Guidelines for Growth in Holiness

Seek and desire to become a saint. Make that a priority in     your life.

“Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.”

Authentic, self-sacrificing, other-focused love for others is the key. The first other is God himself. “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your mind, with all your strength. You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” “Love one another as I have loved you.”

Let prayer begin, undergird and end your day. As Paul says: “Pray unceasingly.” This is more an attitude of prayer than saying a lot of words. Try to spend at least 15 minutes each day in quality prayer.

Celebrate Mass, the greatest prayer, definitely each Sunday, but once a week besides, if possible.

If possible, visit the Blessed Sacrament at least once a week for a quality period of time.

Try to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation at least once a month or every other month.

Read the Word of God regularly.

Instead of spending most of your free time watching TV, carve out time to do spiritual reading for at least 15 minutes. Feed your heart and mind with the thoughts of other holy people.

Every night before going to bed, do a short review of the day. For the good things that happened, thank God. For the sins you committed, ask forgiveness and see what needs to be done not to do the same tomorrow.

         Ask our Lady to help you to please Jesus in all you do.

         Once a year try to make a retreat.