the parts, that the sum of the total is greater than the individual. Sound familiar? The Church embodies this exact mentality. We are one body in Christ and it is only together that we can succeed.
This notion is a constant reminder of the importance of community in the Catholic faith. It radiates the warm concept of family and of how we are not alone. Christ said, “Do not be afraid” and it is clear why. He has left us with His body: the Church. It is a reminder that we are not alone when we place our faith in Him and it is a beautiful notion of security and safety within Him if we choose to live accordingly.
The parallel ideas of the seven habits and Catholic living pose deep insight into the core of the Church. Living in Christ’s light is living effectively.
The book wasn’t directly written in a Christian light, but it clearly embodies important Christian fundamental beliefs which shed light on the truth and universality of Catholicism. Definitely not a coincidence, the relationship between successful living and Catholic values speaks volumes about the foundation we have in Christ.
(Roque, 17, is a Grade 12 student at Archbishop Carney Regional Secondary School in Coquitlam, B.C.)
The habits of highly effective Catholics
By Marjorie Roque, Youth Speak NewsA simple classroom book study opened my eyes to the true essence of the Catholic faith: a yearning for effective and virtuous living.
Although the popular book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People included few references to Christianity or Catholicism, the relation to better Catholic living was clear — and further opened my eyes to the values of the Catholic faith.
The habits say the ultimate goal for an individual is to develop from dependence to interdependence, where one can work harmoniously in a co-operative environment. It says we must be proactive and share a common vision.
Please support The Catholic Register
Unlike many media companies, The Catholic Register has never charged readers for access to the news and information on our website. We want to keep our award-winning journalism as widely available as possible. But we need your help.
For more than 125 years, The Register has been a trusted source of faith-based journalism. By making even a small donation you help ensure our future as an important voice in the Catholic Church. If you support the mission of Catholic journalism, please donate today. Thank you.
DONATE