Vacation Toolkit: Spiritual Resources for Summer Adventures

What does it look like to go on vacation and maintain our relationship with The Lord? While vacation is meant to be a time of leisure, adventure, and a break from routines and responsibilities, there are certain habits that ought to follow us wherever we go. Our relationship with Jesus is not something we can leave behind for the sake of respite but rather something that should permeate every aspect of our lives – even summer vacation.
 

The first step to planning a getaway is always choosing a location. When it comes to finding ways to incorporate faith formation, consider adding a visit to a national religious shrine to your summer fun itinerary. Swap the typical tourist traps for a pilgrimage to a nearby shrine! A simple internet search of locations near your vacation destination will illuminate you to the many religious wonders available to us if we only take the time to seek them out. Below is a short list to aid your family’s search whether you’re staying close to home or making your way out of state. 

-Nation Shrine of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos in New Orleans, Louisiana

-St. Joseph Abbey in St. Benedict, Louisiana

-The Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama

-Our Lady of La Leche Shrine and Mission of Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine, Florida

As you plan your vacation itinerary, remember that the essence of a meaningful getaway goes beyond sightseeing and relaxation. Incorporating acts of service and moments of spiritual reflection can deepen the connection with our faith while fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Alongside exploring sacred destinations, consider opportunities to serve the community at your vacation spot. Acts of kindness can enrich our vacation experiences with profound meaning.

In addition to visiting beautiful and sacred places, research charities near your destination where you could volunteer your time. It could be serving meals at a soup kitchen, helping a local shelter, or participating in a community clean up. If you encounter someone in need while out and about, consider purchasing an extra meal and offering it to them. Integrating service into your vacation allows you to live out the teachings of Jesus by serving others. 

Wherever summer vacation may take your family and friends – make sure Mass and prayer are a part of that plan. The Church in her wisdom teaches us that, “On Sundays and other holy days of obligation the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass.” (CCC 2180) The only exception to the obligation to attend Mass in person is given “for a serious reason (for example, illness, the care of infants) or dispensed by their own pastor.” (CCC 2181) This means that even while on vacation, we are obliged to attend Mass in person on Sundays and holy days of obligation.

There are so many tools at our fingertips that make planning to attend Mass easy! Download the MassTimes.org app to look up Mass and adoration times near your destination. Make it a part of the trip by seeking out a church parish you’ve never been to before or a church that is beautiful or has a particular devotion close to your family. 

Once you’ve planned your trip, you’re ready to pack! In addition to your swimsuit and your sunglasses, grab your rosary and a spiritual book, or download your favorite spiritual podcast for your time on the road or in the air. If you are traveling with family or friends, have conversations about your spiritual life or aspects of the faith that interest you. Making these small, but intentional plans for your vacation will allow you to stay close to the Lord even when you are away from home.