During the summer, many parishioners from inland parishes take time to relax and recharge. Some head down the shore to popular destinations like Cape May, Avalon, Stone Harbor, Ocean City or Sea Isle – just to name a few.
Others explore different parts of the United States, while some travel abroad. Wherever your summer takes you, please remember to attend Sunday Mass. There are Catholic churches almost everywhere, and I’d be happy to help you find one – just reach out!
As we nourish our bodies and minds during our time away, let’s also nurture our souls. Don’t forget to make time for personal and family prayer. Without prayer, we can feel aimless and unfulfilled. How often have we heard someone say, “I need another vacation after my vacation!”?
Prayer – both personal and communal – is essential for spiritual renewal. I promise you: If you take time to feed your mind, body and soul while on vacation, you’ll return home feeling more refreshed and fulfilled.
Summer is also a wonderful time to reflect on your calling – your vocation – not just your vacation! The word “vocation” comes from the Latin vocare, meaning “to call.” Each of us is called by God to a unique path: holy marriage, single blessedness, priesthood or consecrated religious life.
I’d like to share this beautiful prayer from Vianney Vocations:
Prayer To Know My Vocation
Lord, I want to be happy in this life and spend eternity with You in the life to come.
From the first moment of my existence, You knew my vocation. Please help me discover Your plan for my life.
Help me to know myself.
Help me to overcome my fears.
Help me to want what You want.
Help me to trust You completely.
Send Your Holy Spirit into my mind and heart so I can see the gifts You have given me and hear Your call to serve the Church.
Mary, Mother of God, pray for me, that I may discover my vocation and have the courage to respond.
Amen.
I pray that you have the courage to hear and follow your vocation – your calling – God’s will for your life.
In a similar way, as we celebrate the Fourth of July, I hope you enjoy the parades, barbecues, time with family and friends, and all the festivities. But let’s also take a moment to reflect on the deeper meaning of this holiday – Independence Day.
Here is a prayer I offer for this special occasion:
Fourth of July Prayer
God our Father,
Giver of life, we entrust the United States of America to Your loving care and protection.
You are the rock on which this nation was founded.
You alone are the true source of our cherished rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Reclaim this land for Your glory and dwell among Your people. Send Your Spirit to touch the hearts of our nation’s leaders.
Open their minds to the great worth of human life and the responsibilities that accompany human freedom.
Remind Your people that true happiness is rooted in seeking and doing Your will.
Through the intercession of Mary Immaculate, Patroness of this country, grant us the courage to reject all evil, hatred, and division.
We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
And please, while enjoying the sun and summer fun, don’t forget your home parish, wherever that may be! Your continued support is vital to help meet your parish’s ongoing expenses. If you’re unable to contribute regularly while away, you can save your envelopes and bring your contributions up to date when you return. You might also consider joining your parish electronic-giving program, where your weekly or monthly donation is automatically deducted from your checking account or credit card at no additional cost to you.
Enjoy your summer travel plans, and if I missed your favorite shore spot when listing popular South Jersey destinations, feel free to email me! Who knows, maybe my confreres and I from our religious congregation will plan a visit!
Father Michael de Leon, AM, is pastor of Saint Simon Stock Parish, Berlin. To contact him, email pastor@stsimonstock.net.
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