This year, I’ve decided to start thinking about my life one month at a time. I tend to do much better when I have clear goals to work toward, so I thought it would be fun to share my monthly goals as a Catholic wife and mother with you in hopes that it might inspire you to create some goals of your own!
Throughout the month, I’ll be sharing my spiritual goals, ideas for decorating our home according to the liturgical seasons, fun activities and celebrations for the kids, new recipes we’re trying, books I’m reading, and so much more. I’m excited to focus on living each month with intention and making the most of this season of life.
One thing to keep in mind—this month all five of my children will be home for summer break, so that will definitely shape how our days unfold and what our goals look like!
Update My Home Altar – One of my favorite ways to live the liturgical year is by updating our home altar each month. Since I have a deep love for both our Heavenly Father and the country I call home (USA), July is the perfect month to incorporate elements that reflect both of these gifts.
For the spiritual side of our altar, I plan to highlight some of the beautiful feast days celebrated throughout July, including the Feast of the Precious Blood of Jesus (July 1), the Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle (July 3), St. Benedict (July 11), Our Lady of Mount Carmel (July 16), and St. Anne and St. Joachim (July 26). I love displaying prayer cards, statues, and devotional items that help our family learn about and celebrate these saints.
I also have a beautiful statue of Mary and the Child Jesus dressed in patriotic colors, which makes a lovely addition to our July altar. To brighten the space, I like to add fresh flowers from the garden or silk flowers if fresh blooms aren’t available.
Because we celebrate Independence Day this month, I will also place an American flag on our altar. It serves as a reminder to thank God for the freedoms we enjoy and to pray for our country, its leaders, and all those who serve and protect it. July is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on both our faith and our gratitude for the blessings God has given us.
During most of the year, I don’t have a lot of extra time for reading, but summer gives us a wonderful opportunity to slow down a little and spend more time with good books. One of our family goals this summer is to read for at least 30 minutes each day. The kids read independently, and I join in as well! Plus while the kids are doing swim lessons I can read instead of scrolling my phone and it has been great so far!
This year, we’re participating in a Summer Reading Challenge as a family, and it has been such a blessing so far. It’s encouraging to see everyone spending less time on screens and more time getting lost in a good book.
Right now, I’m reading the Catholic novel ‘Letters to the Future’, and I’m hoping to finish it this month and start another book before summer slips away. Reading has always been a great way for me to learn, relax, and grow in my faith, so I’m looking forward to making it a priority this month.
Prayer Focus for This Month – Each month, I like to choose a few special intentions to bring to prayer, and this month many of them center around my family.
First, I will be praying in a special way for my son, Thomas. This summer he will be attending his first Steubenville Youth Conference, and I couldn’t be more excited for him! I attended a Steubenville conference when I was in high school, and it had a profound impact on my faith. My prayer is that Thomas encounters Christ in a powerful way, grows in his love for God, and forms lasting friendships with other young Catholics.
I will also be praying for Thomas as he prepares to begin his first year of high school this fall. Starting at a new school can be both exciting and intimidating, especially when you don’t know many of the other students. We are so grateful that he will be attending a Catholic school, and I pray that God blesses him with good friends, supportive teachers, and a strong faith throughout this new chapter of his life.
As summer continues, I am also praying for all of my children as they prepare for the upcoming school year. I pray that God places wonderful teachers in their lives—teachers who not only educate them well but who also encourage virtue, kindness, and a love for Him.
Since July is a month when we celebrate our nation’s independence, I will also be praying for our country. I pray that God pours out His grace upon America and that we, as a people, grow in our love for Him and seek to follow His will with faithful and generous hearts.
Finally, I will be praying for my marriage, asking God to continue strengthening our relationship and helping us love one another as He has called us to. I also pray for His special protection over our children, our family, and our home, trusting that He will guide us and keep us close to Him in all things.
Planning 4th of July fun – One thing I am especially looking forward to this month is celebrating the 4th of July at my in-laws’ river house. It is about two hours from our home and has become one of our favorite family traditions.
The kids love swimming in the pool, riding on the motorboat, and spending time with family. My favorite part is being surrounded by nature and enjoying the peaceful beauty of God’s creation. It is always a wonderful weekend filled with family, fun, and gratitude for the many blessings God has given us.
Also I will be planning our trip to Minnesota – I will also be planning our annual trip to Minnesota this month. On the way, we always stop at University of Notre Dame, where my husband attended college, and visit the beautiful shrine there.
One of my favorite parts of the trip is getting to see my family. With nine siblings, it’s not often we’re all together, so I treasure that time. This year will be extra special because I’ll finally get to meet two of my new nephews—which means plenty of baby snuggles!
Some recipes I want to try this month:
Red, White and Blue Caprese Salad.
Red, white and blue trifle bowl
So far July is looking great! It is so great to brain storm with you! I hope it encourages you to do the same!
