"Take care of your body as if you were going to live forever; and take care of your soul as if you were going to die tomorrow" (Saint Augustine).

About Your Program

In our modern world, so much emphasis is placed on our bodies that we often overlook the importance of our souls. While our bodily lives on this earth are fleeting, our souls are immortal. Are you taking proper care to nourish your eternal soul? 
 
This spiritual personal training program applies the behavioral techniques and lifestyle modifications used by athletes to help you strengthen your faith. The exercises are designed to facilitate orienting your life toward God. Your soul training will feature targeted reflections, faith-based suggestions, charitable tasks, and helpful resources. 

About Your Trainer

Jacqueline has her own business as a certified strength and conditioning specialist and personal trainer in New York City for over 30 years. She serves on Parish Council and as an Usher at Saint Joseph’s Church in Greenwich Village. She is an Adorer at the Divine Mercy Adoration Chapel. She also volunteers for the Dominican Healthcare Ministry, where she assists with administrative operations and is commissioned as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion for the elderly and infirm. Jacqueline earned her Bachelor of Science from Cornell University and her Master of Science in Church Management from Villanova School of Business.

Your Trainer

Helpful Tips​

(Click Tips to Expand)

Content for this program is developed from a distinctly Catholic perspective. Non-Catholics can benefit by using the topics for general self improvement.

Be patient with yourself. Meaningful, long-term change is difficult but worth the effort.

Understand that repetition is necessary to solidify your healthy habit as your default disposition. To that end, monthly and weekly content should become part of your daily routine.

As with personal training, you are encouraged to work at your own level of skill and pace:

Beginner

Start slowly if the topic is new to you. Build on your progress over time.

Advanced

If you are already incorporating the habit into your life, think about how you can develop it further. Consider offering helpful suggestions to the group by leaving a comment.

If you skip a day, resume as soon as you can. 

You can review previous “Habit Forming” entries by accessing the “Monthly Posts” blog page when you click “Continue Reading.” At the end of the current post, use the left arrow to navigate through previous entries. 

At the bottom of the “Weekly Challenge” page, click the button to “Review Previous Challenges.” 

On the “Our Daily Bread” page, click the tag on the upper right corner of the daily entry that says “Agenda View.” Select “Month View,” and click on the date that you missed. Exit the section by clicking the small blue “X” in the upper right corner.

We all need help! You have the support of this community and your supernatural guides. Pray that you become open to growing in faith, accepting God’s grace, and doing His will. Ask the angels and saints to advocate on your behalf.

Don’t discontinue your efforts at the end of the month. Growing in virtue is a lifelong process.

Record your intentions and goals so you can chart your growth over time. Write down important thoughts and feelings. Refer back to them when you need extra motivation. 

These topics and suggestions are designed to help you progress on your faith journey. They are not intended to replace organized worship. Rather, they are meant to supplement your participation by fostering a richer spiritual understanding and a fuller involvement in your religious community.

This program focuses on developing healthy habits. For actual religious teaching and advice, please consult an ordained priest for resources and suggestions.

“A joyful heart is the health of the body, but a depressed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22).

Copyright © 2024 alleluia.nyc