Hey there,
When I read about the lives of many of our Saints, I must admit it’s intimidating. The saintly lives they lived, the religious orders they founded, the time spent in isolation and prayer.
But not all of our Saints lived their whole life in holiness.
Saint Matthew was a tax collector before he left everything behind to follow Jesus Christ.
A youthful Saint Augustine was quite the partier, even living with a woman and fathering a child out of marriage.
Saint Mary of Egypt was a prostitute for 17 years until her conversion.
Saint Angela of Foligno spent most of her life seeking wealth, material possessions, and pleasure.
And Saint Dismas, “the good thief” who died on a cross next to Jesus, repented just minutes before his death.
All these Saints have one thing in common … they changed their lives. They show us that we can change for the better.
A new year is always a good time to make changes. We work on ways to improve our life.
Exercise more. Eat healthier. Save money.
It’s also an opportunity to change our spiritual life. To look for more saintly opportunities.
This week’s issue of Genuflect highlights ways to begin 2023 with more of a Catholic emphasis. We look at Catholic celebrations, resolutions, activities, and prayers. So we can work on making saintly changes in our life … whether big or small.
As I do every year, I’m taking the last two weeks of the year off. Genuflect will be back in your inbox on Wednesday, January 4th. Blessings to you and your family for a very Merry Christmas and a happy and Holy new year!
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
P. S. Be sure to check out our Genuflect Liturgical Calendar. You can bookmark the page for future reference, and even add it to your online calendar.
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A Fun And Holy New Year’s Eve
Some believe if you’re not over indulging, you’re not ringing in the New Year properly. There are other ways to celebrate though. Here Patty Breen offers several ideas for a fun and holy New Year’s Eve celebration.
How to Have a Fun And Holy New Year’s Eve| Blessed is She
New Year’s Day Obligation
January 1st is a Holy Day of Obligation. Not because it’s the first day of the new year, but because it’s the Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God. Rachel Forton explains our obligation, celebration, and invitation.
Here’s Why Catholics go to Mass on New Year’s Day | Cora Evans
Catholic Customs For New Years
What new year’s superstitions does your family practice? Eating black eyed peas or collard greens? Kissing at midnight? Caring around an empty suitcase? Sebastian Campos offers 7 Catholic customs that we can do instead.
7 Spiritual Ideas to Replace the Typical New Year’s Superstitions | Catholic Link
10 Spiritual Resolutions
In addition to your typical New Year’s resolutions … dieting, working out, eating healthy … why not add something to improve your spiritual health? Here are 10 ideas for simple spiritual resolutions.
10 Simple Spiritual Resolutions For The New Year | Catholic Digest
How to Keep Your Resolutions
If you struggle with keeping your resolutions (who doesn’t?), this one’s for you. In this 8 minute video, Father Mike Schmitz provides motivation and, more importantly, tips for how to remain faithful with your New Year’s resolutions.
The Secret to Becoming a Better Catholic in 2018 Every Catholic Should Know | ChurchPOP
Find Your Patron Saint
One Catholic tradition is to select a patron Saint for the Year. Someone you will learn more about, pray to for intercession, and emulate. Thanks to Jennifer Fulwiler, your 2023 patron Saint is one click away. Check this out!.
Saint Name Generator: Who Should Your Patron Saint Be This Year? | Catholic Link
Listen to The Bible in 2023
Father Mike Schmitz launched The Bible in a Year Podcast two years ago. To say it’s been successful would be an understatement. It’s been the most downloaded show in the U.S. on iTunes. You can start it at any time during the year, but why not kick it off on January 1 … whether it’s your first time or your second.
America’s #1 Religion Podcast from Fr. Mike Schmitz: The Bible in a Year | Ascension Press
Listen to The Catechism in 2023
Following on the success of The Bible in a Year Podcast, Father Mike Schmitz will launch The Catechism in a Year Podcast on January 1, 2023. Download the reading guide now and join me and no doubt countless other Catholics.
The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) | Ascension Press
Saints to Help With Your Resolutions
Keeping your New Year’s resolutions is always a challenge. It helps to have a friend to help you. Susan Anthony suggests these 7 Saints can help.
7 Saints to Help You Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions | Busted Halo
New Year’s Day Prayers
Start your new year off right in prayer. Here are 10 prayers for the new year. Choose one or two, or pray them all!
New Year’s Day Prayers | Jesuit Resource
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Inspiration on Your Desktop And Phone
Click below to download this week’s free inspirational Christmas wallpaper for your desktop and your phone. Or download one of the previous wallpapers
Download for Desktop Download for Phone
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