As we embrace the new year, let's explore meaningful ways to strengthen our Catholic faith, build community, and grow closer to Christ – while staying close to home. Whether you're a lifelong Milwaukee area or Wisconsin resident or new to the area, here are 25 enriching ways to deepen your spiritual journey in 2025.
1. Celebrate the Installation Mass of Archbishop Jeffrey S. Grob, the 12th Archbishop of Milwaukee. You can join via livestream on January 14, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. Join thousands of Wisconsin Catholics in this momentous celebration for our archdiocese. This special moment represents a unique opportunity to participate in a significant moment for our Catholic community.
2. Join Brew City Catholic’s young adult ministry for engaging events like social gatherings, prayer nights, and service opportunities. Designed for Catholics in their 20s and 30s, these events foster faith, fellowship, and community in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
3. Join a Bible Study or Men’s Group at your local parish to deepen your understanding of Scripture and grow in faith. These groups provide a welcoming space for discussion, prayer, and an opportunity to build meaningful relationships with fellow parishioners.
4. Host parish dinners and invite fellow parishioners for meals to foster connections and share faith-filled conversations.
5. Join the Ballpark Day of Faith at American Family Field, where hundreds of Catholic families gather for Mass, fellowship, and Brewers baseball. This unique event combines America's favorite pastime with spiritual enrichment and community building.
6. Establish a daily prayer routine, perhaps starting with the Morning Offering prayer. Use this quiet time for reflection and intention-setting. You can find this prayer here if you are not familiar with it.
7. Subscribe to relevant Catholic podcasts for your commute, such as the local podcast Strength Training for the Soul.
8. Start a gratitude journal, recording daily blessings and answered prayers, including those special moments to reflect on God's unconditional love. The Catholic Company offers a great yearly journal that can be found here.
9. Read through the entire Bible in a year using the Milwaukee Archdiocese's reading plan, which includes local study groups and online discussion forums.
10. Visit the Redemptorist Retreat Center in Oconomowoc and take a day or weekend to spend time in prayer and reflection with God.
11. Commit to attending weekly Mass at your local parish, and explore different Mass times to find one that fits your schedule.
12. Schedule regular Confession. The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) allows us to acknowledge our sins and experience God's mercy. You can find a listing of upcoming opportunities with a calendar tool on the Archdiocese of Milwaukee website.
13. Join a parish-based Bible study group, with many Milwaukee churches offering both in-person and virtual options.
14. Participate in the Stations of the Cross during Lent and attend special Masses offered at parishes across the Milwaukee area.
15. Celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation at the beautiful Basilica of Saint Josaphat, located at 2333 S 6th St, Milwaukee, WI 53215. Reconciliation times are Monday to Friday directly following the 7:00 AM Mass and Saturday following the 8:00 AM Mass and at 3:30 PM
16. Support the Catholic Charities' annual Christmas gift drive, ensuring local families experience holiday joy.
17. Participate in the annual Milwaukee Catholic Schools Week activities, volunteering at events or supporting fundraising efforts.
18. Volunteer at St. Ben's Community Meal program, serving Milwaukee's homeless population alongside fellow Catholics.
19. Volunteer at Kinship Community Food Center at 915 E. Wright Street, Milwaukee, WI 53212, by helping with food distribution on Tuesdays (4:30 PM - 6:30 PM) or Saturdays (8:30 AM - 10:30 AM) and supporting their outreach programs to foster community through service.
20. Support the St. Vincent de Paul Society’s mission to serve those in need throughout Milwaukee. Contribute by volunteering at their thrift stores, participating in meal programs, or offering financial support to help share Christ’s love and compassion with the community.
21. Explore Milwaukee's rich Catholic heritage through guided tours of historic churches, including the Basilica of St. Josaphat and Old St. Mary's Church.
22. Enroll in adult faith formation classes offered through the Archdiocese, covering topics from Church history to modern Catholic living.
23. Join the Catholic Book Club at your local parish or the Archdiocesan-wide virtual reading group, connecting with fellow readers.
24. Experience the spiritual beauty of sacred music performed by talented choirs and musicians at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, located at 812 N. Jackson Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202.
25. Visit the Saint Joan of Arc Chapel at Marquette University and reflect on its inspiring story of faith and preservation.
Begin your journey by selecting a few activities that resonate with your interests and schedule. Consider your current commitments and start gradually, perhaps choosing one activity from each category. Remember that spiritual growth is a personal journey - what works for one person may not work for another.
- Visit the Archdiocese of Milwaukee's website for a complete calendar of events and activities
- Follow local Catholic social media accounts for updates and inspiration
- Join parish email lists to stay informed about upcoming opportunities
Deepening your faith is a journey, not a destination. Choose activities that bring you joy and peace while strengthening your relationship with God and your community. Whether you're attending the Ballpark Day of Faith with your family or quietly praying at home with your cat, each moment spent in faithful reflection brings you closer to Christ.
Stay connected with your local parish and the Archdiocese of Milwaukee for updated information about these and other opportunities throughout 2025. May your faith journey be blessed with growth, community, and joy in the coming year.