Prepping my PDP with Jesus

As Lilia Grundy braces for her employer’s annual personal development plan, she realizes that creating a spiritual plan is needed as well.

Time for PDPs 

The notification bell sounded off on my PC; a new email had hit my inbox. It was from my employer’s Human Resources department sending the message that the annual personal development plan (PDP) cycle was about to begin.  

It’s that time of year again: June, the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus for us Catholics. But also, the month where many academic employees like me are asked to assess our performance against the work goals that we had set the year prior. 

As I began to think about this yearly process, it got me thinking about how important this check-in period is not only to our working selves, but to our souls as well. During the end of last year, I was called to review my journal with Jesus during an Adoration visit.  

It had occurred to me that I hadn’t formally created a Spiritual Personal Development Plan, but I needed one! Luckily, I had a template to follow. I replicated the form I was given from work to customize my faith goals and progress.  

But before I could begin completing my spiritual PDP, I needed to meet with Jesus. I headed to the Adoration chapel so I could get His insight. 

Starting my Spiritual PDP 

I started with the Church’s Mission since that was the first question on my work PDP form. I referred to the Opus Sanctorum Angelorum® Formation Letters book for inspiration.

“Our mission must be the continuation of His mission: ‘As the Father sent me, so I send you.’” (John 17:18).  

Coincidently, I had just landed at the chapter based on “Misson” as I’m currently navigating toward the Consecration to the Guardian Angel. And my parish priest ‘s latest homily subject at Mass? Mission. I didn’t take these things as an accident — for me, all signs are God-incidences. 

As I glanced at the next instructions on the PDP: “Please list at least 3-5 goals for the upcoming year,” I needed to ensure that my goals would align with His mission. 

“What goals do you want me to set, Lord?" I asked.  

I chuckled to think He would answer me right away, but sure enough, I was compelled to seek out the Corporal Works of Mercy and to connect them with specific people in my life. 

I also felt a tug to reflect on the Church’s Feast days and the need to focus on them more purposefully with my family. Soon enough, I had my spiritual goals to focus on! 

Reviewing my PDP with Jesus 

For so the Lord has commanded us, "I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 13:47)  

Just as supervisors at work encourage employees to consider their individual talents when setting goals, I reflected on how the gifts I have been blessed with could serve as an instrument to further my Spiritual PDP goals. 

During a recent gathering with my friends from church, we all commented how our special meetup following Mass was perfect. It occurred to me that my love for connecting and marketing could bring women together of faith to continue to grow.  

By adding tangible tasks, such as hosting weekly Mass meetups (regardless of whether anyone is able to attend), but offering the invite could provide accountability. I will review this with Jesus at my next Adoration visit as my spiritual check-in. I pray and trust He will keep me on track.  

What would you add to your spiritual PDP?

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Copyright 2025 Lilia Grundy
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