Spirituality Commission
Loretta Terrana, Chair
ODCCW Spirituality Commission News & Events September 2026
What is the general goal of spirituality?
The goal of spirituality is to deepen our relationship with God, discover His purpose for our lives, and grow in faith, peace, love, and service to others.
Pope Leo Offers Hope and Encouragement to Anti-Death Penalty Advocates
At an April 24 event hosted by DePaul University to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the abolition of the death penalty in Illinois, Pope Leo XIV delivered an encouraging video message. The Pope affirmed the Church's teaching on the sanctity of all human life, stating that "The Catholic Church has consistently taught that each human life, from the moment of conception until natural death, is sacred and deserves to be protected...In this regard, we affirm that the dignity of the person is not lost even after very serious crimes are committed."
Core Goals of Spirituality
Deepening Our Relationship with God: Through prayer, Scripture, the Sacraments, and worship, we grow closer to God and strengthen our faith.
Finding Purpose: We seek to understand God’s call for our lives and strive to live according to His will.
Finding Inner Peace: Through prayer and trust in God, we learn to surrender our worries and find peace in His presence.
Building Community: We recognize that we are part of the Body of Christ and are called to support, encourage, and pray for one another.
Growing in Holiness: We continually seek to become more Christ-like by practicing love, compassion, forgiveness, humility, and kindness.
Serving Others: Our spirituality should lead us beyond ourselves. As we grow closer to Christ, we are called to put our faith into action by serving others and sharing God’s love.
In simple terms: Spirituality is not just about what we believe—it is about how our relationship with God changes the way we live, love, pray, and serve.
SPIRITUALITY and REFLECTIONS
Grant me, O Lord My God, a mind to know you, a heart to seek you, wisdom to find you, conduct pleasing to you, faithful perseverance in waiting for you, and hope of finally embracing you. Amen St. Thomas Aquinas
“The Lord brings the right person into your journey to build you up and walk beside you in alignment with His perfect will.” Proverbs 19:21
“He who trusts in God can do all things” St Clare of Assisi
“Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you. Stay alert and stand firm in the faith. Remember, you have a mighty God who sees you, supports you, and will lift you up when life feels heavy. Keep trusting Him, because He is always working for your good. You are safe in His hands, now and forever. 1 Peter 5:6-7
“If there were one million families praying the rosary every day, the entire world would be saved.” St. Pius X
Resources
NCCW – helps and support and empower all women – www.nccw.org
USCCB – always has up to date information for your reading –
Special quotes to remember:
“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” St. Mother Teresa
“Be who you were created to be, and you will set the world on fire” St. Catherine of Siena
The Spirituality Commission reinforces faith and supports service to our Church through discipleship and spiritual growth” (NCCW)
Hopeful Mysteries of the Rosary from the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee