When the final school bell rings in June, a collective sigh of relief echoes through our homes. Routines soften, bedtimes slide, and the calendar opens up for long-awaited family road trips, campouts, and lazy afternoons on the patio.
But while school routines take a well-deserved summer hiatus, our relationship with God shouldn’t go on vacation.
In fact, summer offers a beautiful, unique opportunity to step out of the routine of “checking the box” and step into a living, breathing faith. As a small Catholic school community, we often talk about building the Domestic Church—the faith alive inside your home. This summer, we challenge you to take that church on the road.
Here are a few simple, stress-free ways to bring the pews to the patio and keep your family’s faith vibrant all summer long.
1. Make Mass an Adventure (The “MassTimes” Challenge)
One of the most beautiful aspects of being Catholic is that the Mass is universal. Whether you are in a small mountain town, a bustling coastal city, or a campground, Christ is there.
Before you head out on a trip, sit down with the kids and open MassTimes.org (or download the app). Type in your destination’s zip code and let the kids help pick which local parish you will visit on Sunday.
- The Fun Factor: Treat it like an adventure. Every Catholic church has its own unique architecture, holy art, and community culture. Afterward, grab donuts or ice cream locally and ask the kids what they noticed was different—and what was exactly the same—as our home parish.
2. The Dashboard Rosary & Road Trip Intercessions
Long car rides can easily devolve into “Are we there yet?” and screen-time overload. Use the miles to your spiritual advantage.
Keep a rosary on the dashboard. You don’t have to pray all five decades at once (which can be tough for younger kids). Instead, pray a single decade together when you cross a state line or hit a milestone in your journey.
- The Conversation Starter: Before you start driving, ask everyone in the car to name one person or intention they want to pray for during the trip. Praying for a sick relative, a friend from school, or even for safe travels teaches kids that God is a constant companion on their journey.
3. Patio Prayers & Stargazing
You don’t have to travel across the country to experience God’s creation. Some of the best summer moments happen right in your backyard.
On a clear summer night, lay a blanket on the patio and look up at the stars. It is the perfect setting to read a psalm together (Psalm 8 or Psalm 19 are wonderful places to start). Remind your children that the same God who flung those stars into space knows them intimately and loves them completely.
- The Nighttime Routine: Swap a standard bedtime prayer for a “Highs, Lows, and Graces” discussion on the patio. Ask each child: What was the best part of today (High)? What was the hardest part (Low)? Where did you see God’s goodness today (Grace)?
4. Celebrate “Summer Saints”
Summer is packed with incredible feast days that are perfect for family celebrations. You don’t need a formal lesson plan—just a little creativity!
- July 14 (St. Kateri Tekakwitha): The patron saint of the environment. Celebrate by taking a family hike, picking up litter in a local park, and praying for the care of God’s creation.
- July 26 (Sts. Joachim and Anne): Jesus’ grandparents! Use this day to call, write a letter, or visit your children’s grandparents, thanking God for the legacy of family.
- August 15 (The Assumption): A major holy day! Celebrate the Blessed Mother by buying or picking flowers for your kitchen table, or enjoying a traditional Italian feast or a sweet treat after Mass.
A Note for the Journey
God gave us the summer to rest, recharge, and marvel at the beauty of His world. By weaving small moments of prayer and faith into your summer plans, you show your children that our faith isn’t just a school-year subject—it’s a way of life.
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