10 Powerful Ways to Grow in Your Faith as a Catholic

In a world filled with distractions, confusion, and spiritual apathy, many Catholics today feel the need to reignite their faith and draw closer to God. But how? What are the practices that truly deepen a Catholic’s spiritual life and bring about real transformation? The good news is that the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit for over 2,000 years, offers timeless and practical tools to grow in holiness. Whether you’re just returning to the faith or have been practicing for years, these 10 steps can help you grow stronger, more joyful, and more centered in Christ.

1. Daily Prayer

Prayer is your direct conversation with God. Make it the first and last thing you do each day, even if it’s just 5-10 minutes. Use formal prayers (like the Our Father, Hail Mary, or Divine Mercy Chaplet) or simply speak from your heart. As St. Teresa of Avila said, “Prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship with God.”

2. Frequent the Sacraments

The Eucharist and Reconciliation are powerful sources of grace. Go to Mass every Sunday and if possible, attend daily Mass. Go to confession at least monthly. As Pope Leo XIV recently reminded us, “The sacraments are not rituals of the past - they are channels of living grace for today’s struggles.”

3. Read the Bible Daily

Scripture is the Word of God, alive and relevant to every moment of your life. Begin with the Gospels, especially Matthew and John, to encounter Jesus personally. Even just one chapter a day can change your heart over time.

“Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” -St. Jerome

4. Pray the Rosary

The Rosary is a spiritual weapon and a path to peace. Praying it daily immerses you in the life of Christ through Mary’s eyes. It also protects your soul and brings clarity in times of trial. Countless saints, including Padre Pio and John Paul II, prayed it daily.

5. Spend Time in Eucharistic Adoration

Sitting in silence before the Blessed Sacrament changes hearts. It’s where burdens are lifted and intimacy with Christ is deepened. If your parish offers adoration, commit to a weekly hour. If not, find a nearby chapel or even make a spiritual visit in your heart.

6. Surround Yourself with Faithful Catholics

Your spiritual environment matters. Join a Catholic group or Bible study. Attend retreats or conferences. Friendships rooted in Christ strengthen your walk and encourage accountability.

“Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” - Matthew 18:20

7. Live a Life of Service

Faith becomes real when it becomes love in action. Volunteer at your parish, feed the poor, visit the sick, or help a struggling neighbor. Jesus said, “Whatever you did for the least of these… you did for Me” (Matthew 25:40).

8. Read the Lives of the Saints

The saints are our older brothers and sisters in faith, real people who struggled, fell, and rose again through God’s grace. Their stories inspire courage, humility, and holiness. Start with St. Francis of Assisi, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, or St. Maximilian Kolbe.

9. Fast and Offer Sacrifices

Fasting trains your soul to choose God over comfort. Skip a meal, turn off your phone for a day, or offer up a difficult task with love. As Jesus said, “Some demons can only be driven out by prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:29).

10. Stay Close to Mary

Mary is not only the Mother of Jesus, she is your mother, too. Entrust your faith journey to her, and she will lead you straight to her Son. Consider making a Marian consecration through St. Louis de Montfort’s or Fr. Michael Gaitley’s guides.

Finally

Faith isn’t something we inherit once and forget. It must be nurtured, like a flame that needs fuel to keep burning. In the words of Pope Leo XIV, “In a world of shifting values and shallow comforts, Christ remains the solid rock. Return to Him with confidence - and He will not fail you.”

No matter where you are in your journey, today is the perfect day to take one small, courageous step closer to God.

Looking for inspiration?

Visit FreeCatholicVideos.com for powerful video messages on prayer, Mass, mental health, and more to grow your faith. And if you feel weighed down by worldly distractions, check out MentalPlaque.com to help scrub your spiritual life clean.

Let’s be saints, starting now.