Catholic Faith Formation Resources

Various writers of spirituality and psychology have often explored the concepts of the "True Self" and the "false self." Follows is some information to help you understand these concepts: The "True Self" represents a person's authentic identity, free from external influences and societal pressures. It is the core of who you truly are in the sight of God. It is a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. At the depth of your being, "your True Self is love. Love is both who you are and who you are still becoming." 1 Your True Self is understood as the authentic identity that God has created and intended for you. It is discovered through desiring and seeking a deep, personal relationship with God. As Saint Augustine wrote, "You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” This involves recognizing that your true identity and inherent dignity is in being a beloved child of God, created in...

Finally, brothers [and sisters], whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you " (Philippians 4:8-9) In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in negative thought patterns, often referred to as "stinking thinking."* These thoughts can cloud your judgment, affect your mood, and ultimately hinder your spiritual growth. Negative thinking can arise from viewing situations in all-or-nothing, "either/or" terms, without recognizing any gray areas or middle ground; focusing solely on the negative aspects of a situation while ignoring the positive; minimizing positive experiences; making negative assumptions about people or conditions without evidence; expecting the worst po...