Spiritual Resources
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PASTOR
I think that sometimes we put too much pressure on ourselves when we make grand resolutions to change a major part of our lives for the better. Many of the things we try to change are good: lose weight, exercise more, start a business, etc. Unfortunately, many of these resolutions are not accomplished for a variety of reasons.
I ultimately think we don’t follow through with those goals because they do not speak directly to our biggest desire or hunger for God. “The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw man to himself. Only in God will he find the truth and happiness he never stops searching for.” Catechism of the Catholic Church #27
I want you to make resolutions that help you increase your faith and build a better relationship with the Lord. On this page are some resources to help you discover new ways to commit to growing that relationship. Read more. Watch some videos. Pray for one another.
Make a commitment today to spend more time with the Lord. It will change your life in ways you can’t imagine. Save this article and maybe come back to it every month to remind you of your commitment to the Lord.
Blessings,
Fr. J. Enrique Hernandez, Pastor
FORMED
Formed is a wonderful resource available to us here at the parish. It is put together by The Augustine Institute and has an almost endless supply of uplifting and informative Catholic content. Everything from movies to lectures to ebooks to podcasts.
To set up a FREE account, go to formed.org. At the top of the page, go to “Find Your Parish Subscription” and for parish name, type “St Robert Parish Holy Family” and click “Sign Up” to create an account.
ADD ANOTHER MASS
Go to one extra daily Mass each week. The Lord is waiting for you in the Eucharist. Daily Mass is offered at St. Robert on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7AM, Wednesdays at Cor Jesu at 8PM, and Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8:15AM.
GO TO CONFESSION
Seeking forgiveness for our sins frees us from them and gives us peace we otherwise cannot find. Try going every month for the year. Confessions are offered at St. Robert on Saturdays 9:00 – 9:30AM, 3:30 – 4:20PM, Sundays 4:50 – 5:20PM, and Wednesdays during Cor Jesu from 7:00 – 8:00PM.
MARIAN DEVOTION
Devotion to our Blessed Mother is a beautiful way to grow in faith and become closer to Christ her Son. She is truly a mother for all of us if we only turn to her for intercession. Two great books to help get you started are “Behold Your Mother” by Tim Staples and “Hail Holy Queen: The Mother of God in the Word of God” by Scott Hahn.
Pray the Rosary!
SPIRITUAL READING
Spend more time reading good spiritual books and articles. Learning more about our faith is critical to holding onto it in today’s environment.
Formed has a number of eBooks and audiobooks. Ascension Press offers the Bible in a Year and Catechism in a Year podcasts, which you can begin any time.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SAINTS
The saints of the Church are our greatest examples of how to live a holy life and get to heaven. Their stories are fascinating, and they’re more like us than you might imagine. Pick a specific saint to start a devotion to or learn more about multiple saints.
START A HOLY HOUR
Can you give the Lord one hour a week or daily? You won’t regret it. He’s waiting for you even now. Spend time with the Lord in Eucharistic Adoration.
GO ON A RETREAT OR PILGRIMAGE
The idea here is to do something new. You can find retreats available. Or take a local or regional pilgrimage to a Marian shrine or church you’ve been wanting to visit.
JOIN A FAITH SHARING OR BIBLE STUDY GROUP
Learn and understand more about your faith and make new friends at the same time. This is a great way to meet others in your parish and feel more like a community. Stay tuned with the bulletin and e-newsletter for St. Robert small groups that occur throughout the year and at the beginning of Advent and Lent.
SET ASIDE TIME FOR PRAYER EACH DAY
Regular prayer is critical to our spiritual growth. Setting aside even five minutes a day will make a noticeable difference in deepening your relationship with the Lord and it would help in how you treat people throughout your day. Don’t forget to spend a few minutes in silence just listening to the Lord. If you need some help getting started, try using a book that offers daily meditations such as the In Conversation with God series by Francis Fernandez Carvajal or an app like Hallow (linked further down the page). For a more structured prayer routine, maybe experiment with part of the Liturgy of the Hours. Word on Fire has a new offering to make it accessible to new people, or if you’re ambitious you can try the Divine Office app.
FAST
If you are able, fasting is a great penance to add all year long rather than just during Lent. Try fasting on Fridays, or abstain from meat every Friday of the year. Don’t forget to offer up your penance in prayer for someone else to make it extra powerful.
CHANGE WHAT YOUR HEAR AND SEE
Much of what comes out of the entertainment world and the media today is not helpful for spiritual life. Clean up what you allow in your home, devices or car. A good rule of thumb is to eliminate anything you wouldn’t watch or listen to in front of your mother or grandmother or priest!
Relevant Radio 100.1FM
FORMED (linked above) has lots of great movies, shows, audiobooks, and other similar things.
Check out the Hallow App for great podcasts like: Fr. Mike Schmitz, Bible in a Year, Poco a Poco, Catholic Saints (Augustine Institute), Word on Fire (Bishop Barron). Some of these require a paid subscription to Hallow, but are available for free on other podcast apps.
BE A GOOD STEWARD OF YOUR GIFTS
We are all blessed with gifts. God asks us to share those gifts with each other as much as we can. Volunteer your time, give to charities, use your talents to help your Parish and your Archdiocese. Be generous in all you do.
Please take the time to look over our Ministries and Service pages, and consider how you might make a difference in the Parish community. Check out our Time & Talent page for specific volunteer needs and links to sign up today!
OR…
Write your own commitment of how you want to work on your relationship with God!