How to Create Your Own Catholic Summer Retreat

Summer retreats teach Catholics what it means to live fully in faith with no distractions. Going on one with your family can be a great way to make lifelong memories while diving deeper into Catholic teachings. However, going on a retreat can be complicated. You may want to try setting up your own, one that works for your family’s budget, schedule and interests. Here’s a guide to making that happen for your family: 

Choosing a Location

First, you need to figure out where you’re going. Will you be visiting a Catholic retreat center? Will this be a camping trip you use as a faith formation weekend? Maybe you want to go full DIY and do your retreat at home. The environment you’re in can make all the difference, so start by choosing where to have your retreat. 

Setting a Schedule

Next, you need to build out your schedule. Plan out activities focused on deepening your faith. Consider giving each family member an activity or workshop for the class. If you’re opening the retreat to extended family or friends, see if the adults involved want to trade off on activity or lesson duty. Remember to incorporate time for prayer, reflection and rest each day. 

Selecting Resources

When planning your retreat, you will want to find resources that relate to the activities. Go online to find books, podcasts, or other resources to help you plan out each activity. Talk to your church youth leaders to see if they can recommend resources. Consider finding prints of popular Catholic art or copies of popular Catholic music to share during the retreat to enhance the faith experience. 

Connecting with Community

Once you have a plan, decide whether you want people to join you. If your family is looking for a more intimate family bonding experience, then keep it small. Looking for more people to join this awesome retreat you have planned? Invite close friends or extended family members along for the ride. Determine the size of your event based on the venue and what you have planned, and go from there. 

At our Titusville Catholic school, we believe Catholic retreats are a great way to spend summer break, whether you’re joining an established one or going the DIY route. With over 57 years of academic excellence, St. Teresa Catholic School provides a quality education that goes from PreK-3 through 8th grade. To learn more about why St. Teresa is the perfect fit for you and your student, contact us today.

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