New Year’s resolutions usually fall into two categories:
- Ambitious goals we forget by mid-January, and
- Vaguely healthy promises like “drink more water” that somehow feel like homework.
But Catholic New Year’s resolutions?
Those hit different.
They’re not about perfection or aesthetics. They’re about returning—again and again—to the God who never stops inviting us closer. Even on days when we oversleep, skip prayer, or forget what we even promised (guilty 🙋♀️).
So if you want resolutions that actually feed your soul this year, here are 17 meaningful, doable Catholic goals that weave faith into real life—no guilt trips, no over-the-top expectations, just steady grace.
Let’s get into it.
1. Start a Daily 5-Minute Prayer Habit
Five minutes. Yup, that’s it.
You don’t need a prayer journal with gold-foiled pages or Gregorian chanting in the background. Just show up.
Why it works:
Consistency > intensity.
God can do a lot with five faithful minutes.
Try this:
“Lord, thank You for today. Help me love You more.”
That’s already enough.
2. Read One Chapter of Scripture a Day
Before you panic—no one is handing you a theological thesis assignment.
One chapter a day = totally doable.
Where to start:
- The Gospels (always a win)
- Psalms (the original soul playlist)
- Proverbs (shockingly practical)
Watch how Scripture starts sinking into your decisions, moods, and daily rhythm.
3. Do One Work of Mercy Per Month
Here’s a beautiful way to live your faith without burning out.
Pick one per month:
- Visit someone lonely
- Donate clothes
- Cook for someone sick
- Offer comfort
- Support a struggling parent
- Feed someone who needs it
Twelve small acts = a year full of grace.
That’s spiritual math I can get behind.
4. Go to Confession More Regularly
Look, everyone procrastinates Confession. Everyone.
But when you actually go?
It feels like unloading a backpack full of bricks you didn’t realize you were carrying.
Aim for:
Once a month, or every 6–8 weeks.
It keeps your heart lighter and your soul clear.
5. Attend One Weekday Mass Weekly
This one sounds fancy, but it’s easier than it seems.
Choose one:
- Before work
- During lunch
- After errands
- When you’re already passing by the parish
A quiet weekday Mass feels like hitting “reset” on life.
Highly recommend.
6. Start a Gratitude Journal
Three simple things every night:
- Something that made you smile
- Something small you’re thankful for
- Something God did for you today
You’ll be shocked how quickly gratitude transforms your attitude (wow that unintentionally rhymed).
7. Pray the Rosary (Even Just One Decade!)
You don’t have to pray the whole rosary daily.
Start with a decade. Pray while walking, cooking, or sitting in the car.
Mary doesn’t grade your effort—she just walks with you.
8. Give Up One Habit That Steals Your Peace
Everyone has “that thing” that drains them.
Maybe it’s:
- Doomscrolling
- Gossip
- Overthinking
- Comparing yourself
- Holding onto old hurts
Pick one and surrender it to God this year.
Your nervous system will thank you.
9. Make Sunday a Real Day of Rest
The Third Commandment wasn’t a suggestion.
And yet half of us treat Sunday like “fix everything I ignored all week” day.
Try this instead:
- Go to Mass
- Eat slowly
- Nap with no guilt
- Spend time with loved ones
- Do something peaceful
- Avoid unnecessary chores and errands
Protecting Sunday rest protects your sanity.
10. Choose a Patron Saint for the Year
Think of a saint as your spiritual mentor.
Pick someone whose story inspires you (or challenges you). Ask their intercession daily.
Some favorites:
- St. Thérèse (simplicity)
- St. Joseph (steadfastness)
- St. Francis de Sales (gentleness)
- St. Padre Pio (trust)
- St. Gianna Molla (family life)
You’ll be surprised how often “your” saint shows up once you choose them.
11. Support Your Parish in a New Way
You don’t need to join all ministries—unless you’re secretly a superhero with unlimited free time.
Pick one new way to help your parish:
- Lector
- Choir
- Hospitality
- Catechist assistant
- Volunteer for events
- Monthly $5–10 donation (yes, small amounts matter!)
You’d be shocked how much parishes rely on small, faithful hands.
12. Read One Catholic Book This Year
One. Not twelve. Not “a book a month.”
Just one.
Choose something that speaks to your season:
- “Searching for and Maintaining Peace” (a fan favorite)
- “The Imitation of Christ”
- “Life of the Beloved”
- A saint biography
- A modern Catholic memoir
Slow spiritual reading > rushed reading challenges.
13. Practice “Holy Pauses”
Before responding, reacting, panicking, or spiraling, pause for two seconds and pray:
“Come, Holy Spirit.”
That micro-prayer has saved many arguments, emails, and impulsive decisions.
14. Do One Thing That Makes You Kinder
Holiness shows up in ordinary little things:
- Holding the door
- Smiling more
- Thanking sincerely
- Forgiving quickly
- Complimenting freely
Kindness is contagious—and deeply Catholic.
15. Pray Before Major Decisions
Discernment isn’t only for vocations.
Big purchases, career changes, relationship moves, lifestyle shifts—all deserve prayer.
Invite God into the process and watch how clarity grows.
16. Declutter Something for God
Decluttering can be deeply spiritual.
Clear out a closet, your home office, your phone photos, or your inbox. Donate what you can.
Letting go makes more space for God’s peace.
17. Build a Prayer Routine You Actually Enjoy
Here’s your permission slip:
You don’t need to pray the same way everyone else does.
Try what fits your personality:
- Coffee + Scripture mornings
- Nightly examen before bed
- Chaplet on your commute
- Adoration once a week
- Audio Bible walks
- Prayer journaling
- A saint quote a day
Your prayer life should feel doable—not suffocating.
✨ Final Thoughts: God Doesn’t Want Perfection — He Wants You
Catholic New Year’s resolutions aren’t about grinding harder. They’re about leaning into grace, growing slowly, and letting God work in the hidden spaces of your life.
Pick three goals to start.
Love God sincerely.
Try again when you fall behind.
That’s holiness.
That’s Catholic life.
That’s enough.