You, Summer, and Jesus
HAPPY SUMMER BREAK Y’ALL! It’s that time of the year again when school’s out and you sit at home and watch Netflix all day! Just kidding….don’t be a couch potato. Summer is a time to go do something active! You aren’t sitting in a classroom anymore…go do stuff! Not only is it important to be physically active, but spiritually active too! A lot of times when summer hits we get lax in our prayer life. I get it! You’re out of school. It’s super hot. All you want is a swimming pool, lots of snacks, and your friends. Believe it or not, you can incorporate all that into prayer! Here are some suggestions (aside from Sunday mass) on how to keep your faith strong this summer!
Daily Mass
You aren’t in school anymore…NO EXCUSES! I started going to daily mass over the summer in high school, and I loved it! Daily mass is an awesome way to grow in your relationship with Christ, receive the beautiful sacrament of the Eucharist, AND it’s shorter than a Sunday mass! You can’t tell me you don’t have 30-45 minutes to spare at least once a week other than Sunday for Mass.
Prayer Routine
Making a routine out of each day for prayer is ESSENTIAL in the summer! It is necessary every day of your life, however summer is that vortex of time where you forget days, and next thing you know it, you’re thinking Mondays are Saturdays! Make sure each morning when you get up, you give your day to God. Maybe make sure to pray a rosary once a week. Whatever routine you choose, make sure to stick to it!
Book club!...No seriously it works.
Pick a book that you actually WILL LIKE to read this summer! Summer reading can be annoying and boring, so having a book you can use as your relaxing book will not only ease the summer reading list blues, but will also help you learn more about your spirituality!
Want some good reads? Try these!
Tattoos on the Heart by Gregory Boyle
Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis
Wild at Heart by John Eldredge
A Second Look: Encountering the True Jesus by Mark Hart
Get to Know your Scripture
The Bible is a big book, but summer time is the perfect time to dive into it! Try setting a goal for yourself, like reading the whole New Testament or a specific book in the Bible this summer. If you have questions, then talk to your pastor, youth minister, or someone you know who has some good biblical knowledge in them! God speaks to us all differently through His word. Go online to usccb.org for the daily scripture readings from mass. Now is the perfect time to dive in, break out your journal, and listen up! Ladies: Blessed is She is a great website for daily readings devotions! Check it out: Blessed is She
Get out of here! Literally!
Plan a fun day away with your family or friends to a church you’ve never been to! Try going to Sedona or Flagstaff on your own mini pilgrimage. Make sure to have some silent time at whatever church you find. Are you already going on vacation? Research some cool Catholic spots in that area! Try to check out the local basilica or see if they have any missions at your destination.
Accountability Partners
Don’t go into summer alone. Make a game plan with your friends and/or family of how you’re going to help each other this summer! Have a weekly activity planned, like meeting up for ice cream after mass. Know a friend who can play guitar? Have a praise and worship pool party! Make it your own!
So get out there, get praying, and have an awesome faith filled summer!
About the Author
Maria Barone
I’m just your typical Italian-American, Buffalo-born, puppy-lovin’, adventure seeking, Catholic girl that actually isn’t that typical. I’m always ready to travel the world and learn new things while staying true to myself, my roots, and my faith. If you wanna see just how crazy I am go ahead and follow me on instagram @ria21993 or on Pinterest at ria223!
