Summertime  July 2008

By Lorene Hanley Duquin

What’s the one thing you have during the summer that is in short supply during the rest of the year?  The answer is:  TIME!

The next question is how will you spend your time this summer?   Here are some ideas on how to invest some of your summer time so you’ll be ready for ministry in the fall:

•  Reflect on your adult education programming from last year.  What successes did you have?   What needs to be changed?   What elements were missing?   How could you improve?
•  Look at the needs of the parish.  Are you reaching out to all of the adults in the parish?  Are there people who fall through the cracks? 
•  Dream about new programs or ministries.  Has the Holy Spirit been nudging you to move in a new direction?  Is there something you’ve always wanted to try, but never had the time to really think it through?
• Spend some time doing research on what other parishes are doing throughout the country. 
• Preview new adult education programs, faith sharing materials, and Scripture study programs on the market.
• Catch up on the Catholic books and magazines that you didn’t have time to read during the year.
•  Touch base with your volunteers.  Whether you plan a picnic or just send them a little token of your gratitude, it will generate enthusiasm for the fall.
•  Set up a planning committee to put in to design your programming for the coming year.  
•  Use the summer months to book speakers, reserve rooms, and make other arrangements for upcoming programs.
•  Check your supply cupboard and make a list of equipment and supplies that you will need for the fall.
•  Make a monthly schedule of things you’ll have to do throughout the year.  Include everything from meetings and program dates to deadlines for publicity and promotion. 
•  Take time to restore your spirit.  Plan a day of reflection or a mini-retreat for yourself.  The time you spend during the summer to recharge your spiritual batteries will reap rewards throughout the year!