Living a Sacramental Life

As summer begins and our thoughts turn to vacation, it's easy to lose sight of the importance of the sacraments in our lives. We might still make it to Mass during the summer (though we may be tempted, especially when traveling, to skip our Sunday obligation), but with First Communion and Confirmation (usually celebrated in the spring) behind us, we're not giving much thought to the fact that the sacraments are the source of our life as Christians. Through them, we receive the grace that makes it possible for us to live a truly human life--that is, a life without sin.

This summer, consider adding a little grace to your vacation by not only attending Mass on Sunday but occasionally during the week. It's a great family activity and a way to show your children (without lecturing them) that your family is serious about its faith. And take advantage of the seasonally short lines for Confession to make that sacrament a part of your monthly schedule. Come fall, you might find that you've picked up a couple new habits that you won't want to break.