Welcome back, friends! Summer is here! No more school and no more routines which sounds like a good thing! But without a normal routine, we can start to feel disconnected, drifting through our days without truly connecting to our faith or each other.
To help, I introduced a new series, Establishing New Rhythms in Summer: Embracing Ordinary Time. Over the next week, we’ll be exploring how we can embrace these new laidback rhythms of summer while also establishing easy rhythms that draw us closer to God and strengthen our connections with each other.
Today I wanted to focus on the rhythm of Celebrating the Liturgical Year.
Embracing the rhythms of the liturgical year can feel intimidating, especially if you're just starting out. However, summer, with its slower pace, is a perfect time to ease into these sacred celebrations.
Remember, you don't have to do everything at once. Start with what feels manageable and build from there. The goal is to bring the beauty and rhythm of the liturgical year into your home in ways that enrich your faith journey without overwhelming you.
To help you and your family establish a new rhythm of celebrating the liturgical year in the midst of summer, here are some easy ideas:
Print This Liturgical Calendar
I've created a Liturgical Calendar for you beginning with where we are now and running for a year. Print out the calendar, add the dates to your own family calendar, and hang it in a prominent place in your home. That way everyone will know what’s coming up and you can be prepared when it does.
Start Small
One of the most approachable ways to integrate the liturgical year into your summer is by starting small with feast days or saints’ days. Choose a few that resonate with you or your family and create simple traditions around these celebrations. For instance, on the Feast of St. James (July 25), you might prepare a special meal inspired by the cuisine of Spain, as St. James is the patron saint of that country. On the Feast of the Transfiguration (August 6), consider a family hike to a scenic overlook, reflecting on the mountaintop experience of Christ's transfiguration.
These traditions don't need to be elaborate. Simple activities like special prayers, meals, or crafts can make these days meaningful. For example, on St. Mary Magdalene’s feast day (July 22), you might gather wildflowers and arrange them in a vase, honoring her role in announcing the Resurrection and symbolizing new life.
Incorporate Liturgical Colors
Another way to bring the liturgical year into your home is by incorporating liturgical colors into your decor. Ordinary Time, marked by the color green, signifies growth and new life in the Church. Add green elements to your dining table, prayer space, or home altar. Green tablecloths, candles, or even a simple bowl of fresh green apples can serve as visual reminders of the ongoing spiritual growth we experience in Ordinary Time.
Threshold Green Floral Table Runner 14" x 72" $16.00
Threshold Green Floral Table Runner 20" x 90" $18.00
Ombre Green Candles 10 inch, 4 pack $9.99
White Serving Bowl $10.99
Family Liturgical Projects
Engaging in family projects related to the liturgical year can make these sacred rhythms tangible, especially for children. Crafting symbols that reflect the season or saint you're celebrating can be a fun and educational way to deepen your family's faith.
Consider creating a family prayer space with items that reflect the current liturgical time. This could include a cross, icons, candles, and seasonal decorations. For a project, you might craft a wreath with green foliage to symbolize Ordinary Time or make a banner depicting a saint whose feast day you’re celebrating.
Another idea is to make a liturgical calendar together. Use this as a visual tool to track the Church’s seasons and important feast days. Decorating the calendar with drawings, stickers, or other art supplies can help everyone, especially children, understand and anticipate the liturgical year.
Embrace the Season
Remember, you don't have to do everything at once. Start with what feels manageable and build from there. The goal is to bring the beauty and rhythm of the liturgical year into your home in ways that enrich your faith journey without overwhelming you. Summer, with its more relaxed pace, offers the perfect backdrop to begin this integration.
Here’s to a summer filled with faith, family, and the joyous rhythms of the liturgical year!
Love the ideas! Is there a version of the liturgical calendar that's viewable on a PC?