Can 5-Minute Faith Breaks Make You Holier?

For seizing blessed minutes of Catholic nourishment throughout a busy day, Kathie Scott-Avery suggests these free online audio resources.

Concerns raised about electronic consumption are valid, and I try to limit my digital dives. Yet there’s no doubt my devices play a significant role in my life. One of the most important is for quick injections of faith. Each of the following suggestions takes about five minutes to listen to — without setting your audio to warp speed. They also fit in easily with doing simple tasks. Just think of what you can learn while brushing your teeth! Some are videos, but none require eyes on the screen. Those listed are ones I try to listen to daily; while not exactly on par with Liturgy of the Hours, it can help a busy mom pray through the day! 

Joyful Noise 

I went through a period during high school when I “just had to” listen to John Denver’s "Farewell Andromeda (Welcome to My Morning)" before dashing out to catch the school bus. I wasn’t consciously pursuing a joyful start to the day, but it happened.  

Fast forward to a busier and more complicated life (although, I know, what could be more complicated than high school?!). On retreat, uplifting music brought back that memory and I realized our home at that time was lacking in joyful noise of the harmonic kind. So music became more intentional, and specifically Catholic. And definitely uplifting so that, when humming it later in the day, it would be rejuvenating.  

Need some options?  I have a few favorites from Matt Maher, such as "Run to the Father," "Your Grace is Enough," or "The Lord’s Prayer." Seph Schleuter has gained popularity, particularly with "Counting My Blessings." I also love his fun and relatable video for "Steady Love" — the only exception I’ve made lately to “no eyes on screen.” And Sarah Kroger’s "Belovedness" is a beautiful reminder of God's love; even on the craziest of days, I smile when I’m reminded of that. 

First Fruits 

The Morning Offering Prayer sets my spiritual compass for the day, and I particularly like saying it along with Father Brad Doyle of MorningOffering.com, a production of Good Catholic, the media division of The Catholic Company. In addition to the prayer, Father Brad provides a short commentary related to the day’s readings. He’s sometimes a little goofy, and I like that. 

Daily Readings 

Speaking of the readings, each day, an audio version of them, along with the responsorial psalm, and Gospel can be accessed on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ website, USCCB.org. 

Reflections 

In addition to those Mass readings, the USCCB offers a video reflection based on the day’s Scripture. 

Another option, Daily Reflections, is among several of the free resources on the Ascension app. (There are many features available with a paid subscription, of course.) Once the free version of the app is downloaded, the link for the reflection can be found on the home page. Each day, a different person from a variety of locations and Church ministries provides insights on the readings. 

Role Model (Saint of the Day) 

There are so many saints, and their lives and lessons are fascinating! To glimpse how they lived the faith so generously and joyfully — and how I might too — I can turn to Franciscan Media Saint of the Day. Click on the picture of the featured saint, and that will refresh the page so that the link to audio becomes available. Then scroll below the picture for the audio link and hear the brief but inspiring biography. 

Five Minutes with Catholic Mom

Discover the best of CatholicMom.com's content in the Catholic Mom Audio Digest, a 5-minute minicast filled with encouragement for moms and families. You can subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts.

A Peaceful End to the Day 

When the day is finally quieting down, I turn to Night Prayer with Father Matlak for a prayer, reflection, and brief examination of conscience. Like Morning Prayer, this is also a production of Good Catholic, of The Catholic Company.  

While they don't replace the beauty of longer periods of prayer, study, and contemplation, these practices, while brief, provide opportunities and reminders to revel in the constancy, wisdom, and love of Our God. 

Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2025 Kathie Scott-Avery
Images: Canva