Understanding the importance of preserving the rich traditions and teachings of the Catholic faith, these tips can serve as a guiding light for young Catholics seeking to deepen their spiritual roots and find meaning in their religious identity. In an era characterized by rapid change and diverse influences, these insights offer a steadfast beacon for young Catholics as they navigate the complexities of faith in the modern world.
1. Prayer – Communication with God Host
The foundation of any strong relationship is communication, and it’s no different with our relationship with God. Saint Teresa of Avila once said, ‘Prayer is an act of love; words are not needed.’ So, find time each day to pray and talk to God from the heart. Whether it’s through traditional prayers, spontaneous conversations, or meditative silence, prayer helps us strengthen our bond with God and seek His guidance in our lives.
One thing that I personally have been starting to do is just talk with God about the current day, my goals for the day, my worries, and so on. Too often in times we keep everything to ourselves, and this could affect our mental health, but conversing with God about our problems or anything is extremely helpful; it brings peace.
2. Reading the Bible – God’s Living Word
The Bible is a treasure trove of wisdom and guidance. As Saint Jerome said, “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” Make a habit of reading the Scriptures regularly. Start with the Gospels to learn about the life of Jesus and His teachings. The Bible will nourish your soul, enlighten your mind, and guide you through life’s challenges.
I remember how I used to not read the Bible, and now that I do, I’m extremely grateful, and I even look forward to reading it daily. Plus, it helps you love God more deeply because you learn more about Him.
I strongly recommend the Bible in a year from Ascension with Father Mike; it’s so easy, and what I love the most is how Father explains everything. You can also hear it on Spotify.
3. Embrace the Sacraments – Channels of Grace
The Sacraments are powerful sources of grace. Participate regularly in the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation. As Saint John Vianney, the patron saint of priests, said, “The priest is not a priest for himself; he is a priest for you.” Go to Confession to receive God’s mercy and attend Mass with a reverent heart to receive Jesus in the Eucharist.
The Eucharist is the pinnacle for us Catholics, is the real body of Christ; he is there body, soul, and divinity. The amount of gifts God gives us through His holy communion are countless.
I always mention to my brother that the Mass is the main thing. We can pray for hours, sacrifice ourselves as much as we can, but nothing will ever come close to the Mass and receiving Holy Communion.
The Church allows us to receive the Eucharist twice a day, so if you can attend twice a day, do it. I myself sometimes attend Mass twice a day, and I tell you there is nothing more pure and holy. The only way for you to enjoy Mass is by knowing deeply in your heart that God is truly present in the Eucharist, knowing the meaning of Mass.
How sad it is when there are plenty of people that receive the Eucharist as if they are getting any random thing; you can tell they don’t truly believe God is there. Highly recommend the book, The Lamb’s Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth; this book explains the meaning of Mass in a profound way.
4. Learn from Young Saints
Throughout history, there have been inspiring youth saints who lived exemplary lives. Saint Maria Goretti, for instance, showed us the importance of purity and forgiveness. She forgave her attacker even on her deathbed, saying, “I want him next to me in paradise forever.” Take time to learn about the lives of these young saints and draw inspiration from their dedication to God.
This personally helped me a lot when I first got close to my religion. Just reading the lives of saints inspired me deeply, and that started to imitate them in some ways. I’m not the only one, Saint Ignatius of Loyola turned to God after reading a book of the lives of saints. He would say the following, “St. Dominic did this; I, too, will do it.” “St. Francis did this; therefore I will do it.” Let us be like Saint Ignatius of Loyola and grab inspiration from the extraordinary saints God has given us.
5. Serve Others – Practicing Christian Charity
Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, once said, “Spread love everywhere you go.” Serving others with love and compassion is a powerful way to live out our faith. Engage in acts of charity, help those in need, and be a light in the lives of others. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, “Charity is the theological virtue by which we love God above all things for his own sake and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God.”
6. Engage in Catholic Events
Engaging in Catholic groups, events like SEEK and World Youth Day, and embarking on pilgrimages can significantly enhance the spiritual journey of young Catholics. These experiences offer a unique opportunity for individuals to connect with a supportive community that shares similar values and beliefs. By participating in events like SEEK and World Youth Day, young Catholics can deepen their understanding of the faith, build lasting friendships, and gain inspiration from speakers, leaders, and other young Catholics who share their religious convictions. Overall, these communal and introspective experiences play a pivotal role in strengthening the faith of young Catholics, fostering a sense of belonging, and providing valuable insights that contribute to their spiritual growth.
To conclude, remember, your faith journey is a lifelong adventure, and it’s okay to have ups and downs. Stay committed to God through prayer, Scripture, the Sacraments, and serving others.
We live in a society where bad has become good, and the good has become bad. You, as a young adult, will be laughed at and mocked, but persevere and maintain sanguine even in the face of adversity, and you will get your recompense.
May God bless you abundantly as you continue to deepen your relationship with Him, God bless!
