You wake up in the morning. The first thing you reach for is your phone.
A few messages, a quick scroll through social media, maybe a couple of videos… and suddenly twenty minutes are gone.
Most of us don’t plan to ignore God. But in a world filled with constant notifications, endless content, and busy schedules, distraction has quietly become part of daily life.
As a young Catholic involved in youth gatherings, fellowship groups, and parish activities, I’ve heard many people say something similar:
“I really want to grow closer to God… but I get distracted so easily.”
The truth is, our generation is not less spiritual, we are just surrounded by more noise than ever before.
But God hasn’t stopped calling us.
And seasons like Lent remind us that returning to Him doesn’t require perfection, it simply requires a willing heart.
So how can we stay rooted in God while living in one of the most distracted generations in history?
Here are seven simple but practical ways that can help.
7 Practical Ways Young Catholics Can Stay Close To Christ
1. Start your day with God before your phone
For many of us, the first voice we hear each morning is the internet.
Notifications, messages, and social media fill our minds before we even pause to acknowledge God.
But Jesus reminds us:
“Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.”
Matthew 6:33
Even a short prayer before checking your phone can change the tone of your whole day.
Try something simple. Before unlocking your phone, take one minute to thank God for the new day and ask Him to guide you.
2. Stay connected to a faith community
Faith becomes difficult when we try to live it alone.
One of the biggest blessings in my life has been being part of youth groups, fellowship gatherings, and parish activities. These spaces allow people to talk honestly about their faith, struggles, and questions.
Sometimes just hearing someone say, “I struggle with that too,” can be very encouraging.
The early Christians lived this way:
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship.”
Acts 2:42
Faith grows stronger when we walk together.
3. Create moments of silence
Our world rarely slows down.
Music, videos, conversations, and notifications constantly fill the silence. But many times God speaks to us in quiet moments.
Jesus Himself stepped away from the crowds to pray:
“Very early in the morning… Jesus went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”
Mark 1:35
Even ten minutes of quiet prayer can help calm your mind and reconnect your heart with God.
Sometimes the most powerful moments happen in silence.
4. Replace some screen time with Scripture
Most of us spend a lot of time consuming content that we forget very quickly.
But God’s Word works differently.
Scripture does not just give information, it shapes our hearts.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Psalm 119:105
Try replacing even ten minutes of scrolling with a short passage from the Gospel. Over time, this will start changing the way you think.
5. Remember who you are in Christ
One of the biggest struggles for young people today is identity.
Social media constantly shows us unrealistic images of success, beauty, and popularity. It can make us feel like we are always falling short.
But our identity does not come from the internet. It comes from God.
The Catechism reminds us:
“The dignity of the human person is rooted in his creation in the image and likeness of God.”
Catechism of the Catholic Church (1700)
When you remember that you are created and loved by God, the opinions of the world start losing their power.
6. Bring your imperfections to God
Sometimes we feel like we must become perfect before we can grow closer to God.
But that’s not true.
None of us is perfect. Even while serving in youth ministry, volunteering at church events, or helping with parish activities, I still face distractions and struggles.
But God never asks for perfection. He asks for your heart.
“My grace is sufficient for you.”
2 Corinthians 12:9
Faith grows when we bring our struggles to God honestly instead of hiding them.
7. Practice small daily faithfulness
Growing closer to God usually doesn’t happen through one big moment.
It happens through small daily choices.
A short prayer
Attending Mass
Helping someone in need
Encouraging a friend
Serving the Church
These small things slowly build a strong foundation.
Lent reminds us of this in a simple way. Through prayer, sacrifice, and reflection, we learn to center our lives again on God.
Distractions may be everywhere today, but they don’t have to control our faith.
God is still present in prayer, in Scripture, in the sacraments, and in the people around us.
When we choose Him daily, even in small ways, our lives begin to change.
And sometimes, one person staying rooted in Christ can help others find their way back, too.
Books To Help Catholic Teens Stay Close To Christ
Holy Habits for Catholic Teens
How to Find Your Soulmate Without Losing Your Soul
Emotional Virtue: A Guide to Drama-Free Relationships
Theology of Her Body, Revised Edition/Theology of His Body, Revised Edition (2 Books, 1 Volume)
Dating Detox: 40 Days of Perfecting Love in an Imperfect World
