7 Habits of Highly Effective Catholics

7 Habits of Highly Effective Catholics October 20, 2011

Marcel LeJeune over at Aggie Catholics compiles his list, with a h/t to Stephen Covey.

For starters:

Habit #1 – Participate in the Sacraments Regularly.
Sunday Mass is a given. To be effective you must also participate in a regular habit of Confession (once a month is a good start) and regular daily Mass, when possible. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament can be tagged on to this as well.

**“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” -Acts 2:42

Habit #2 – Dive Deep into Prayer.
Prayer is the link between God and man. We cannot expect to be good Catholics if we aren’t in a personal relationship with God. The foundation of this relationship is a personal daily prayer life.

**”Pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thes 5:16-18

Habit #3 – Build Virtue and Root out Vice.
What virtues do we lack? These are what we need to focus on. Pick one virtue you need to improve and work on it. If we can improve in one virtue, then it generally helps raise up others. While doing this try to root out any vices you have, especially those that control you regularly.

**”Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” -Phil 4: 8-9

Habit #4 – Know Scripture and Church Teachings.
The more we know about Christ and His Church, the more there is for us to love. The more we can apply to our lives concretely. But, it starts with educating ourselves and knowing what he really taught, not just what we think he taught. This is a life-long process.

**“All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” -2 Tim 3:16

Check out the rest.

Any others that he might have missed??


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