Bishop Thomas John Paprocki | Diocese of Springfield

As the year 2025 begins, many people are considering "New Year's resolutions" to improve various aspects of their lives. In light of this annual tradition, questions arise about the virtues individuals aim to cultivate and how these virtues align with Catholic teachings.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes virtue as “a habitual and firm disposition to do the good. It allows the person not only to perform good acts but to give the best of himself. The virtuous person tends toward the good with all his sensory and spiritual powers; he pursues the good and chooses it in concrete actions” (CCC 1803). According to St. Thomas Aquinas, this is achieved through a proper ordering of the soul's powers, which leads to moral efficacy in decision-making and actions.

The Church identifies several types of virtues, including theological, cardinal, and capital virtues. Some virtues are infused by the Holy Spirit at baptism, while others can be cultivated through human effort. Living virtuously integrates Thomistic psychology with moral theology.

Pope Benedict XVI highlighted that “St. Paul speaks of faith that works through love” (cf. Gal 5:14), emphasizing that love for God and neighbor fulfills all laws when expressed in communion with Christ.

An example from personal experience illustrates how infused virtues strengthen one's life as a disciple of Christ. Preparing for reconciliation involves confessing failures to live according to Matthew 25:35-36: “For I was hungry and you gave me food... I was sick and you took care of me.” These acts embody theological virtues in practice.

Through Christ's Incarnation, believers strive to imitate His example by living out their faith through charity. New Year's resolutions that serve others over immediate self-gratification align directly with Catholic values.

In starting 2025 with virtuous choices, reflection, prayer, and decision-making play crucial roles in pursuing goodness morally effectively. Focusing on the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit—wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord—and associated virtues can transform resolutions into lasting Christian practices.

This article originally appeared on missiodeicatholic.org and is reprinted with permission from Missio Dei founded by Phillip Hadden from St. Alexius parish in Beardstown.