DETROIT — As the calendar turns, The Michigan Catholic asked a handful of local Catholic leaders about their New Year’s resolutions, as well as their advice for others seeking to grow closer to Christ in 2017:

 



Auxiliary Bishop Donald F. Hanchon: To try and take seriously the message of the synod, in consensus with Archbishop Vigneron, to become joyful missionary evangelizers. Recommendation: Ask Jesus what he wants to announce to others about you. Keep it personal, something you can do for others, big or small.



Auxiliary Bishop Arturo Cepeda: To fully commit to our Synod 16 initiatives, taking an active role in executing some of the ideas that came out of Synod 16 throughout 2017. Recommendation: Continue to be a band of joyful, missionary disciples, and walk with Archbishop Vigneron any way you can this upcoming year.



Fr. Patrick Gonyeau (associate pastor, Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament): To give the Lord a full hour in silent adoration every day, instead of shaving off 10-15 minutes every day. Recommendation: Try to give the Lord a half-hour of time every day. Maybe 15 minutes of Scripture, maybe 15 minutes of silent reflection. Whatever formula you put together.



Msgr. Timothy Hogan (vicar for clergy and consecrated life): My personal New Year’s resolution for 2017 is to make a deliberate attempt to invite at least one person per month to a deeper relationship to Christ through prayer and a greater understanding of the sacraments of confession and the Eucharist.      Recommendation: Spend 15 minutes a day before the Blessed Sacrament. In sitting there, gazing at the Blessed Sacrament, know He is gazing back at you, and that he likes what he sees.



Msgr. Robert McClory (moderator of the curia): All relationships require time spent together. A good resolution would be to dedicate more time with Jesus in prayer or by serving Him in those we meet through works of mercy.



Fr. Joe Horn (director of priestly vocations): For myself, it is having a normal life you can base your improvement on. The more I draw closer to the Eucharist, the more strength I have to do whatever I need to do. Recommendation:  A steady diet of Scripture reading or meeting with a spiritual director. Being faithful to the small things. For myself, that means taking a few more minutes at the end of my morning prayer. Just reflect on what you read or hear. Slow down to listen to what’s happening and pay attention.