7 Ways to Maintain Momentum in Ordinary Time
“If you are what you ought to be, you will set fire to all Italy, and not only yonder” (St. Catherine of Siena).
It can be difficult to maintain spiritual momentum when the Easter season comes to an end and we enter into the seemingly endless era of Ordinary Time. As someone who enjoys the decorations and celebrations that come with Christmas and Easter, I find this down time to be quite … well … ordinary. As the summer months approach and we plan vacations, my spiritual and sacramental life can sometimes take a backseat.
However, Ordinary Time is an opportunity for Catholics to strengthen our faith by living out these ordinary days as a great gift from God. As the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops reminds us:
The Sundays and weeks of Ordinary Time …take us through the life of Christ. This is the time of conversion. This is living the life of Christ.
Ordinary Time is a time for growth and maturation, a time in which the mystery of Christ is called to penetrate ever more deeply into history until all things are finally caught up in Christ. The goal, toward which all of history is directed, is represented by the final Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.
Scripture tells us that those who are indifferent to Christ are worse off than those who are hot or even cold to the faith (Revelation 3:15-16). Below are some ideas for stoking the fire of your faith during Ordinary Time:
1. Plan a Pilgrimage
A day at a holy site can uplift your spirits. I still vividly remember the peace I felt when visiting the National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Masss., years ago. For North American readers, here is a comprehensive list of holy sites by U.S. state.
2. Embark on a Novena
Pray to one of the saints who has a feast day during this time, like St. Benedict (July 11), St. Mary Magdalene (July 22), or St. Augustine (August 28). Lists of many novenas are available here and here.
3. Make Time to Pray More Throughout the Day
Evaluate your routine to create more time for practicing your faith. Without the pressure of hosting and/or planning for the holidays, Ordinary Time can be a great opportunity to think about how you spend your time—maybe by replacing screen time with prayer time. I know I could spend less time behind my phone and more time in prayer! My goal during this Ordinary Time is to join Relevant Radios’ live Family Rosary Across America at 8 p.m. ET at least twice each week.
4. Attend an Italian Festival for the Feast of the Assumption
Italians certainly know how to celebrate the feast days of our faith! Wherever there’s an Italian neighborhood near you, there will likely be a festival for the Assumption.
5. Start Spiritual Direction
My spiritual director recently told me that some of her older directees say they wish they had started exploring their faith through spiritual direction sooner. If you’re looking to deepen your prayer life or talk through an ongoing issue with someone experienced in the faith, now could be the time to try spiritual direction! A parishioner friend or priest may be able to recommend someone. You can also use the website www.seekdirection.app to find a director (it operates somewhat like a dating app).
6. Join or Start a Book Club
Maybe there’s one in your parish or another established group, like Well-Read Mom. If not, start one of your own!
7. Go to Mass in a Neighboring Town
Eat breakfast at a local restaurant afterward!
As the days grow longer and this Ordinary season goes on—and, perhaps, work slows down during these summer months—now could be a great time to find new ways to reflame the fire of your faith. It is during moments of silence, solitude, and reflection that we create opportunities to hear God’s voice and discern His plan for our life. Rekindle that fire, become closer to who God wants you to be, and you will, as St. Catherine of Siena reminds us, set fire to the world.
Margo White lives in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania with her husband and two dogs. A lover of the elderly and healthcare, and inspired by St. Catherine of Siena's care of the sick, she works as Healthcare Coordinator for the senior population to help them age-in-place. Margo spends her free time reading, planning travel adventures, and learning new things - her new favorite is skeet shooting! She can be reached at margohwhite@gmail.com.