Planning a Vacation? Don't Forget God!

The big day is almost here. You’ve made your vacation plans, everyone is excited and ready for a break. But what about your faith life? Just because you’re on holiday, doesn’t mean your faith should wait at home for your return.

Incorporating your Catholic faith into your vacation plans can be easy and rewarding, as well as a wonderful way to make sure your children know that God is part of everything we do—our good times as well as our bad.

Here are a few ideas for vacationing with Faith.

Check out the times and places for Mass at www.masstimes.org. Just enter the city or zip codes and all the church in the area will pop up. You can even get a map and driving directions.

Along with the snacks, toys and books you pack to make the drive or flight more enjoyable, include a couple of faith-related items. A children’s book of saints, a toy rosary, even a video such as the Passion of the Christ for use on a laptop or portable DVD player are possibilities.

Begin each day with prayer. Before you head out to the amusement park or the mountain hike, gather everyone together and ask for God’s blessing and protection on the day. Then, at night, as you snuggle into bed, thank Him for the time you’ve shared together.

Play the “Church game.” Every time you see a Catholic church, say a short prayer for the people who attend that parish. Also, when you visit a church, tell your children about the tradition that says when you visit a church for the first time, your prayers have special merit and what you ask for, providing it is God’s will, will be granted.

While you are driving to a destination or waiting in line, read a short devotional to the family. The readings in My Daily Visitor (www.mdv.com) are ideal.

Investigate the Catholic history of places you are visiting. Most guidebooks or city web sites will give you background such as why Los Angeles is named after the Guardian Angels or St. Louis is named after King St. Louis of France. The local chamber of commerce, the tourist bureau or AAA can also provide you with background material before you begin your trip.

Visit one of the historical religious sites in the area you are visiting. For some ideas, visit www.catholicshrines.net which lists most of the major shrines throughout the country. If you are in the seat of a diocese, make a visit to the Cathedral. Most are splendid examples of faith and architecture.

Play a religious CD now and then. If the kids are getting restless (or if you are!), Gregorian chant is especially nice. If you want something more stimulating, Ceili Rain is an excellent religious/Catholic rock choice. Visit them at www.ceilirain.com.

 Whatever you choose to do this summer, make sure to go on vacation with God!