Catholic Homeschooling and New Year’s Resolutions
Crafting a Family New Year’s Resolution That Lasts All Year: A Catholic Guide
As Catholic families, the New Year is not just a time for personal goals but an opportunity to come together as a domestic church to set resolutions that strengthen our faith and family bonds. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a family New Year’s resolution that will endure through all 12 months and bear fruit in your spiritual and family life.
1. Start with Prayer
Before brainstorming resolutions, gather as a family and pray. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance to discern what God is calling your family to focus on in the coming year. A decade of the Rosary or a simple prayer like “Come, Holy Spirit” can open hearts to hear His voice.
Prayer idea:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of our family. Help us to set a resolution that will draw us closer to You and to each other. May we glorify You in all that we do this year.
2. Reflect on Your Family’s Mission
Every family has a unique calling. Take time to reflect on your family’s identity and mission. Are you called to be more present to one another, serve your community, or deepen your prayer life? Use this as a foundation for your resolution.
Questions to consider:
- What are our family’s strengths and challenges?
- How can we grow in faith, hope, and charity?
- What does God want for our family this year?
3. Choose a Resolution That Unites
Select one resolution that involves everyone and aligns with your family’s mission. Focus on something that is realistic yet meaningful, such as:
- Praying a daily family Rosary.
- Volunteering together monthly.
- Celebrating a saint’s feast day each month.
- Attending Adoration together weekly.
Make sure the resolution is simple enough to incorporate into your daily or weekly rhythm.
4. Create a Plan
Break down your resolution into actionable steps and write them down. For example:
- If your goal is a daily Rosary, decide on a consistent time.
- If it’s monthly volunteering, assign someone to research opportunities.
- Use a family calendar to schedule and track your progress.
Pro Tip: Create a visual reminder like a family “New Year’s Resolution Board” to keep everyone motivated and accountable.
5. Anchor It in the Liturgical Year
The Catholic Church provides a natural rhythm to the year through seasons like Lent, Easter, and Advent. Tie your resolution to these times to keep it fresh and meaningful. For example:
- Renew your commitment during Lent with a special intention.
- Celebrate milestones with a feast day meal or treat.
6. Check In Regularly
Schedule monthly or quarterly check-ins to assess how the resolution is going. Use this time to celebrate successes, troubleshoot challenges, and make adjustments. Open the meeting with prayer, asking God to renew your family’s resolve.
7. Offer It Up
Remember that resolutions are not just about self-improvement; they’re an offering to God. When struggles arise, unite them with Christ’s sacrifice and offer them for a specific intention, such as the conversion of a loved one or peace in the world.
8. Celebrate Together
At the end of the year, celebrate your family’s journey. Reflect on how the resolution has shaped your family, thank God for His grace, and plan your next steps for the coming year.
A Resolution Rooted in Faith
When grounded in prayer and guided by God’s will, a family resolution can transform not just one year but your family’s entire faith journey. May your 2024 resolution be a source of joy, growth, and holiness for your domestic church!
What are your thoughts on this topic? Join me and other homeschooling parents at our Homeschool Connections Community or our Facebook group to continue the discussion!
