College Students: Don't Ruin Your Summer

Article co-written by Mark Bartek

Sometimes FOCUS can be seen just like any other club or organization on campus. It is something to do during the school year in college, but not something that goes on outside of the college campus. The reality is that FOCUS is utilizing the college campus as a launching pad to help college students give out a life of evangelization, discipleship, and friendship for the rest of their lives.

This means that the summer isn’t a time off from FOCUS, but a prime testing ground for life after graduation. Don’t miss this opportunity! Don’t ruin this chance!

Here are six tips on how you can keep from ruining your summer.

1.     Think about where you will find the sacraments during the summer.

Find the closest parishes and check times for Sunday Mass, weekday Masses, and Confession. Put these times into your weekly schedule. Summers are great times to pick up new habits!

2.     Plan on a time to pray each day.

Whether you are having some amazing new experiences or are faced with a mundane summer lifestyle, prayer can help you reflect on what God is trying to teach you through it all. Be sure to spend time each day in the classroom of silence. For tips on how to start a habit of prayer, check out this guide.

3.     Pick out any books for spiritual reading

I know wasting time on Facebook is important, but why not give yourself something that will truly fill you up. Here are three recommendations: Interior Freedom, The Virtues of Holiness, or The Way.

4.     Seek out virtuous friends.

Scripture tells us, “A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he who finds one finds a treasure” (Sirach 6:14). It can be tough to leave the college and all of the friendships you have behind. It can be even harder to come home where old friendships can bring back old temptations. While it is important to reach out to your friendship back home, find virtuous friends who will help you strive for greatness in your spiritual life.

5.     Find a group of 10-12 people to reach out to.

St. Francis of Assisi tells us that “it is in giving of ourselves that we receive.” Summer is a great time to learn how to lead a Bible study outside the college campus. Could you do a BBQ Bible study or help out with your parish’s youth group? Are there other service opportunities that you could take part in and invite others to?

6.     Think about campus outreach for next fall.

If you begin thinking about campus outreach for the fall, you will be that much more prepared when the time comes. Can you pray for your campus? Can you call those who you are in discipleship with? Can you talk to your FOCUS missionaries on what you can do to help?

We know that being Catholic is not about being part of a club, but being adopted into the Family of God, the Church. And that is not something that we ever take a summer vacation from!

The habits you form and the work you do could affect you for a lifetime!

Question: What are some habits you want to develop this summer? What are some challenges you will face?