7 Tips to Finding Balance While Living Your Catholic Faith

You consider yourself a devout Catholic.

But you’re also an employee, a parent or grandparent, a spouse, a friend, a community member...and the list goes on.

The problem is, there are only so many hours in a day. Our energy, like our time, is limited and finite. Putting our Catholic faith into focus in the midst of the many commitments we have on a daily basis can be challenging, to say the least.

Here are seven tips for finding balance in daily life while living out your Catholic faith. 

1. Carve out some time each day for prayer.

In our busy lives, it often feels like time is scarce. But the simple act of getting up a few minutes early for time to talk with God can make a profound impact on the rest of your day. If this doesn’t seem doable, simply find little moments of “down time” during the day when you can pray. For example, consider praying the rosary during your commute to work.

2. Pray out loud with your family.

Remember the old saying, “the family that prays together, stays together?” While praying together can’t fix everything, it certainly can help you to integrate your life as a Catholic into your family life. Saying a prayer together before meals or at bedtime allows you to express your gratitude to God for what He has done for you throughout the day.

3. Keep up with your sacramental attendance.

So often, we compartmentalize our faith, only giving it attention at specified days and times during the week. To fully integrate your faith into your life, find a church near your home or place of work and be sure to attend Confession, Mass and Adoration on a regular and consistent basis. Give special attention to this practice during special seasons of the liturgical calendar (Advent, Lent, Christmastide, etc.).

4. Give to others.

It may seem strange, but giving of your time and resources to others can help you maintain a healthy perspective on the many blessings God has given you. Find opportunities to volunteer in your community, or engage in simple acts of kindness, such as opening doors for others or offering to help carry heavy loads for them.

5. Shine a light to people around you.

As Christians, we are called to be the “light of the world.” In this way, our lives may attract others who want a closer relationship with Christ. Whether at home or at work, pay attention to the ways your actions and behaviors impact others, and ask yourself if you are being a “light.”

6. Put others first.

Avoid comparing yourself with others. None of us are in a position to judge the hearts and minds of another person. Don’t allow yourself to be motivated by a desire for praise and recognition. Instead, put aside your own pride and focus on the needs of those around you. 

7. Nurture relationships.

In the balanced life of a devout Catholic, family is the top priority. Create weekly family rituals such as game night or movie night. And no matter how busy you are, don’t forget to schedule a regular “date night” with your spouse.

Utilize the tools in your Catholic Planner to reflect and track your progress as you embark on this journey of Faith. By taking these simple steps, you will soon find that living out your Catholic faith does not take time away from your other commitments. On the contrary, by putting God first, everything else comes together more harmoniously.