From the Blog

The Two Foundations of Your Summer Game Plan

This summer, if you want to grow, thrive, and withstand life’s inevitable challenges, you need to build your life on a strong foundation—just as Jesus taught in Luke 6:47–49.

“When a flood arose, the stream broke against that house, and could not shake it, because it had been well built.” (Luke 6:48)

That “house” is your soul. So how do you build it well? With two essential pillars: Prayer and the Sacraments. Here’s how to lay your foundation:

1. Make a Plan for Prayer

Prayer won’t happen by accident. Make it intentional.

Pick a time each day when you’re most alert and undistracted. Morning? Lunch break? Evening quiet?
Pick a place where you can focus—a church, adoration chapel, garden, bedroom, or even a bus seat.
Stick to it. Show up for God like you would for a friend.

“Any moment is good for prayer… but we should try to give the best time to God.” – Fr. Jacques Philippe

Pro Tip: Don’t give up if plans fall through. One summer, I prayed in a Marian garden because the church was locked. What matters most is perseverance.

2. Commit to the Sacraments

Mass and Confession are non-negotiable for a strong Catholic life.

Mass is where we receive Jesus—the Bread of Life who nourishes and strengthens us.
- Try to attend more than just Sundays—daily if possible!
Confession is where we receive mercy and the grace to begin again.
- Aim to go every 2 weeks, like Pope Francis did!

Need help finding Mass or Confession nearby? Use masstimes.org or download the Catholic Mass Times app.

Bonus Tip: Schedule It

Use Sunday night to plan your week:
- When will you pray?
- Where will you pray?
- When will you go to Mass?
- When will you go to Confession?
Write it down. Put it in your calendar like any other important appointment.

This summer, don’t just hope to grow. Build your house on the rock. With daily prayer and frequent sacraments, you’ll have the grace to weather any storm—and remain unshaken.

Now, learn how to implement these two foundations into an action plan for the summer!

Additional Resources

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Host	Retreat Type	Start Date	End Date
Tulane University	Way of the Disciple	09/05/24	09/07/24
University of Nebraska Lincoln	The Sanctifier	09/13/24	09/15/24
Parish Outreach	The Father’s House	09/16/24	09/18/24
Kansas State University	The Father’s House	09/20/24	09/22/24
University of Delaware	Rec	09/20/24	09/22/24
University of South Carolina – Columbia	Rec	09/27/24	09/29/24
St. Francis University	The Father’s House	10/04/24	10/06/24
Nicholls State University	The Father’s House	10/04/24	10/06/24
Northwestern State University	The Father’s House	10/11/24	10/13/24
University of Memphis	The Father’s House	10/11/24	10/13/24
Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville	The Father’s House	10/18/24	10/20/24
Ohio State University	The Father’s House	10/18/24	10/20/24
University of Dallas	The Sanctifier	10/24/24	10/26/24
Central Connecticut State University	The Father’s House	10/25/24	10/27/24
Universidad de Monterrey	The Father’s House	10/25/24	10/27/24
California State University – Fullerton	The Father’s House	10/25/24	10/27/24
Sts. Anne and Joaquim, Fargo, ND	Way of the Disciple	11/01/24	11/03/24
University of Krems	Men’s	11/01/24	11/03/24
University of Mary	The Father’s House	11/08/24	11/10/24
DePauw University	Rec	11/08/24	11/10/24
Philanthropy Engagement	Way of the Disciple	11/15/24	11/17/24
University of Passau	Rec	11/21/24	11/23/24
Texas A&M University	The Sanctifier	02/07/25	02/09/25
FOCUS Greek Southeast	The Father’s House	02/14/25	02/16/25
FOCUS Greek Midwest	The Father’s House	02/14/25	02/16/25
Worcester Polytechnic Institute	The Sanctifier	02/14/25	02/16/25
FOCUS Greek Southwest	The Father’s House	02/21/25	02/23/25
Wayne State University	The Father’s House	02/21/25	02/23/25
University of Illinois-Chicago	The Sanctifier	02/21/25	02/23/25
Queens College of the City University of New York	The Father’s House	03/07/25	03/09/25
Nicholls State University	Way of the Disciple	03/07/25	03/09/25
Grand Valley State University	The Father’s House	03/28/25	03/30/25
University of Northern Iowa	Way of the Disciple	04/03/25	04/05/25
University of Nebraska Lincoln	The Father’s House	04/04/25	04/06/25
Arizona State University	Men’s	02/07/25	02/09/25
University of Nebraska at Kearney	Rec	09/27/24	09/29/24

SEE MORESEE LESS

The Two Foundations of Your Summer Game Plan

“When a flood arose, the stream broke against that house, and could not shake it, because it had been well built.” (Luke 6:48)

1. Make a Plan for Prayer

2. Commit to the Sacraments

Bonus Tip: Schedule It

Now, learn how to implement these two foundations into an action plan for the summer!

Additional Resources

FOCUS is fully funded by donations. You can support us in few ways—like backing individual missionaries or projects like this blog.

What If You Said Yes?

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The Two Foundations of Your Summer Game Plan

“When a flood arose, the stream broke against that house, and could not shake it, because it had been well built.” (Luke 6:48)

1. Make a Plan for Prayer

2. Commit to the Sacraments

Bonus Tip: Schedule It

Now, learn how to implement these two foundations into an action plan for the summer!

Additional Resources

FOCUS is fully funded by donations. You can support us in few ways—like backing individual missionaries or projects like this blog.

What If You Said Yes?

Recent Articles

How to Pray: The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Novena

Jokester Saints: The Joyful Side of Holiness

The 20 Best Catholic Apps in 2026

Give