Grow in Faith as a Family This Summer
Summer is a wonderful time to slow down, spend time together, and grow closer to God as a family. Our St. Joe’s Catholic Summer Faith Challenge is designed to help families stay connected to their faith through simple, meaningful activities that can be done throughout the summer.
Each week features a new faith focus and challenge. Most activities take just a few minutes and can easily fit into your family’s summer schedule. Follow along each week by watching the accompanying video and completing the challenge together.
Families who complete 8 or more weeks of the challenge will be invited to celebrate with a special ice cream treat from our CICC team!
Week 1: Learn a New Prayer
Faith Focus: Learn a new prayer.
Challenge: Pray St. Augustine’s Prayer to the Holy Spirit as a family.
“Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy…”
Watch the Week 1 Video here
Week 2: Prayer Walk
Faith Focus: Discover God’s presence in creation.
Challenge: Take a short family walk and thank God for three beautiful things you notice. Spend 2–3 minutes walking quietly and paying attention to the sounds around you. End your walk by praying:
“God, help me listen to You in my life.”
Watch the Week 2 Video here
Week 3: Saint of the Week
Faith Focus: Learn about a saint.
Challenge: Learn about St. Anthony of Padua, patron saint of lost things. Celebrate his feast day on June 13 and ask for his intercession.
Watch the Week 3 Video here
Week 4: Rosary Time
Faith Focus: Pray together as a family.
Challenge: Pray one decade of the Rosary together. Families looking for an extra challenge can pray the entire Rosary.
Watch the Week 4 Video: [Insert Link]
Week 5: Kindness Challenge
Faith Focus: Acts of kindness.
Challenge: Complete one secret act of kindness this week without seeking recognition. Reflect on how Jesus calls us to serve others with humility and love.
Watch the Week 5 Video: [Insert Link]
Week 6: Catholic Resources
Faith Focus: Explore faith-filled resources.
Challenge: Visit a Catholic resource website, app, podcast, movie, or prayer resource and try something new as a family.
Suggested resources:
- Catholic Kids Bulletin
- Be A Heart
- Shining Light Dolls
- Hallow
- FORMED
- 3-Minute Retreat
Watch the Week 6 Video here
Week 7: Saint Story Adventure
Faith Focus: Saints are real people who followed Jesus.
Challenge: Choose a saint to learn about as a family.
Suggested saints:
- St. Joan of Arc
- St. Francis of Assisi
- St. Thérèse of Lisieux
- St. Kateri Tekakwitha
Watch the Week 7 Video here
Week 8: Gratitude in Action
Faith Focus: Practice gratitude.
Challenge: Complete a “Gratitude Act of Service.” Thank God for the blessings in your life and find a way to share that gratitude through service to someone else.
Watch the Week 8 Video: [Insert Link]
Week 9: Virtue Challenge Week
Faith Focus: Grow in virtue.
Challenge: Choose one virtue—such as patience, honesty, courage, or self-control—and intentionally practice it throughout the week. Each evening, reflect on where you succeeded and where you can continue to grow.
Watch the Week 9 Video: [Insert Link]
Week 10: Saint of the Week
Faith Focus: Learn about a saint.
Challenge: Learn about St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits. Discuss as a family: “Where did you see God today?”
Watch the Week 10 Video here
Week 11: Priest Appreciation
Faith Focus: Gratitude for our priests.
Challenge: Write a thank-you note, draw a picture, or send a card to a priest who has made a difference in your life. Pray for priests and their ministry.
Watch the Week 11 Video: [Insert Link]
Week 12: Holy Ground
Faith Focus: Jesus is truly present among us.
Challenge: Visit your parish or school campus and look for signs of God’s presence. Spend a few moments in prayer, remembering that wherever Jesus resides in the tabernacle is holy ground.
Watch the Week 12 Video: [Insert Link]
Share Your Summer Journey
We would love to see your family participating in the Summer Faith Challenge! Share photos and stories on social media and tag St. Joe’s throughout the summer.
May God bless your family with a summer filled with faith, joy, prayer, and adventure.