The journey of faith is a continuous pursuit of deeper understanding and connection with God. For Ukrainian Catholics, this journey is enriched by the rich traditions, spirituality, and teachings of the Eastern Catholic Church. One impactful way to embrace this journey is by establishing a monthly reading schedule focused on Christian-themed books that align with the principles of Ukrainian Catholicism. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through essential tips to help you begin a monthly reading plan tailored to your Ukrainian Catholic beliefs, fostering spiritual growth and a deeper connection with God.

1. Set Clear Intentions

Begin with a clear intention of why you want to embark on a monthly reading schedule. Reflect on your desire to grow spiritually, understand the Eastern Catholic traditions, and strengthen your relationship with God.

2. Define Your Reading Goals

Identify specific goals you want to achieve through your reading journey. Are you seeking to learn more about the Divine Liturgy, deepen your understanding of Ukrainian Catholic spirituality, or explore the lives of Eastern saints? Defining your goals will help you curate a relevant reading list. For some people, setting a goal is creating a time limit of reading a minimum of 20 minutes a day. For others, it’s reading a book a month. When you’re first starting out, set realistic expectations, and once you get into the habit of reading, increase your goals over time. 

3. Utilize Eparchy of Edmonton’s Resource Library

The Eparchy of Edmonton’s Resource Library offers a valuable collection of Christian-themed books and resources tailored to Ukrainian Catholics. Browse their curated selection to find books on Ukrainian Catholic spirituality, liturgical traditions, and more. Their diverse range of materials can help you discover relevant books that align with your reading goals, making your monthly reading schedule even more enriching and in tune with your faith. Our Resource Library has more than 6,000 English and Ukrainian resources that can be found and picked up at the Pastoral Centre on 9645 – 108 Avenue NW, Monday to Friday 8:30 am –12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm. 7 Resources can be signed out at once for a total of 21 days.

4. Curate a Diverse Reading List

Select a variety of Christian-themed books that align with Ukrainian Catholicism. Incorporate works on liturgical theology, Byzantine spirituality, the lives of Ukrainian saints, and the rich symbolism of iconography. To start, visit our Resource Library to view our recommended reading lists or read some of our articles for suggestions here: 

10 Great Books for Ukrainian Catholics to Read

7 Popular Books at the Resource Library

8 Great Catholic Books for the Family

10 Great Children’s Books for Ukrainian Catholic Families

5. Start Small and Allocate Time Regularly

As you begin, opt for a manageable reading pace. Choose a single book for the month to ease into the routine. As you become more comfortable, you can gradually increase the number of books per month. Allocate a specific time in your daily or weekly routine dedicated to reading. Consistency is key, whether it’s during your morning quiet time, before bed, or during breaks. Having a dedicated slot ensures you prioritize your reading schedule.

6. Embrace Liturgical Seasons

Align your reading schedule with the liturgical seasons of the Ukrainian Catholic Church. During Lent, for example, focus on books that emphasize penitence and spiritual reflection, while Advent could be a time for anticipatory and joyful readings. Explore books that delve into the unique aspects of Ukrainian Catholicism. Look for works that highlight the significance of the Eastern Divine Liturgy, explore the theology of Eastern icons, and uncover the lives of Ukrainian saints.

7. Take Notes and Reflect

Keep a notebook handy to jot down key insights, personal reflections, and questions that arise while reading. This practice encourages active engagement and fosters a deeper connection with the content. Consider joining or forming a reading group with fellow Ukrainian Catholics. Engaging in group discussions allows for a shared learning experience, diverse perspectives, and a sense of community.

8. Create a Comfortable Reading Space

Designate a cozy and peaceful reading space where you can immerse yourself in the texts without distractions. A comfortable environment enhances your reading experience and allows for deeper reflection. 

Starting a monthly reading schedule for Ukrainian Catholics is an exciting step toward nurturing your faith and deepening your connection with the Ukrainian Catholic Church. By setting intentions, defining your goals, curating a diverse reading list, and embracing liturgical seasons, you’re embarking on a journey of spiritual growth and discovery. Remember that this journey isn’t about rushing through books, but about allowing the teachings to enrich your relationship with God and strengthen your Ukrainian Catholic identity. May your reading schedule become a source of inspiration, knowledge, and a closer connection to your faith.