Weekend Wisdom - June 24-25th

Dear Parishioners,

As a parent and educator, you can bet I’m highly invested in the excitement of summer break.  Summer is not only a time for relaxation and recreation but also an ideal season for personal and spiritual growth. It is a chance for us to reignite passions and creativity and grow in faith.

In this fast-paced world, it can be easy to get caught up in the busyness of everyday life and allow our spiritual lives to take a backseat. However, summer gifts us the opportunity to pause, reflect, and rejuvenate our faith. Here are a few suggestions to make the most of this season and grow in your relationship with God:

Embrace nature's beauty: Take a moment to marvel at the wonders of God's creation. Spend time outdoors, whether it's going for a walk in a local park, soaking up the sun at the beach, or simply sitting in your backyard. Allow the beauty of nature to inspire awe and remind you of the greatness of our Creator.

Engage in prayer and contemplation: Create a cozy space in your home where you can retreat and spend time in prayer and reflection. Use this time to talk to God, express your gratitude, seek guidance, and listen for His voice. Explore different forms of prayer, such as meditative prayer, the rosary, Lectio Divina, or journaling.  Consider having a basket of items already gathered in this space for your sacred time.

Attend Mass and receive the sacraments: Summer often brings opportunities for travel and exploration. Wherever you find yourself, make attending Mass a priority and part of the journey.

Engage in spiritual reading: Take advantage of the longer days and quieter moments to dive into spiritual literature or scripture. Choose books that will deepen your understanding of the faith or the lives of the saint. Let their wisdom and experiences inspire and challenge you to grow in holiness.

Serve others: Look for opportunities to serve those in need during the summer months. Volunteer at a local charity or reach out to someone who may be lonely or struggling. In serving others, we encounter the face of Christ and grow in compassion and love.

Let us approach these coming months with open hearts and minds, seeking God's presence in the beauty of creation, the quiet of prayer, and the warmth of community.

With heart and soul,

Molly Mares

Principal, Notre Dame of De Pere