Recharging Your Faith
About 10 years ago, I was really getting burned out in my career. I had been a physical therapist since 1993 and had enjoyed most of those years. However, the ever-increasing emphasis on work productivity and reimbursement were taking its toll on me. I was beginning to go through the motions and without realizing it, had fallen into a rut. About this same time, an old friend called and offered me a job at the VA. I knew I needed a change so I took it.
The culture at the VA was completely different from my previous employer. The most notable difference was the value placed on being a continuous learner. We were given all of these opportunities for continuing education through online courses, weekly in-services, and even graduate classes. I took advantage of as much of this as I could. And a strange thing happened. The burnout I had been feeling for all of that time went away almost overnight. As I dove into new material about my profession, I was energized. I couldn’t wait to try out the new things that I was learning. Work was work but it really wasn’t. I didn’t dread going at all. I’ve been at the VA for over 10 years now, and I still love the continuous learning environment. It makes every day interesting and new.
I took this lesson from my job as a PT and wondered if it would have the same effect in other areas of my life. For instance, I was coaching basketball at the time and sure enough, as I researched new strategies, plays, and techniques to use, I ended up enjoying my time as a coach even more. I couldn’t wait to get to practice and implement these ideas.
Then, I tried applying the continuous learning model to my faith. Not surprisingly, it also had the same effect. As I read books or listened to podcasts or went to Catholic websites, I was more energized in my prayer life and sacramental life than ever before. My love for God was deepening the more I learned.
As Christians, we have 2,000 years of the best and brightest minds from which we can learn. In this day and age, we have more access to this material than ever before. Unfortunately, we are often impeded by our super busy lives. So where do we find the time to utilize all of the resources available? It may take some creativity but for most of us, we can make it happen. If you’re in the car, listen to a podcast or a talk on Youtube. If you’re doing chores around the house or exercising, pop in your airpods and give it a try. (Side note: I’ve found that learning about my faith during exercise not only energizes my faith life but also increases my desire to stick with my exercise routine.) Maybe you prefer reading to listening. Take 10 minutes a day to read a spiritual book or article. If you don’t have 10 minutes, you could always do this while eating your cereal in the morning or while having lunch.
There are plenty of ways to learn about your faith. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Commit to whatever you decide on and let these things crowd out a little bit (or a lot) of the time that you spend on social media or listening to news or watching TV. And don’t be surprised when you’re more energized about your faith life than ever before.
The following are some of my favorite resources for learning about the faith. This list is not comprehensive at all. I guarantee you that if you don’t find something that works for you on this list, you can find something that does. There is something for everyone in our Church.
Apps:
Formed App: this app has it all from riveting conversion stories to series on every Catholic topic out there. Before spending the monthly fee, check to see if your parish offers it for free. If you do end up having to purchase it, it’s worth every dime.
Heroic Men App: similar to the Formed App but geared towards men. This one is completely free.
Podcasts:
Pints with Aquinas with Matt Fradd
Hobo for Christ with Meg Hunter-Kilmer
The Bible in a Year with Jeff Cavins and Fr. Mike Schmitz
My Favorite Catholic Speakers on Youtube:
Jennifer Fulwiler—great conversion story about going from atheist to Catholic "How I grew up atheist and ended up Catholic" -Jennifer Fulwiler, THIRST 2013 - YouTube
Chris Stefanick
Dr. Meg Meeker
Matthew Kelly
My Top 5 Books/Authors:
Searching for and Maintaining Peace by Fr. Jacques Philippe
Consoling the Heart of Jesus by Fr. Michael Gaitley
Any book by CS Lewis (favorite: The Great Divorce)
Any book by Michael D O’Brien (favorite: Plague Journal)
Any book by Peter Kreeft (favorite: Jesus Shock)
TV Series:
The Chosen: incredible acting and very binge-able.
Real Life Catholic on Amazon Prime
Follow on Facebook:
Aleteia English: has interesting daily posts and articles about the faith.
A Final Must Have:
Pick up a copy of The Catechism of the Catholic Church. It not only explains what the Church believes but why we believe it.