GROW IN FAITH 40 – Growing in Holiness

Becoming the Person God Created You to Be


Opening Prayer

Lord God,
You call us to be holy.
Help us grow each day in goodness.
Strengthen us by Your grace
so that we may become
who You created us to be.
Amen.


Part One

What Is Holiness?

When we hear the word “holy,”
we may think of saints in stained glass windows
or people who seem very different from us.

But holiness is not strange or distant.

Holiness means belonging fully to God.

The Bible says:

“This is the will of God, your sanctification.”

God desires that we become holy.

Not only priests or religious.

Not only adults.

Every baptised person is called to holiness.

Holiness begins in small, faithful choices:

Praying regularly.
Telling the truth.
Forgiving quickly.
Choosing kindness.

It is not about being perfect.

It is about growing steadily in love.


Scripture

“This is the will of God, your sanctification.”
(1 Thessalonians 4:3)


Think and Discuss

What do you think holiness looks like in daily life?

Can ordinary people become saints?

Why does God call everyone to holiness?

What small habits help us grow?

Allow thoughtful answers.


Part Two

Grace Helps Us Grow

We do not grow holy by our own strength alone.

God gives grace.

Grace is His life within us.

We receive grace:

In Baptism.
In Confirmation.
In the Eucharist.
In Confession.
In prayer.

Grace strengthens our will
and enlightens our mind.

Sometimes growth feels slow.

Sometimes we fail.

But holiness is not about never falling.

It is about rising again.

Each time we choose what is good,
our hearts are shaped.

Each time we turn back to God,
grace works within us.

Holiness is not dramatic for most people.

It is faithful.

Quiet.

Steady.


Guidance for Adults

Help children see holiness in ordinary examples — patience, honesty, service.
Avoid presenting it as distant or unattainable.


Part Three

A Lifelong Journey

Growing in holiness is a journey.

It lasts our whole life.

Some days feel strong.
Some days feel weak.

But God remains faithful.

He calls us to trust Him.

The saints were not born perfect.

They struggled.

They learned.

They persevered.

Holiness is becoming more like Christ.

Thinking as He thinks.
Loving as He loves.
Acting as He acts.

It is not about comparison.

It is about faithfulness.

Each small act of love
moves us closer to God.

Heaven is the fullness of holiness.

Every day is preparation.

God is patient.

He works slowly in us.

If we remain close to Him,
He will complete what He has begun.


Quiet Reflection

Sit quietly for a moment.

Think of one small way
you can grow this week.

Now say quietly:

“Lord, make me holy.”

Remain in silence together.


Practise This Week

Choose one:

• Pray for grace each morning.
• Make one hidden act of kindness.
• Return quickly to God after a mistake.
• Read about a saint and imitate one virtue.

Choose one and keep it steady.


Optional Response

Choose one:

Memory
Repeat slowly:
“This is the will of God.”
Say it three times thoughtfully.

Action
Make the Sign of the Cross and say:
“Help me grow in holiness.”


Closing Prayer

Lord,
You call us to be holy.
Strengthen us by Your grace.
Help us grow in love each day
until we rejoice with You in heaven.
Amen.