Summer has a way of changing everything—our routines, our pace, and sometimes even our priorities. So what does it look like to stay grounded in faith when life feels less structured? We asked three students and missionaries to share their summer plans, what they’re looking forward to, and how they’re intentionally living out their faith in the months ahead.
Meet the FOCUS friends we interviewed:
Elena is a fourth-year missionary who has served at the United States Coast Guard Academy and as team director at Central Connecticut State University. She will transition into a parish team director role this fall.
Mike is a third-year missionary who has served at Lehigh University and Carroll College. He will return to Carroll College this fall as team director.
Audrey is a senior at PennWest Edinboro and will graduate this spring.
Q: What are your plans for the summer?
Elena:
This summer is a season of transition. I’m wrapping up my time as a campus missionary while preparing to step into parish mission. I’ll attend team director training in May, then head to Summer Projects in Branson, Missouri—a 10-week formation program where students work full-time jobs while growing deeply in their faith through daily Mass, Holy Hour, discipleship, and intentional community.
I’ll also spend time with my family in Ohio and attend an additional training week for parish work before officially transitioning in August. It’s a summer full of movement, change, and also a meaningful way to close out my time on campus.
Mike:
My summer includes team director training in Denver and NST in Lincoln. My wife Liv and I will split our time between Helena (Montana), Spokane, and the Seattle area.
Each place looks a little different, but the goal is the same: staying rooted in daily Mass, prayer, and consistency. Whether we’re in a familiar parish or figuring it out week by week, we’re being intentional about building a rhythm that keeps faith at the center.
Audrey:
I’ll be going back home with my mom and sister. This summer is different because I’m graduating, so there’s no “back to school” afterward.
As an illustrator, I’ll be freelancing, which means I need to take initiative and put myself out there. That’s something I’ve really grown in this year—especially by stepping outside my comfort zone.
Q: What are you most excited about—and what are you a little nervous about?
Elena:
I’m most excited about working with students who are already on fire for their faith. I’ve heard so many stories of transformation from Summer Projects, and I’m excited to experience that personally—especially having more time for prayer, rest, and intentional investment in others.
At the same time, this season of transition is bittersweet. Missionary life brings a lot of change, which is both beautiful and challenging.
Mike:
Honestly, I’m both excited and nervous about stepping into the team director role. There’s a learning curve, and I expect to make mistakes—but that’s part of growing. I’m excited to learn through experience and become better because of it.
Audrey:
I’m excited to rest—especially not having constant assignments or deadlines. But I’m also a little nervous about the shift from a busy schedule to a slower pace. I don’t want to fall into a slump, so I know it’ll take some adjustment.
Q: What are three ways you’ll stay consistent in prayer this summer?
Elena:
Daily Holy Hour during Summer Projects will be a huge anchor. Outside of that, I’m committed to praying in the morning—especially by going to daily Mass and guarding time for prayer right after.
I also want accountability, whether from a fellow missionary or a friend, especially when I’m home and out of my usual environment.
Mike:
I want to invite the men I disciple into prayer with me—sharing reflections and staying connected spiritually. Daily Mass is essential, and I’m also focusing on reading deeper spiritual books that require time, reflection, and prayer.
Audrey:
First, going to Sunday Mass with my mom. Second, praying together with her—I see her as my “gym buddy for the soul.” Third, I want to engage more with faith-based media.
Q: What will your weekly faith routine look like?
Elena:
I want strong “bookends” to my day—going to bed on time and starting the morning with Mass and prayer. I also want to stay in conversation with the Lord throughout the day, especially in difficult or ordinary moments.
Audrey:
I’d like to pray the rosary at least three times a week and incorporate Liturgy of the Hours—especially Night Prayer, which I’ve really come to enjoy.
Q: What tends to pull you away from your faith in the summer—and how will you respond?
Elena:
Being home without my usual community is challenging, especially with less structure and more noise. I plan to go in with a clear schedule, seek accountability, and intentionally create space for silence—even if that means getting outside or inviting my family into faith practices.
Mike:
Free time can either be fruitful or distracting. I want to be intentional about how I use it—spending time outdoors, learning new things, and inviting my wife into that process so we stay accountable together.
Audrey:
Lack of community is the biggest challenge. I want to be more intentional after Mass—staying, meeting people, and building familiarity instead of rushing out.
Q: What are a few small habits you want to stay consistent with?
Elena:
- 20 minutes of daily Scripture prayer
- Putting my phone away by 9 p.m.
- Creating space for silence and solitude
Audrey:
- Sunday Mass
- Night Prayer
- Daily faith-based content (reading, listening, or watching)
Q: What does a “good summer day” look like for you?
Audrey:
Sleeping in, spending time outside (especially working in the garden with a good podcast), and being with family and friends. Summer is one of the few times everyone is together, so I want to make the most of it. Some days include early mornings working on a farm—but overall, it’s about balance and enjoying each day.
Q: Who do you want to stay connected to this summer?
Elena:
My Summer Projects teammates and my staff mentor. Team life is such a powerful place of growth, and I want to be intentional about those relationships.
Audrey:
My mom, especially through growing in faith together—and hopefully that will also impact my sister.
Q: What’s one way you want to live your faith more boldly?
Elena:
While traveling, I want to be open to conversations—sharing my story, listening to others, and even offering to pray with people if the opportunity arises.
Mike:
I want to bring Christ more intentionally into my extended family life—especially through deeper, sometimes challenging conversations rooted in truth.
Audrey:
I’d love to start small Bible studies with friends and family back home—something intentional and consistent.
Q: What are you leaving behind from this past year?
Elena:
Perfectionism and being a workaholic. I want to live with more freedom and trust.
Audrey:
I’m leaving behind an old identity of being someone who “was lost.” Now, I want to live confidently in my faith and reach out to others.
Q: What is God inviting you into this summer?
Elena:
A deeper trust in Him—especially through suffering—and learning how to truly rest. I sense an invitation into both resurrection and Sabbath.
Audrey:
Letting go of control and trusting God more fully in my life.
Q: If you had to sum up your summer in one sentence…
Elena:
“The time of singing has come.”
Audrey:
“This summer will set the tone for my future.”
Additional Details
Get more from our FOCUS fam on the blog, including testimonies and other Q&As on life, faith, and community. Here’s some of our favorites:
The Ultimate Catholic Dating FAQ
Becoming a FOCUS Missionary: Was it worth it?
I Was A Catholic Missionary at the Olympics
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