Summer vacation is finally here, and with it comes the promise of sleeping in, enjoying sunny afternoons and taking a much-needed break from the demands of school. While rest is a necessary part of summer break, the time off should also be used for faith formation. Without the structure and familiar routine school days usually bring, spiritual habits can quietly slip into the background. But with a little intention, your child can keep it at the forefront. Here’s how:
Pray Daily
Prayer is one of the simplest yet most powerful habits your child can practice, and the beauty is that it can be done anywhere and at any time. Encourage your child to set a daily prayer goal. Help them determine which times of the day they want to pray alone and together as a family. Remind them that there is no perfect formula for prayer and that what matters most is taking time to speak with God each day. Some easy ways to help your child incorporate prayer into their daily routine include:
- Saying grace before every meal
- Praying in the morning and before bed
- Using prayer cards and prompts
- Praying for wisdom and understanding before reading the Bible
Set Aside Dedicated Bible Study Time
With prayer as a daily anchor, spending time in Scripture becomes a natural next step. During summer break, the days can quickly become busy with traveling, events, family activities and social gatherings. Setting aside time to read or study the Bible provides your child with an opportunity to slow down and stay rooted in God’s Word. Encourage them to set a dedicated time each day, one that fits well into your family’s routine. Give them a journal to write down reflections, questions or prayers, so they can deepen their understanding. It’s also worth keeping a weekly visual or checklist to help them stay on track.
Get More Involved at Church
Church is your child’s spiritual home, and summer break is the perfect time for them to get more involved. From attending a weekday Mass or participating in Eucharistic adoration to becoming an altar server or volunteering for a church event, there’s plenty for your child to do beyond going to Sunday Mass. Even if they simply dedicate themselves to fellowshipping with their peers, they’re taking a big, intentional step in prioritizing faith this summer.
Join a Youth Group
One of the biggest ways children get involved in the church community is by joining the youth group. Youth groups offer a vibrant community of peers all on the same faith journey, and the friendships built in these spaces tend to run deep, rooted in something bigger than themselves. If your child is already involved, encourage them to lean deeper into it. This could mean taking on more leadership opportunities within the group or attending more outreach events.
Attend a Catholic Summer Camp or Retreat
If your child is part of your church’s youth group, this is a great opportunity for them to partake in all the transformative experiences these groups have to offer. Youth groups usually have summer camps and retreats that students can attend to fully immerse themselves in new environments, away from distractions. Along with fun activities and games, summer camps and retreats set aside time for prayer, reflection and meaningful discussions. These experiences are the perfect way to blend summer fun with faith formation!
Serve the Community
There’s nothing more important in the Catholic faith than loving God and loving your neighbor. One of the most powerful ways to do both is through service. With all the extra time on your child’s hands, they have plenty of opportunities to get out into the community and make an impact. Here are some ideas:
- Hand out food at a local food bank
- Visit elderly neighbors at a senior citizen center
- Volunteer at a church outreach event
- Lend a hand at a neighborhood cleanup
- Collect items for a food or clothing drive
At St. Charles Borromeo, we’re always encouraging our students to find ways to live out their faith each day. Located in the Catholic Diocese of Orlando, our Orlando Catholic school is committed to proclaiming the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. We believe in teaching the whole child and helping students grow into well-rounded, contributing members of society who lead with love and integrity. Learn more about our school by contacting us online.