Adam Perry

executive director, Livingston County Catholic Charities

"My New Year’s resolution is that I am going to increase my Mass attendance by going to the Eucharist on one extra day during the week. I want to do this, not only because the Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith, but because I need the inner spiritual strength to get through the week." 

Chris Dotson

principal, Father Gabriel Richard High School

I spend a lot of time while at school discussing the importance of prayer, but I do not bring that home as often as I should. In the year 2026, my hope is to pray more with my wife and daughter. Particularly, the rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet. 

Lisa Kutas

chief of staff & human resources director, Diocese of Lansing

I’m not the type of person who makes New Year’s Resolutions — I never have been. I am, however, the type of person who commits to growing as a disciple. Throughout the last year and into next year, I will continue to develop virtuous habits such as holding my tongue when I’m tempted to say something unkind and reducing impulse purchases by putting things in the Amazon cart as “save for later.” 

Elizabeth Putlock

Junior at Hillsdale College, Majoring in English and Latin, Catholic Society Vice President

This year, I resolve to be on time to the plans I make  ... and by on time, I mean at least three minutes early. Last year, I noticed that I was in the habit of using my phone as a crutch, frequently texting my friends, "So sorry! I'm running late!" Instead of being responsible with my time and respectful of the time of others, I often depend on the power of instant communication that my phone offers me. By trying to be three minutes early to my commitments, whether class or coffee, I hope to cultivate courtesy for my friends and show myself that I hold more power over my phone than it does over me. 

Sister Mary Nika Schaumber, RSM

Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Serving at Cristo Rey Community Center, Lansing

Our newly declared Doctor of the Church, St. John Henry Cardinal Newman, had a quite reflective saying, “To live is to change and to be perfect is to have changed often.” But Newman also knew that not only is it very painful to change, especially our own heart, but we cannot change ourselves. This New Year — and every new year and new day — I resolve to beg the Lord for a greater conversion of heart to his will.

Matt Watters

Graphic designer of Faith Magazine

I’m breaking my Lent-only tradition with a New Year’s resolve rooted in grace. Weekly reconciliation will become my Saturday reset ... confession, clarity, and renewal on the calendar. I hope to carve out some quiet hours in Adoration, letting silence speak louder than screens. Personal prayer? No more “When I can”; it’s now a daily appointment with God. Small habits, eternal impact.