Growing in the faith is a lifelong journey, and there are many ways to strengthen our relationship with God and deepen our understanding of the Faith. Here are just a few ideas:

Prayer: Developing a regular prayer practice is one of the most important ways to grow in faith. I like to encourage everyone to set aside time each day to pray, whether it’s in the morning, evening, or another time that works for each person. You can use traditional prayers, like the Our Father or Hail Mary, the traditional Rosary, or simply talk to God in your own words.

Reading and studying Scripture: The Bible is a rich source of guidance and wisdom for those seeking to grow in faith. Make a habit of reading the Bible regularly, and consider joining a Bible study group or attending a lecture or class on Scripture if it is available in your parish or area.

Participating in the Sacraments: The sacraments are sacred rituals that offer opportunities for grace and spiritual growth. Attend Mass regularly if you are able, receive the Eucharist and the sacrament of Confession, and consider participating in other sacraments.

Serving others: Volunteering our time and resources to serve others is an important way to live out our faith and deepen our relationship with our Heavenly Father. We should always be looking for opportunities to volunteer at our parish or in the community, or consider joining a service-oriented organisation.

Developing relationships with other parishioners: Surrounding yourself with other parish members can often provide encouragement, accountability, and support as you grow in faith. Join a small group or Bible study, attend church events and activities, or simply reach out to others in the parish.

Always remember that growing in the faith is a journey, and it is important to be patient and persistent. You can ask the Blessed Virgin Mary to help you in this regard. May each of us make a serious commitment to regularly engage in practices that help us connect with God and deepen our understanding of the “most holy faith” (Jude 1:20).

God bless you +
Rev. Fr. Charles
(18 Feb. 2023)