By Don Stubbings, Director of SCL Associates
New Year’s resolutions: we all make them. Whether it is to eat better, exercise more, or become more organized, many of us find that by January 14, we have slipped back into old habits. In fact, 92% of those who make resolutions never follow through. Part of the challenge is that most resolutions are self-focused. While personal improvement is valuable, a you-versus-you commitment affects your own life, and you are its one and only counsel.
But what if our resolutions connected us to something greater, something that serves others and strengthens our community? Whether it means volunteering at a food pantry, ministering to the sick, or stepping out of your comfort zone to visit the incarcerated, these acts of service matter. When you miss a workout or sneak a piece of your favorite cake, the consequences are personal. However, when you fail to answer your commitment to serve, the impact extends far beyond yourself; it reaches the entire community.
Become the 8%
As we consider resolutions that extend beyond ourselves, the charism of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, along with those who share their mission as Associates, provides a meaningful roadmap for the year ahead. Rooted in the courage of Mother Xavier Ross and guided by the Vincentian tradition, their charism invites us to adopt resolutions not just for personal betterment, but for the good of those we are called to serve. Instead of asking how we might improve our own lives, the SCL spirit prompts us to ask: Whose lives might be lifted because of me this year?
To decide to serve with compassion, to accompany with humility, and to recognize Christ in every person we encounter; these are resolutions that cannot be abandoned by mid-January, because they shape the very heart of our Community. As Sisters and Associates, we are challenged to weave these commitments into our daily routines, so that each act of kindness, justice, and mercy becomes a living expression of our New Year’s promise. By embracing the SCL charism, our resolutions become more than goals; they become a shared call to transform the communities around us.
And yet, we know that not all can volunteer in person or participate in ministries that require physical presence. The beauty of the SCL charism lies in its recognition of multiple paths to service and presence, each one essential to the mission. For those who cannot be on the front lines, a New Year’s resolution can take the form of intentional prayer, lifting up the needs of our local communities, our nation, and our world. Prayer becomes an act of solidarity, joining our hearts with those who suffer and with those who serve.
Advocacy, too, is a powerful expression of charity: raising awareness, supporting just policies for our planet, affordable healthcare, and food security, and using our voices to stand with the marginalized are all critical. These commitments may be quieter, but they are no less important, and most would say they are the most important.
In the spirit of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, we are reminded that every person, regardless of ability or circumstance, can resolve to make a difference. Through prayer, presence, and advocacy, we continue to carry the mission forward, ensuring that our resolutions radiate hope far beyond ourselves.
In 2026, ask yourself: do you want to be part of the 92% or the resilient 8%? I say, eat the cake, serve, and pray for those who need us the most.
Loving God,
As Sisters and Associates, we step into this new year together,
seeking to ignite the fire of our charism.
Help us stand with all who long for safety, shelter, food,
and with those unjustly displaced from their homes and communities.
Ground us in prayer that deepens our listening and leads us into peace.
Strengthen our trust in you and let our hearts move our feet.
May we walk this year with courage and compassion,
advocating for justice and working to end the suffering in our world.
Amen.
