Summer brings longer days, looser routines, and often, a much-needed break from work or school. But as Catholics, our call to holiness doesn’t take a vacation. In fact, summer can be the perfect time to deepen our spiritual life—with less noise, more flexibility, and opportunities to sanctify even our leisure.
Whether you're heading to the mountains, the beach, or just slowing down at home, here are some practical ways to stay rooted in your faith and spiritually refreshed this season.
1. Bring Your Faith With You
Just as you pack your swimsuit or hiking boots, pack something for your soul. Carve out time each day—even just 10 minutes—for prayer or spiritual reading.
Recommended Reads from Scepter:
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The Way by St. Josemaría Escrivá – With short, piercing reflections, this book is ideal for prayerful moments in between activities.
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In Conversation with God (Summer Volumes) by Francis Fernández – These daily meditations follow the liturgical calendar and are written specifically for laypeople living busy lives.
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Time for God by Fr. Jacques Philippe – A brief, profound guide to making space for mental prayer—perfect for beginning or rebooting a summer prayer habit.
2. Make Travel Time Holy Time
Long car rides, airport waits, or lazy beach hours can become moments of grace with a little intentionality. Try listening to a spiritual audiobook, praying the Rosary, or reflecting quietly on a passage from a saint.
If you're traveling with others, share a quote or a thought from your spiritual reading—it can spark surprising and meaningful conversations.
Pocket-sized pick:
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The Way of the Cross by St. Josemaría Escrivá – This fits easily into any travel bag and provides meditative prayers to unite small travel inconveniences with Christ’s suffering.
3. Attend Mass (Even in a New Zip Code)
One of the most grounding habits you can keep while on vacation is going to Sunday (or even daily) Mass. Discovering a new parish, joining a different community in prayer, or seeing beautiful churches can be a reminder of the Church’s universality and unity.
Use websites like masstimes.org to find parishes nearby.
4. Let Nature Lead You to God
Vacations often bring us closer to nature—mountains, lakes, oceans, or open skies. Let these awe-inspiring scenes become moments of contemplation. The beauty of creation is meant to draw our hearts to the Creator.
As St. Josemaría wrote in Furrow,
“A son of God should not be content with just any activity. He should want to do everything perfectly, for love of God.” (Furrow, 495)
Even resting well and appreciating beauty can be done with intentional love.
5. Keep a Spiritual Journal
Summer is a natural time to reflect on where you've been—and where you're going. What graces has God given you this year so far? What areas of your spiritual life need renewal?
Use a simple notebook to jot down moments of clarity, struggles in prayer, or insights from your reading. Over time, this becomes a treasure trove of spiritual progress.
You don’t need a chapel to be in communion with God. With a few tools and a bit of intentionality, your summer can be more than relaxing—it can be sanctifying.
So grab your sunscreen, say your Rosary, and let the slower rhythms of summer draw you deeper into the heart of Christ.
Ready to pack your soul bag?
Explore our collection of travel-friendly Catholic books at Scepter Publishers.
