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.

Get involved in your parish or youth group.

• Join a Youth Group: Participate in your parish youth ministry or Catholic student group. This is a great way to build friendships centered on faith. For more information, contact your parish priest and/or Youth Minister. Their information is in the Parish Bulletin and/or website.
• Serve at Mass: Volunteer as an altar server, lector, or Eucharistic minister (if confirmed). Being involved in the liturgy strengthens your connection to the Mass.
• Participate in Parish Events: Join service projects, retreats, or parish missions. This connects you with the larger Church community.

Stay close to the Sacraments during big moments. Whether it’s preparing for college, facing peer pressure, or navigating friendships, staying close to the sacraments will strengthen your faith.

Attend Catholic youth retreats or conferences (e.g., Steubenville Conferences, NCYC, Life Teen camps, Diocese of La Crosse’s Adventure Camp). These events often spark renewal and provide encounters with Christ.

Ask Questions: If you have doubts or questions about the faith, seek answers. Talk to your parish priest, youth minister, or a trusted mentor.

Ideas that can be done anywhere

Deepen your personal relationship with God.

• Set aside time each day, even just 5 minutes, to pray.
• Spontaneous prayer: Talk with God about your day and take time to listen to His response to you in the silence of your heart.
• Scripture reflection: Read and meditate on a short Gospel passage.
• The Rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet: These powerful prayers bring grace and peace.

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:
• 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. The podcast is perfect for listeners looking for encouragement, authenticity, and a Franciscan perspective on growing closer to God, one step at a time.
• 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. New episodes often reflect on Scripture, Church teachings, and real-life experiences, fostering a sense of community and shared growth.
• Podcasts Offered by the Diocese of La Crosse.

Live out your faith boldly.

• Be a Witness: Live your faith authentically in your school, family, and social media.
• Share Your Faith:
• Invite friends to Mass, youth group, or faith events.
• Be open about your Catholic identity by wearing a cross or scapular.
• Respectful Dialogue: If you encounter misunderstandings or questions about the faith, be willing to discuss it with kindness and confidence.
• Serve others with love.
• Renewal in the Church happens when we serve as Christ did. Engage in:
• Corporal Works of Mercy: Feed the hungry, visit the elderly, or volunteer at shelters.
• Spiritual Works of Mercy: Comfort the grieving, pray for the living and the dead, or share your faith with others.
• Service Projects: Join service trips or mission experiences through your school or parish. These are powerful opportunities to grow in faith while helping others.

Grow in virtue and holiness.

• Pursue virtue by living out the Theological Virtues (faith, hope, and charity) and the Cardinal Virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance).
• Guard Your Heart: The world offers many distractions and temptations. Choose media, music, and relationships that align with your faith and values.
• Accountability: Surround yourself with friends who encourage you to grow in holiness. Having a faith-filled community makes it easier to stay strong.

Be open to your vocation.

• Pray for Discernment. Even in high school, you can begin praying about your future vocation whether it’s marriage, priesthood, religious life, or dedicated singlehood.
• Learn About Vocations: Go on discernment retreats, listen to vocation testimonies, or meet with religious sisters, brothers, or priests.
  • Visit the Diocese of La Crosse Office for Vocations
• Practical Tips for High School Students
• • Remember, you are not only the future of the Church, you are the present day Church. Students play a vital role in the renewal of the Church by being authentic witnesses of faith. Your courage, creativity, and passion for Christ will inspire others to seek Him more deeply. Whether it’s prayer, service, or evangelization, God has amazing plans for you.
  • Keep a prayer journal. Write down prayers, Scripture reflections, or moments of grace.
  • Choose Catholic role models by reading about young saints like Dominic Savio, St. Maria Goretti, or Blessed Carlo Acutis.
  • Bring your faith into your schoolwork and activities.
    • Choose Catholic themes when possible for essays, art projects, or presentations.
    • Be a vessel for the Holy Spirit to be present in the classroom, after school activities, social situations, etc.