Ideas done within the Church

Frequent the Sacraments:

• Mass (click for a list of Mass times in the Diocese of La Crosse, or anywhere): Prioritize attending Sunday Mass and, if possible, daily Mass.
• Confession (click for a list of parishes in the Diocese of La Crosse): Regularly receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation to experience God’s mercy and remain spiritually renewed.
• Eucharistic Adoration (click for a listing of parishes in the Diocese of La Crosse offering Eucharistic Adoration.): Spending time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is a powerful way to grow in intimacy with Him.

Ideas that can be done anywhere

Create a habit of prayer that is doable and consistent.

• Life is busy, don’t be afraid to be creative.
  • Pray in the car. Click on this video from Ascension Presents to get some ideas:
    “5 Prayers to Say in the Car (but Most People Forget to)”
  • Identify someone who you can pray with, pray for, and ask to pray for you.
    • Ascension Presents (Article/Video): “God Has a Mission for You”
  • Remember simple prayers such as: “Jesus I trust in you.” “Come Holy Spirit,” “Lord, help me,” etc.
• Pray for God to reveal His mission for you, and show you how to fully live that mission.

Cultivate a life of holiness and virtue.

• Pray to Discern Your Vocation: Single adulthood offers a unique opportunity for discernment. Whether called to marriage, consecrated life, or dedicated singlehood, use this time for intentional prayer and reflection.
  • Discernment Tools from the USCCB
  • “The Catholic’s Guide to Discerning Your Vocation” from FOCUS
  • “The 7 Most Common Mistakes You Can Make While Discerning Your Vocation” by Tim Glemkowski
• Holiness in Daily Life: Practice virtues like humility, charity, patience, and chastity. Daily acts of love and sacrifice contribute to personal and communal renewal.

Commit to service and outreach.

• Corporal Works of Mercy and Spiritual Works of Mercy: Engage in service projects that reflect Christ’s love (e.g., feeding the hungry, visiting the sick, or mentoring youth). You have gifts and talents that the Church needs now. Don’t wait for an invitation. Be bold and proactive on your mission and seek out your pastor and/or parish staff to see how you can share your God given gifts.
• Share your faith with others through authentic witness, whether in conversations, service, social media, or social settings.

Learn More About the Catholic Faith

• Listen to Catholic Podcasts or YouTube Channels that cover faith, morality, and Church teaching in relatable ways. Examples are:
  • Pints with Aquinas Podcast is a podcast hosted by Matt Fradd, designed for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the Catholic faith through the lens of St. Thomas Aquinas. The show explores theology, philosophy, and practical aspects of living a faithful Catholic life, often diving into Aquinas’ works to tackle big questions about God, morality, and the meaning of life. Episodes feature engaging conversations with theologians, philosophers, and Catholic thinkers, offering accessible explanations of complex topics while keeping the tone light and relatable.
  • Poco a Poco Podcast is hosted by the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. With a mix of humor, humility, and deep spiritual insights, the friars explore topics such as prayer, trust in God, personal struggles, and living a life rooted in love and service. Episodes often include practical tips for cultivating a deeper relationship with Christ and navigating everyday challenges with faith.
  • Abiding Together Podcast is hosted by Heather Khym, Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, and Michelle Benzinger. It offers a space for women to connect, share, and grow in their faith. The podcast covers a range of topics, including spiritual growth, personal healing, and practical insights for daily life, all rooted in a Christ-centered perspective.
  • Ascension Press has a variety of great Catholic podcasts to choose from.
  • Podcasts Offered by the Diocese of La Crosse.

Practical tips for single adults:

• Embrace the undeniable fact that you are a child of God and you are unconditionally loved by Him.
  • Pray for God to help you become more in tune with the ways He loves you.
  • Put a daily affirmation on your bathroom mirror that reminds you of God’s love for you. For example, Psalm 139:14 – “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are your works.” Click here for a printable meme.
  • Rhode Island Catholic (Article): “If You Could Only See the Way He Loves You.”
  • Denver Catholic (Article): “How God Speaks Our Love Language: A Guide to Growing Closer to Him.”