Faith and Fun Filled Summer

Summer is here! On this playlist, you will find ways to help families connect with their Catholic faith during the summer months. Summer is a wonderful time to find God in the everyday.

Over the summer, parents often have the joy of more interaction with their kids when school and homework have faded into mere memory. Long road trips, lazy pool days, car rides to the movie theater, and walks to the park take residence on our calendars instead. Such fertile soil for fun chats! here are some questions to get you started,

What made you laugh today?
When did you help someone recently?
What’s been a challenging part of your day?
How have you experienced God or where have you seen God?

Summer Vacation Prayer

No more homework, no more tests.
No more getting up for school.
No more book reports or studying.
My summer vacation begins today!
I'm so happy and I'm so free.
I want to read and get up late.
I want to ride my bike and swim.
I want to play more with my friends.
Please bless my summer days, dear God.
Keep me safe and happy.

from Loyola Kids Book of Everyday Prayers

Enjoy the Water: Get out your child’s baptismal candle and light it each week. Talk about the importance of baptism, the waters of new life, and the light of Christ they received. Go swimming, do water activities or have rainy-day fun to make the connection to Christ as the “living water” who saves us.
Enjoy the Time: Summer gives us more light and, usually, more outdoor time together. Plan a once-a-week outdoor meal. Begin with a family prayer — one you’ve written together.
Enjoy the Events: Summer is a time of special events like reunions, parades, fairs, ballgames, and concerts. Each time you attend an event, make a list of the blessings you received. Say a short prayer for the success of the event before you go.
Summer Family Picnic: Planning Guide Here
Flat Jesus Project: Take Flat Jesus with you on your summer adventures! While Jesus is with us always, it is fun to have a visual reminder of His presence with us. The concept of Flat Jesus is inspired by the children’s book series, “Flat Stanley,” by Jeff Brown. As Stanley helped with literacy and geography, Flat Jesus will help us stay connected with our faith and the idea that we are indeed a Universal Church. We want to see and hear about your adventures with Jesus and share them on social media! Write about and/or send photos and short videos to us throughout the summer to stmarysff@syrdio.org. Download Flat Jesus HERE