Tips for Summer Months

​Praised be Jesus Christ!
 
The summer months can be a refreshing change of pace for us.  Many, including your pastor, take some vacation, or at least try to enjoy more of the outdoors.  Doing some traveling or experiencing a change of pace can be a very good thing.  It’s an opportunity for us to be more reflective of the ways God is speaking to us and working in our lives.  We can be renewed.  On the other hand, the change of pace can also be an occasion for us to be neglectful of our spiritual lives.  Don’t let this happen.  Here are a few tips or goals to consider as we enter into the summer months:
 

1. Make it a priority to attend Mass every weekend, especially while you are traveling or on vacation.  By doing so, we keep Christ and the Lord’s Day at the center of our lives.  Going to Mass at another parish while we are out of town is also an opportunity to experience the worship of another community and get a broader sense of the universal Catholic Church to which we belong.  If you are traveling with friends or family who may not be Catholic or may not be practicing their faith, announcing in advance that you will be going to Mass on Sunday and inviting anyone who wishes to go with you is a wonder opportunity to give witness to your faith.  Do your homework before you leave.  You can easily find out online where are the closest Catholic churches and Mass times to your travel destination.
2. Pick out a book or two for some spiritual reading for the summer – perhaps something devotional, the life of a saint, or something that will educate you more about some aspect of our Faith.  See the Lighthouse Media Kiosk at St. Mary’s or check out Formed.org.
3. While you are traveling, make it a point to stop at a nearby holy site – perhaps a shrine, or monastery, or famous church.  Take a tour or walk the grounds.  Often the gift shops of such places have a good selection of Catholic spiritual reading resources as well.
4. This is also a great time to clean out your closets of things you no longer need.  Make a donation of useful items to St. Vincent’s.  Or, if you have a garage sale, consider donating the proceeds to a worthy charity.
5. Make it a point to do some act of charity or work of mercy throughout the summer.  Who do you know that would appreciate a visit or some help around their home?

 
Peace and blessings to you and your family this summer!