High School
New Year's Resolutions to Benefit Your Body and Soul!
You’ve probably heard it before: most New Year’s resolutions are bound to fail. There are lots of reasons for this—unrealistic goals, not being specific in the goal or how it will be achieved, or just getting discouraged—but it may go even deeper.
Many people set goals because they dislike some part of themselves; they are trying to fix their body image or lifestyle habits from a placer of self-loathing. But, as with most things, it is LOVE that endures.
Here is a list of resolutions that can help you love the person God created you to be.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart….with all your soul…”
1. Read the Gospels. Just one chapter a day can give you great insight into the person of Jesus Christ.
2. Begin a prayer journal.
3. Go to Confession once a month.
4. Attend Adoration, private prayer and time with Jesus, present in the Blessed Sacrament. During Covid times, SJC’s Blessed Sacrament can be viewed in the Courtyard by the main doors of the church.
5. Take up spiritual reading. Saints and spiritual writers are an absolute treasure. Learn from them
“….and with all your strength…”
6. Sleep. You really do need those 8-10 hours of shut-eye.
7. Invite your family to take a family walk once a week. It’s great exercise and a great time for conversation.
8. Add one serving of fruit and veggies each day to your diet.
9. Wear sunscreen.
10. Find a soda substitute. Drink more water.
“….and with all your mind…”
11. Put your phone away before bed. Replace late-night scrolling with pre-sleep reading
12. Make a book list and read books from it. Reading increases your concentration and enriches your understanding of the world. No…Sparknotes don’t count!
13. Ask for help if you need it. Your mental health matters! Make this year the year that you talk to a counselor about depression, anxiety or any other issues affecting you.
14. Replace music with interesting podcasts once a week (when you’re not listening to our “INSPIRING SONGS” we recommend in our bulletin column)
15. Pick up a new hobby and dedicate a specific amount of time to it each week.
“….and love your neighbor as yourself...”
16. Volunteer. Difficult during Covid times, but there is always a need for food pantry donations, meal or gift card drop offs, or helping a neighbor with errands or small tasks.
17. Cook for your parents. They’ll appreciate it and you’re learn something new. A win-win.
18. Write letters for friends’ birthdays. Instagram shout-outs are good, but taking the time to hand-write your sentiments is irreplaceable.
19. Call your extended family to say hello. Keep up with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. It will make family gatherings so much more enjoyable!
20. Forgive someone. Whether that’s through conversation, prayer, or simply changing your mindset, show mercy to the person that it’s hardest for you to show mercy to.
*Adapted from Courtney Kiolbassa, LIFETEEN
Happy New Year! We look forward to safely being together again in 2021! The SJC Youth Ministry Team
SPIRITUAL, SOCIAL & SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
RSVP to our Youth Ministry Events!
Our Team will be adhering to all Archdiocese and CDC guidelines so we can welcome our teens back safely, including temperature checks, social distancing and requiring face masks throughout our programming.
We ask that you RSVP each time you wish to attend an event so that we adhere to Archdiocesan and CDC guidelines.
Volunteer Opportunities
- Become an Usher/Greeter at Masses./ 9AM and 5PM Mass help especially needed. Sign up here. Choose the Usher/Greeter slot. Please write Youth Ministry in the Comments.
- Write letters of hope and hello to our parishioners who are isolated and vulnerable. Contact Katie Pruitt for more information on how you can be a light to those who are lonely during this time.
Our Mission
Our Youth Ministry Program encourages our young adults to grow in Leadership, Fellowship, Spirituality and Service to others. All SJC Teens are welcome to any and all events, including Sunday Fall Nights, Small Home Groups, Service Opportunities, ALPHA Teen Faith Formation and so much more. Through our many small and large group activities, they can enjoy Fellowship with their peers, while growing in their faith. We hope to keep our young adults connected to each other and their SJC Parish so they can discover their Spiritual Gifts and find ways to use them for the good of their parish and community.
