One-Year Spiritual Growth Journey

"From Attendance to Authentic Encounter"

Phase 1: Awakening Relationship with God (Months 1-3)

Goal: Help the individual move beyond routine churchgoing and into a personal connection with God.

• Month 1: Moving from Obligation to Desire
  
  

  • Encourage personal prayer outside of Mass (simple conversations with God).

  • Recommend a spiritual book or Catholic podcast about knowing God personally.

  • Suggest journaling reflections after Mass.

  • Resources: Hallow App, Formed.org

• Month 2: Encountering God in Prayer & Worship
  
  

  • Introduce praise and worship as a form of personal prayer.

  • Encourage participation in Eucharistic Adoration.

  • Explore different Catholic prayer traditions (Rosary, Lectio Divina).

  • Resources: Eucharistic Adoration Finder, Ascension Press Prayer Resources

• Month 3: Making Mass Personal
  
  

  • Teach how to prepare for Mass (reading the Gospel beforehand, meditative prayer).

  • Encourage active participation (singing, responding, listening with intent).

  • Introduce the idea of offering personal intentions at Mass.

  • Resources: USCCB Daily Readings

Phase 2: Deepening Faith & Community (Months 4-6)

Goal: Move from individual faith to community engagement and deeper learning.

• Month 4: Joining a Small Group
  
  

  • Find a Bible study, faith-sharing group, or Catholic fellowship.

  • Encourage open discussions about doubts and experiences.

  • Identify at least one faith-filled friendship for accountability.

  • Resources: Word on Fire Community, Catholic Christian Outreach

• Month 5: Discerning Gifts & Talents
  
  

  • Take a spiritual gifts assessment.

  • Explore where God is calling them to serve (teaching, hospitality, music, leadership, etc.).

  • Meet with a mentor, priest, or spiritual director.

  • Resources: Spiritual Gifts Test

• Month 6: Getting Involved in a Ministry
  
  

  • Begin volunteering in a parish ministry (hospitality, liturgy, outreach).

  • Commit to consistent service, not just occasional help.

  • Resources: Dynamic Catholic - Find Your Mission

Phase 3: Encountering God in the Sacraments & Mission (Months 7-9)

Goal: Strengthen sacramental life, experience deeper conversion, and expand service.

• Month 7: Reconnecting with Confession & the Eucharist
  
  

  • Encourage a deep, personal confession with intentional preparation.

  • Reflect on how the Eucharist transforms daily life.

  • Resources: How to Make a Good Confession

• Month 8: Eucharistic Adoration & Intimacy with God
  
  

  • Spend weekly time in Adoration and journal reflections.

  • Learn to sit in silence with God and receive His presence.

  • Resources: Find an Adoration Chapel

• Month 9: Exploring Works of Compassion
  
  

  • Engage in acts of service (visiting the sick, feeding the poor).

  • Meditate on Jesus' love for the marginalized.

  • Resources: Catholic Charities Volunteer Opportunities

Phase 4: Living as a Disciple & Evangelist (Months 10-12)

Goal: Strengthen their calling, live their faith daily, and share Christ with others.

• Month 10: Becoming a Witness
  
  

  • Learn to share their testimony naturally.

  • Invite others to small groups or ministries.

  • Resources: FOCUS Evangelization Training

• Month 11: Leading Others in Faith
  
  

  • Take a leadership role in a ministry or group.

  • Mentor a new church member on their journey.

  • Resources: Evangelical Catholic

• Month 12: Embracing a Life of Purpose in Christ
  
  

  • Reflect on how their life has changed.

  • Create a plan for continued growth (retreats, pilgrimages, ongoing formation).

  • Resources: Steubenville Conferences