Why Our Family Goes To Church On Vacation
It’s here! FAMILY VACATION!!
You work hard as parents throughout the year to make sure all your boxes are checked:
Get kids to/from school
Get kids to/from after school activities
Make dinner, lunch, breakfast every day
Walk the dog
Clean the house
Get the oil changed on the car
…and the list goes on
Vacation is a time to get away from it ALL - Right? Well...almost.
In between the relaxing, laughing with the family and memory making on vacation, don’t forget to make time for mass!
“But we’re on vacation!!” I can just hear it now, in the whiny voice used especially by children to try and influence their parents.
“We want to sleep in!” And every other excuse the little darlings can think up.
Here’s why our family doesn’t miss mass while we’re on vacation…
Location, Location, Location!
I’m sure when you travel, your destinations include places like the beach, the mountains and other locals with spectacular views. Guess what, the architects of a lot of churches like to take advantage of this as well.
The Interfaith Chapel, Vail, Colorado
There is an interfaith chapel in this ski village that offers mass throughout out the week. The back of the altar has a glass window looking into the forest. We have only been in summer - which invoked pure joy (especially if you’re a mountain lover). But I can only imagine the view in the winter with snow covered trees. Sigh! The best part is that it’s easily accessible from the village.
Our Lady of the Seas, Buxton, North Carolina
This Catholic community located in the Outer Banks of North Carolina has some of the most beautiful views of the Pamlico Sound. The back wall of the altar is a large window that looks out to the sound and the beauty of the waters and marsh of the area. The perfect frame to God’s beauty as you celebrate the beauty of the mass.
Unexpected Experiences!
Saint Theresa Church, Kihei, HI
We arrived in HI from the east coast on Saturday. It was a long trip. After a well deserved sleep, we were looking forward to spending our first full day, Sunday, lounging on the beach in Maui. At the last minute, we decided to grab an Uber and get to mass first. And we almost missed one of the most beautiful experiences we’ve ever had in a church.
At the end of communion, before the final benediction, a young woman approached the altar. She had on a long dress and no shoes. As the song,”I have loved you with an everlasting love” began to play, the young woman began to dance the hula.
It was such a spectacular witness to Hawaiian culture and the strength of their community. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the congregation.
St. Edward the Confessor, Dana Point, CA
I was in CA for a girls’ trip. A group of us went to mass on Sunday morning before the festivities of the day got started. Perched high up on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this vibrant parish was tucked into a neighborhood.
Outside of the church, I found a beautiful prayer garden. The serenity of the prayer garden coupled with the expansive Pacific ocean in the distance was immediately grounding and emphasized God’s expansive LOVE.
To top off the moment, this east coast girl caught sight of a parishioner in tomato red pants, a New England Patriots blazer and bowtie. I couldn’t stop myself from speaking to him. It turns out, he had just moved to CA after retiring and was sporting his New England pride! We were instant friends, far from home, but united by our love for the Patriots…and our Catholic Faith!
You can participate even if you’re a visitor
Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, San Francisco, CA
Our kids were 12, 10 and 6 when we decided to spend spring break in San Francisco and Napa. As it happened, we were in San Francisco over Easter weekend. We decided to attend the Cathedral of St. Mary because of the proximity to our hotel. As we entered the church for Easter service, dressed in Easter attire, we were surprised to find that there were not a lot of families present.
Maybe we’re too early, I thought. After saying our prayers and waiting for mass to begin, we were approached by an usher.
Uh-oh. Did we sit in a regular’s seat? Will he ask us to move?
The answer was No. Instead, we were asked to bring the gifts to the altar during mass!
What an honor! We were so happy to be asked to participate fully in the mass.
Chapel aboard the Alaskan Cruise
So, you’re at sea. Not so easy to get to mass you may think. Think Again!
Many cruise operators offer a free cruise to a Catholic priest in exchange for their services throughout the week. It’s a win - win - win!! (Win for the cruise Company - win for the priest - win for the faithful on board!)
We found the mass in a meeting room on board the ship. As we waited for mass to begin, the priest asked for volunteers to do the readings. Surprisingly, not everyone jumped at the chance! After several pleas, my husband volunteered.
We were no longer just attending mass, but now, fully engaged. What a wonderful way to engage your faith while on vacation. And what a wonderful example to our children to engage in your faith regardless of where you attend mass!
Don’t forget your THREE wishes!
I was taught as a young girl that you can make 3 wishes every time you enter a new church. Well, if that’s the case, why wouldn’t you go to a new church?
Here’s the breakdown - it’s simple. How to get your wishes on…
First time entering a new church
Say three Hail Mary’s
Make three wishes
That’s it!
Now, go out into this beautiful world of ours! Explore some breathtaking locations. Get swept up in unexpected experiences. Participate fully in the mass. Make your wishes!!
