From the USCCB site:
To honor the fiftieth anniversary of the Second Vatican Council and the twentieth anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church,
Pope Benedict XVI has announced a Year of Faith, starting October 11
and ending November 24, 2013. The goal is to strengthen the faith of
Catholics and draw the world to faith by their example.
Bishop David Ricken of Green Bay,
Wisconsin, chairman of the Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis of
the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, offers “10 Ways Catholics Can
Live the Year of Faith.” Rooted in guidelines from the Vatican’s
Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, some of these suggestions
are already requirements for Catholics; others can be embraced by
Catholics at all times and especially during the Year of Faith:
1. Participate in Mass.
The Year of Faith is meant to promote the personal encounter with Jesus.
This occurs most immediately in the Eucharist. Regular Mass attendance
strengthens one’s faith through the Scriptures, the Creed, other
prayers, sacred music, the homily, receiving Communion and being part of
a faith community.
2. Go to Confession. Like
going to Mass, Catholics find strength and grow deeper in their faith
through participation in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation.
Confession urges people to turn back to God, express sorrow for falling
short and open their lives to the power of God’s healing grace. It
forgives the injuries of the past and provides strength for the future.
3.
Learn about the lives of the saints.
The saints are timeless examples of how to live a Christian life, and
they provide endless hope. Not only were they sinners who kept trying to
grow closer to God, but they also exemplify ways a person can serve
God: through teaching, missionary work, charity, prayer and simply
striving to please God in the ordinary actions and decisions of daily
life.
4. Read the Bible daily. Scripture offers first-hand
access to the Word of God and tells the story of human salvation.
Catholics can pray the Scriptures (through lectio divina or other methods) to become more attuned to the Word of God. Either way, the Bible is a must for growth in the Year of Faith.
5. Read the documents of Vatican II. The
Second Vatican Council (1962-65) ushered in a great renewal of the
Church. It impacted how Mass is celebrated, the role of the laity, how
the Church understands itself and its relationship with other Christians
and non-Christians. To continue this renewal, Catholics must understand
what the Council taught and how it enriches the lives of believers.