Practical Tips for Everyday Holiness

Daily Prayer

talking/listening to God

Two easy ways to incorporate prayer into your daily family routine is through Mealtime Prayers and Bedtime Prayers. Learn more about family prayer here.

Celebrate Mass

(and receiving Eucharist)

Participating in Mass every Sunday is one of the most important actions you can take as a Catholic because it connects us to Jesus and the Church while preparing us to live out our lives in the world. Make a commitment to attend regularly with your child.

Eucharistic Adoration

(praying in Jesus' presence)

While we can pray to Jesus wherever we are, being in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament—Jesus' Body in the form of consecrated bread—can help us to focus our prayer and feel that Jesus is nearer. Your parish may have designated times when the Blessed Sacrament is displayed in a stand called a monstrance. But you can also always pray in your church near the tabernacle. The candle lit near it is a reminder that Jesus is present.

Celebrate Sacraments

(such as Confession)

The sacraments help to make God's grace present to us. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is especially helpful in reminding us of God's mercy and forgiveness. See our Reconciliation page for a step-by-step reminder of how the sacrament works and more.

Parish Participation

(attending & serving)

Pay attention to opportunities to share in the community of your parish through events beyond Mass. Consider serving in a ministry as a family or an individual. For example, you may be able to serve together as greeters or ushers at Mass.

Read & Study the Bible

(learning God's Word daily)

Start by finding a good, age-appropriate Bible for your family. You can then read Bible stories as part of a bedtime ritual, even with teens.

You may also want a good adult Bible for your own reading and study. A Bible-study group can offer helpful structure and guidance. Check if your parish offers one. Many good books and online tools—such as "Bible in a Year" podcasts with Fr. Mike Schmitz and Fr. Josh Johnson—can serve a similar role.

Learn Church Teaching

(including the Catechism)

Catholic Church teaching helps to connect the Bible and our experience of God to our daily lives. Pay attention especially to the topics the pope is speaking and writing about to understand what he feels is most important right now. Check with your parish for opportunities for adult formation.

Serving Those in Need

(formal or informal ministry)

Serving others with your child is a great way to show them your priorities and values. Start by seeing what opportunities exist in your parish, perhaps through your local St. Vincent de Paul chapter. Consider scheduling regular service into your schedule monthly or quarterly.