Growing in faith during the summer months

Summer can be a time of relaxation and rejuvenation in celebration of all that is good in life. Families come together for vacations, and there is a great deal of enjoyment in experiencing warmer weather and time for rest and refreshment. With this said, summer is a time, also, to continue the faith journey and to grow in faith during the summer months. Below are a few ways to place faith at the forefront during summer vacation months.

Attending Mass

The Mass is the highest form of prayer, and it is a celebration of the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. It has been said by many a priest that when families go away for a vacation, there are times when making it to Mass is often pushed aside. Attending Mass weekly and exercising one’s faith during summer vacations is one of the most important ways to grow in faith during the summer months. Although we may take a vacation, we should not “take a vacation from our faith”. MassTimes.Org is a good way to investigate the churches which are close to the area of your vacation to be sure that you and your family will not miss Mass while away from home.

Summer reading

Summer reading and Bible Studies are a perfect way to stay close to the Lord during the summer months. Whether this is done one-on-one or in a group session, setting aside a weekly time to read and reflect help us to stay grounded in our faith. Summer reading is also relaxing and a way to unwind in enjoying the warmer summer weather.

Visiting churches and shrines

Visting various churches and shrines in your area is a beautiful way not only in planning a day out for exploration but also to grow in your faith and prayer life. Usually within an hour radius, you can find several churches and shrines to visit. This is a fun event for families since oftentimes shrines have beautiful grounds for walking, as well. Research online and plan a daytrip for yourself and/or your family or friends. These are ways to grow in faith during the summer months in order to love and serve Lord more fully. In addition, daily prayer including time for reflection will enhance your faith and enable your to reap the benefits of a renewed relationship with Christ and his Church.