8 ways to grow closer to God this summer

Pilgrims walk the Kansas Camino, which goes from Wichita to Father Emil Kapaun’s home parish in rural Pilsen, Kansas. / Credit: Diocese of Wichita

CNA Staff, Jun 29, 2024 / 06:00 am (CNA).

Whether you’re on break from school or taking a well-deserved vacation, summertime often brings a different rhythm to life and an opportunity to deepen your relationship with God. Without the regular hustle and bustle, there are many ways you can draw closer to him. Here are eight ideas.

1. Visit a local shrine or one where you are visiting.

If you’re taking a trip with family or friends, or even just enjoying downtime at home from school or work, try visiting a local Catholic landmark such as a shrine or cathedral. Seeing as the Catholic Church is universal, you’re guaranteed to find a visit-worthy Catholic location just about anywhere. Light a candle or take a little time for prayer. 

2. Make a pilgrimage.

Summertime lends itself to taking trips, so why not consider a pilgrimage? It could be a short journey to a Catholic site within your city or state or, if you’re feeling bold, you could cross state lines. Of course, Europe is home to one of the most famous pilgrimage spots in the world — the Camino de Santiago — which has three different starting points and several different walking lengths to choose from. But just remember that a pilgrimage can be simple and you don’t need to go far.

3. Attend a Eucharistic procession.

This summer, the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage is taking place across the United States. With four different routes, the pilgrims are walking with Jesus from city to city and town to town, setting hearts on fire through Eucharistic processions until they arrive in Indianapolis for the National Eucharistic Congress taking place July 17–21. While the pilgrimage is already halfway completed, there are still several stops the pilgrims will make. If it’s visiting your state, consider attending one of the beautiful processions!

4. Spend time with Scripture.

If you’re looking for a way to deepen your spiritual life from the comfort of your home, try implementing a daily routine focused on Scripture. Summer is a great opportunity to set some time aside each day to pray with the word of God. You might begin the day with your morning coffee and your Bible in hand or perhaps end the day by reading Scripture or listening to it on a prayer app as you wind down for sleep.

5. Spend time in nature.

Summer is the perfect time to get outdoors, so why not make that time more fruitful by turning to God? Take a family hike and thank him for his creation, or take a daily walk and spend time in silent prayer. You can find God’s presence all around you when you spend time with him in his beautiful creation.

6. Listen to a faith-based podcast.

Doing some yard work, a house project, or just taking the kids to the pool? Consider listening to a faith-based podcast while you check the items off your to-do list. There are so many great ones to choose from including “Bible in a Year,” “Abiding Together,” “Catholic Answers Focus,” “Pints with Aquinas,” “Abundantly Yours Podcast,” and so many more.

7. Take part in community service.

If you’re looking for a way to fill extra time you might have this summer or to do something meaningful, consider taking part in community service or volunteering at a nonprofit organization. Many places such as pregnancy resources centers, homeless shelters, food pantries, and more are looking for help. Many say it is in these places where one can be most like Christ for others.

8. Enjoy fellowship by joining a group at your parish.

Grow in fellowship this summer by joining a group at your parish. A majority of parishes have a great variety of ministries you can join ranging from moms’ groups to crafting groups to team sports such as soccer and ultimate frisbee. So take a look at what your parish offers and consider joining the one that most interests you — or consider starting your own!