Catholic Word of the Year Ideas

20 Ideas for your Catholic "Word for the Year"


7 minute read

Word of the Year...but make it Catholic!

One of my favorite New Year traditions is choosing a word to focus on for the year. The practice forces me to be honest with myself and to really listen to the Holy Spirit in order to dive deep and do His will in the year ahead. 

Additionally, selecting one word helps me to keep focus throughout the year. As a wife, a mom, and a business owner, I have a lot on my plate - it's hard for me to keep track of what I ate for breakfast let alone what goals I have for my life. Realistically, it’s going to be hard for me to remember eight well-meaning New Year's Resolutions...but one word? I can definitely do that! 

Please join me in choosing a word or phrase to guide you through the New Year, with Christ by your side. Here is a list of 20 powerful Catholic Words for the Year, if you need some ideas! 

"Wait, how do I choose my word?"

I encourage you to pray a quick prayer to the Holy Spirit. Then, scroll through the list of Catholic words below. Which one seems to resonate with you the most?


Amen

We end our prayers with “Amen” not as a way of saying “the end,” but because the word signifies acceptance. When we utter “Amen,” we declare “So be it,” or “Truly it is.” In what ways can you say “Amen” to your life in the New Year? How will you cultivate a spirit of acceptance in the year ahead?


Beloved

God calls his son Jesus beloved, and as children of God, we too are cherished and delighted-in by our Heavenly Father (Matthew 3:17). In what ways will you lean into your identity as a beloved child of God this year? May your knowledge of God’s love for you grow in the New Year. 


Surrender

This is your year to surrender EVERYTHING to Jesus - your worries, your finances, your future, your health, the unknown. May your constant prayer be "O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!" 

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Floral Surrender to Jesus Vinyl Sticker

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"O Jesus, I surrender myself to You. Take care of everything!" This quote is part of the Surrender Novena, and is a beautiful prayer to recite when you'd like to give Jesus all of your trust. Details:• Dishwasher safe &… Read More


Ruah

Ruah is a Hebrew word that means “breath,” which is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. How will you allow the Holy Spirit to breathe truth, beauty and goodness into your life this year? Be receptive to His plans.


Shine

"The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it." No matter how dark things seem, Christ will be victorious and His light cannot be defeated by darkness. How will you shine your light at home, work, school, the community, and within your parish this year? 

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The Light Shines in the Darkness Vinyl Sticker

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"The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it." No matter how dark things seem, Christ will be victorious and His light cannot be defeated by darkness. This sticker would be perfect next to a light… Read More


Sanctus

Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus: Holy, Holy, Holy. We sing this exclamation at Mass as a song of adoration for the God who created heaven and earth full of His glory. How will you honor God who is holy this year? How will you lean into your call to holiness?


AMDG

AMDG (Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam) was St. Ignatius of Loyola’s motto which translates to ‘For the Greater Glory of God.’ How will you strive to seek God in all circumstances and live a life that brings Him glory and honor in the New Year?

AMDG Floral Vinyl Sticker

AMDG Floral Vinyl Sticker

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Display this AMDG vinyl sticker and be reminded to look to God in all circumstances & live a life that brings Him glory and honor. Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (AMDG) was St. Ignatius of Loyola’s motto and translates to "For… Read More


Totus Tuus

Totus Tuus, a Latin phrase meaning “Totally Thine” (or “Totally Yours”) originated in the writings of St. Louis de Montfort, where he wrote to Mary: “Totus tuus ego sum et omnia mea tua sunt” – “I am totally yours and all that I have is yours.” Pope St. John Paul II adopted the phrase as his personal motto. Will you join JPII in embracing a deep commitment to seek Mary's guidance, intercession, and motherly care in the New Year?

Totus Tuus Vinyl Sticker

Totus Tuus Vinyl Sticker

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This "Totus Tuus" sticker is an expression of devotion and symbolizes the complete surrender of oneself to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This Latin phrase and motto of Pope St. John Paul II, meaning "Totally Thine," (totally yours) embraces a deep… Read More


Metanoia

Metanoia means “to have a conversion” or “to turn toward the light” of God. How will you allow God to illuminate and transform your heart this year?

JMJ

JMJ stands for “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.” Will the New Year be the year you choose to honor and be guided by the Holy Family in a whole new way?

JMJ Vinyl Sticker

JMJ Vinyl Sticker

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JMJ stands for "Jesus, Mary, and Joseph," and serves as a symbol of faith, protection, and guidance. Use this vinyl sticker as a reminder of the Holy Family's unwavering presence in your life. Details: • Weatherproof & dishwasher safe! Great… Read More



Salt

As followers of Jesus, we are called to be “salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13), preserving the world from moral and spiritual decay as well as enriching the world’s flavor, or goodness, through love of God and neighbor. How will you act as an agent of preservation and enhancement in the New Year?  

Carried

This year is sure to have its fair share of highs and lows, but rest assured: the Lord will carry you through it all. Lean on Him, and allow yourself to be safely and lovingly carried. (Inspired by Footprints in the Sand prayer)

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Footprints in the Sand Vinyl Sticker

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"It was then that I carried you" – these words from the famous "Footprints in the Sand" poem serve as a great reminder of the love you receive from Jesus, even through your toughest times of suffering. Display this sticker… Read More


Evangelium

Evangelium is the Latin word for Gospel, meaning “good news” and serving as an account of the life, death, resurrection, and teachings of Jesus. Will this year be the year in which the Gospel of Jesus becomes more present in your life? How will you share the good news with others?

Talitha koum

Talitha koum refers to Mark 5:41. “[Jesus] took the child by the hand and said to her, ‘Talitha koum,’ which means, ‘Little girl, I say to you, arise!”  How will you allow Christ to heal the parts of your life that you’d rather keep hidden? Look for ways He is loving you, and trust in His guidance.

Talitha Koum Vinyl Sticker

Talitha Koum Vinyl Sticker

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He took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!” Mark 5:41 Display this sticker as a reminder to trust Christ in all circumstances.Put these waterproof vinyl stickers… Read More



Forgive

Will the New Year be a year of healing? Allow God to transform your heart this year - to fully heal the wounds that are keeping you from being the person He created you to be.


Caritas

The Latin term for charity or love, caritas is one of the three theological virtues, and indeed, the greatest of the virtues. “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13). Let your thoughts, words and actions be guided by “caritas” in the New Year. 


Verso l’alto

Verso l’alto was Bl. Giorgio Frassati’s motto, which means “To the heights!” He once said, “The higher we go, the more we can hear the voice of Christ.” In what ways will you climb higher toward Christ and His will for you in the New Year?

Verso L'alto Vinyl Sticker

Verso L'alto Vinyl Sticker

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Verso L'alto means "to the heights!" and was the phase written on a photograph of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati's last mountain climb which reminds us to always be reaching higher for God. Proudly display this sticker on your water bottle (it's… Read More



Fiat

Fiat meals “let it be done” in Latin and is a word we often use to celebrate and refer to Mary’s YES to God. Let the New Year be the year you lean on your Heavenly Mother for guidance, through her Son. They have amazing plans for you.

Fiat Bouquet Vinyl Sticker

Fiat Bouquet Vinyl Sticker

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Proudly display this classy "Fiat" sticker as a reminder to say YES to God and his beautiful plans for you! (Fiat means "yes" in Latin)Put these waterproof vinyl stickers on your water bottle, laptop, phone, notebooks, or car!Details:• Weatherproof &… Read More


Pax Christi

Pax Christi, Latin for “Peace of Christ,” reminds us that true peace – in our hearts and in the world – comes through Jesus. Is the New Year inviting you to seek Christ’s peace and to be a bearer of Christ’s peace to the world in need?


Reach

Is there something that you're reaching for? Call out to the Lord and allow him to fill in the gaps. Trust that He is taking care of you. Inspired by St. Padre Pio's quote, "Reach up as high as you can today, and God will reach down the rest of the way."  

Reach Up As High As You Can...Vinyl Sticker

Reach Up As High As You Can...Vinyl Sticker

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"Reach up as high as you can today, and God will reach down the rest of the way." Saint Padre Pio was a Capuchin Friar in Italy who bore the wounds of Christ and worked without tiring to bring souls… Read More


Happy New Year, friends. Whatever word you choose (or don’t!) for the New Year, may your next twelve months be blessed ones in which, guided by Christ, you grow in faith, seek truth, and share love. 

Surprise Me! Catholic Word of the Year Vinyl Sticker

Surprise Me! Catholic Word of the Year Vinyl Sticker

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Word of the Year...but make it Catholic! Let us surprise you with a word to guide you through the New Year, with Christ by your side. Each sticker comes with a pamphlet which explains your word & what it’ll mean for… Read More

Goals & Grace Worksheets

Goals & Grace Worksheets

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A sweet & simple guide to help you kick off the week / month / year with big, beautiful goals & God's grace to guide you. This is an instant download PDF that will be sent directly to you via… Read More

260+ Catholic Planning Stickers

260+ Catholic Planning Stickers

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As Catholics, there are so many joyful things to keep track of: feast days, birthdays, Baptism Days, Bible studies, Adoration, coffee outings, Mass, Confession, and sooo much more. Don't let overwhelm steal your joy! The ultimate Catholic Planning stickers are here! Put them… Read More



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