Now that summer has finally arrived, we often change our habits and activities.  Long summer days and nights are filled with fairs and festivals.  We spend more time outdoors. As a result, our priorities change.  Weekend Mass attendance slips. We need to find ways to keep these months holy and prayer-filled.

Ugandan children from CARITAS' Catholic child sponsorship programs. The sun is shining and so is their faith.

Here are 10 suggestions:

1. Attend Mass. Yes, I know that Lent and Easter time are over, but God's graces and the Holy Eucharist are needed always. Remember God is the source of all things good.
2. Experience a new faith community. Vacation doesn't mean vacation from God. While on holiday check out a church in the diocese you are visiting. Neat to see what's different and what's a constant. Masstimes.org helps  Catholics find churches and worship times worldwide. Handy site to keep in mind!
3. Let nature inspire your prayer in thanksgiving of all we have been given. A vibrant prayer life is always essential especially on a warm summer day out in God's splendor. The lyrics of the class hymn "How Great Thou Art" come to mind –
   When through the woods and forest glades I wander
   And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.
   When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur
   And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.
4. Get a headstart with early Morning Mass. Early morning Mass (and not just on Sunday) gives your day a prayerful start. Enjoy the beauty of summer mornings with your faith community.
5. Engage in some stargazing. Warm summer nights provide prayeful viewing of the star-filled heavens. The miracle of our existence is never more apparent. Gather the family on the deck or around the fire pit and have everyone express one aspect of God's creation at which they marvel.
6. Read a spiritually enriching book while reclining in your hammock or lounge chair. What a relaxing way to spend a summer day! Check out the Reflections of Caritas blog every Wednesday for inspiring thoughts and insights on each Sunday's scripture readings.
7. Skip the television reruns. Instead, change your routine to include additional prayer or reflection. Make prayer cards with your kids and have them put them in their rooms so that they'll be reminded to pray during the summer.
8. Reach out to someone in need.  Visit an older person or a shut-in. CARITAS For Children, a Catholic lay apostolate, provides the means to help orphaned and disadvantaged children in need have a brighter future. Involve your kids or grandkids in the experience of sponsoring a child through CARITAS' Catholic child sponsorship programs.
9. Volunteer your time and talents. Many organizations including CARITAS For Children offer great ways to get involved!
10. Slow down and let God in. It's summertime and the livin's easy. Put away the electronics, experience and share God's love with the people around you.