![](https://thegoodshep.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Website_Summer.jpg)
July 7, 2024
Dear Parish Family:
I hope that everyone had a wonderful Fourth of July! Hopefully, this summer is providing everyone some time for relaxation and rejuvenation. Summer is a chance for us to slow down a little bit, to press “pause” and “reset” in the business of our regular schedule and enjoy some fresh air, a change of scenery, or reconnect with family and friends.
If we are fortunate enough to take a vacation away—to the shore, mountains, historic sights, etc., or using the “staycation” model of day trips or just some time off at home, some “downtime” is important to nurture body, mind, and spirit. Do something different! Do something fun! Do something life giving! Take a break! Take it easy! Take a breath! But always remember, we can never take a vacation from God or our Faith. So let’s keep Jesus in our summer with daily prayers and Sunday Mass, even when we are travelling. If you are trying to find a local Church for Mass when away from home, go to www.masstimes.org. They have the Mass schedules for wherever you might be.
Here is a vacation prayer:
Heavenly Father, You have mercifully allowed human beings to have periods of rest and recuperation on our long journey through life. This is my extended period of rest this year — my vacation from the usual cares of everyday life and my time to be renewed — physically, mentally, and spiritually. Grant that this vacation will bring me a new awareness of the good things in life, increased knowledge of your wondrously versatile creativity, delightful travel through fascinating places, and genuine leisure facilitating revitalization. Let me be ever mindful of You and my true goals in life. And bring me back to carry out my daily tasks with cheerfulness and goodwill, and to the best of my strength and ability. Amen.
Again, I hope that each of us had, is having, or will have a chance for a vacation or staycation this summer. Make the most of it. Retreat! Regroup! Renew!
Grace and peace,
Father Neil Sullivan
Pastor