Rachel Evans
There are many ways to develop oneself as a better Catholic and deepen one's faith. Some suggestions include reading the Scriptures, attending Mass and receiving Holy Communion, praying the Rosary, and participating in Catholic community activities. It is also beneficial to cultivate gratitude, perform acts of mercy, and immerse oneself in Catholic literature and teachings. Additionally, volunteering in the Parish and finding ways to serve others can enhance one's Catholic faith journey.
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What You'll Learn
Pray and read the Scriptures
Prayer and Scripture reading are essential elements of Catholic life. The Scriptures are a unique way to transform our capacity to see God and to know how to follow and love Him.
Praying
Catholics are encouraged to pray without ceasing, as written in the Gospel. Prayer can take many forms, from the traditional prayers such as the Angelus, prayed at 6 am, noon, and 6 pm, to the Rosary, which can be prayed with family. It is also beneficial to spend time in mental prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, if possible, for 15 minutes. This can be a great way to prepare oneself for Mass. Setting aside quiet time for personal prayer each day is also encouraged.
Reading Scripture
The Bible is, of course, the primary text for Catholics, and it is recommended to purchase a copy and read it. The NABRE (New American Bible, Revised Edition) is the standard version for North American Catholics, and the Didache Bible is perfect for study. However, it is also beneficial to read beyond the Bible and immerse oneself in Catholic texts. Reading for just 10 minutes a day can make a difference. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) is a great text to gain a deeper understanding of the faith, and there are also many books on the lives of saints, as well as Catholic apologetics, that can be beneficial.
Mass
Attending Mass is a crucial part of Catholic life, and it is here that the majority of the Bible is read over a three-year cycle. To hear the Word in its entirety, one must attend Daily Mass. However, it is acknowledged that this is not always possible due to work and other commitments. Therefore, it is important to also engage with Scripture outside of Mass, through personal study and reflection.
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Attend Mass and receive the Eucharist
Attending Mass and receiving the Eucharist is a vital part of being a Catholic. It is a way to connect with God and the Catholic community. Attending Mass on Sundays is a central tenet of Christian worship, and receiving the Eucharist is a way to regularly nourish your soul.
To prepare for Mass, it is beneficial to spend time in prayer. This can include mental prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, praying the Angelus at sunrise, noon, and sunset, and praying the Rosary with your family. During the Mass, you can receive Holy Communion, which is considered the best sacrifice one can offer to God.
The Scriptures are mostly read over a three-year cycle during the Daily Mass readings. Therefore, attending Mass regularly is a great way to immerse yourself in the Word of God. It is also an opportunity to encounter the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as we are called to do in memory of Him.
If you are unable to attend Mass daily, there are other ways to deepen your faith. This includes praying daily, either alone or with others, reading the Scriptures and spiritual books, and participating in retreats or Catholic community activities.
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Find a Catholic community
Catholicism is a communal religion, and it is important for Catholics to find a community to support their faith journey.
A good Catholic community will encourage you in your faith and help you strive to be a disciple in a world that often lives contrary to the Gospel. You can find a Catholic community by joining a ministry or parish, or by reaching out to other Catholics. For instance, you could join St. Katharine Drexel (SKD) or find a similar community near you.
If you are unsure how to get involved, you can always message the parish or ministry, and they will help you find a place of service. There are many opportunities to serve in a parish, and volunteering is a great way to get involved and meet other Catholics. You could also consider becoming a catechist, which will help you gain a richer understanding of the faith alongside your students.
Another way to find a Catholic community is to immerse yourself in the Catholic faith by participating in a Catholic Bible study, retreat, or one of Fr. Robert Barron's Catholicism series. You could also attend Mass more often, and spend time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Mass is a great way to meet other Catholics and feel part of a community, and you can prepare yourself for Mass by spending some time in prayer beforehand.
Finally, you could consider joining an online Catholic community, such as My Catholic Life, which offers a journey of personal conversion and has many suggestions for deepening your faith.
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Do acts of charity and mercy
Works of mercy, or acts of charity, are practices considered meritorious in Christian ethics. The practice is popular in the Catholic Church as an act of both penance and charity. They are charitable actions that help our neighbours in their bodily needs.
The Corporal Works of Mercy are found in the teachings of Jesus and give us a model for how we should treat all others, as if they were Christ in disguise. They respond to the basic needs of humanity as we journey through life. The seven Corporal Works of Mercy are:
- Feed the hungry: With so much food going to waste, consider how good stewardship practices can benefit others who do not have the same resources.
- Give drink to the thirsty: Ensure access to clean water for those in need.
- Clothe the naked: Provide clothing and blankets to those who are in need of them.
- Shelter the homeless: Seek ways to provide shelter for the homeless in your community, or further afield.
- Visit the sick: Take time to visit those who are sick and offer comfort and companionship.
- Visit the imprisoned: Send cards, gifts, or support to those in prison, and their families.
- Bury the dead: Funerals give us the opportunity to show respect for life and to support those who mourn.
In addition to these Corporal Works of Mercy, there are also Spiritual Works of Mercy, which concern the spiritual needs of others. These include instructing the ignorant, counselling the doubtful, and comforting the sorrowful.
Pope Francis suggested "care for creation" as a new work of mercy, with both corporal and spiritual components. Corporally, it involves "daily gestures that break with the logic of violence, exploitation, and selfishness". Spiritually, it involves contemplating each part of creation to understand what God is teaching mankind.
Volunteering in your Parish is a great way to do acts of charity and mercy, as is donating to charities and organizations that put people in need first.
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Read Catholic literature
Reading Catholic literature is a great way to deepen your faith and develop as a better Catholic. The Bible is the obvious starting point, and you should aim to read it in its entirety. The majority of the Bible is read over a three-year cycle period during Mass, but to hear the Word in its entirety, you'll need to attend Daily Mass. There are many Bible translations available, but the approved versions for North American Catholics are the NABRE (New American Bible, Revised Edition) and the Didache Bible, an RSV-CE translation perfect for study.
In addition to the Bible, there are other Catholic texts you can read to enhance your understanding of the faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) is a comprehensive guide to Catholic doctrine and beliefs. It provides a detailed explanation of the teachings of the Church and can be a valuable resource for those seeking to deepen their knowledge and understanding of Catholicism.
You can also read books such as Matthew Kelly's *Rediscover Catholicism* and *The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic*, which offer insights and practical guidance for living as a Catholic in the modern world.
Spiritual reading is also recommended, and you can start with the New Testament or other well-known spiritual books. Even just 10–15 minutes a day of reading can make a significant difference in your spiritual life. Reading the stories of the saints is another way to inspire and educate yourself.
Daily Mass readings are another important aspect of Catholic literature. By reading the Scriptures and following the daily readings, you can place yourself in the world of Scripture and walk with Christ. This practice allows you to see as He sees and transforms your capacity to see God and understand how to follow and love Him.
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