Keep the Faith: Family Formation During Summer Vacation

Summer vacation is a much-anticipated season—a time for rest, adventure, and deeper connection with family. While routines may relax and schedules shift, summer offers a wonderful opportunity to continue growing in faith as a family. At our Montessori school, we believe in nurturing the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. Just as we prepare the environment to support learning and independence, we can also prepare our homes and hearts to foster spiritual growth.

Here are a few thoughtful and meaningful ways to keep faith and family formation alive during summer break:

1.Create a Simple Prayer Routine

The beauty of Montessori lies in its simplicity and consistency—and the same can be true for family prayer. Choose a time each day (morning, mealtime, or bedtime) to pray together. A short Scripture reading, a decade of the Rosary, or a simple gratitude prayer is enough to plant seeds of faith.

🕊 Tip: Create a small home prayer corner with a candle, crucifix, Bible, and seasonal liturgical colors. Invite your child to help set it up.

2. Celebrate the Saints

Summer is filled with feast days of inspiring saints, such as St. Anthony (June 13), St. Benedict (July 11), and St. Clare (August 11). Take time to read short stories about their lives, bake a treat in their honor, or do a simple craft to remember their virtues.

Montessori connection: Children love stories of real heroes. Saint biographies offer rich opportunities for moral reflection and discussion.

3. Enjoy Nature as a Gift from God

Spending time outdoors connects us to God’s creation. Go on a nature walk and observe the beauty and order of the natural world. Talk about how creation reflects God’s love and care. You might collect leaves, rocks, or flowers and thank God for each one.

"The child who has felt a strong love for the earth and for all living things... gives us reason for hope." – Maria Montessori

4. Practice Service Together

Summer can be a time to look beyond ourselves. Help your child find joy in acts of kindness—watering a neighbor’s plants, making cards for the elderly, or donating toys and clothes. Even simple gestures build a heart for service.

“Whatsoever you do to the least of My brothers, you do unto Me.” – Matthew 25:40

5. Attend Mass and Explore Local Churches

Traveling during summer? Make attending Sunday Mass a part of your adventure. Explore local parishes and talk about the beauty and tradition of the universal Church. Let your child observe different altars, artwork, and architecture.

Montessori insight: Children thrive with experiences that are real and tangible. Seeing faith lived out in diverse settings makes a deep impression.

6. Keep Reading and Reflecting

Just as we encourage summer reading to keep minds sharp, we can also nurture the soul with spiritual reading. Picture books with moral lessons, Catholic stories, or family devotionals are great options.

Look for books with beautiful illustrations and rich language to invite wonder and contemplation—just like in the Montessori classroom.

7. Let Conversations Flow Naturally

Family dinners, car rides, and quiet evenings offer space for meaningful conversations. Ask open-ended questions about God, kindness, choices, and gratitude. Children are natural philosophers—they love to ponder deep truths.

Montessori reminds us to follow the child—let their questions guide your conversations and let them know their thoughts matter.

Summer is not a pause in your child’s faith formation—it’s a continuation in a new rhythm. By weaving faith naturally into everyday moments, we not only form strong family bonds but also help our children grow into thoughtful, loving disciples of Christ.

Let this summer be a season of joy, renewal, and grace for your family.