You're almost there.

Sacrament season is wrapping up. The long parade of end of the year parties for groups is on the horizon (plus side, you get lots of leftover lunches from catered dinners).

Summer (and the "we'll do that in the summer when we have more time" to-do list) await.

What else is awaiting?

Empty pews.

With no more requirement for weekly signed bulletins + travel and nicer weather comes roomier pews.

But chances are, you don't want your parishioners to just forget about the parish (or Jesus) during the summer.

Here are a few things you can do to keep engagement up over the summer:

Don't stop everything for summer.

Nothing says "We'll see you in September" better than every single group and event stopping from July-August.

Trust me, I KNOW you and your ministry leaders need a break. And revolving priest and staff vacations don't make it easier.

But offering for some groups to continue to meet, even on a reduced schedule, over the summer can make a big difference to keep the parish from looking dead over the summer.

You could even have a specific Bible study or event during the summer when people may have different/lighter schedules and actually be able to participate.

It doesn't have to be elaborate — even inviting people to bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs to have social time and games or a short lecture series can be a great way to signal you aren't closed for the summer.

Start an intriguing homily series right before summer break.

Nothing holds people's attentions like a cliffhanger. Take a look at the Gospels for the summer and see if there are any themes you can come up with that have continuity across the readings and relevance for your parishioners.

Then promote that series towards the middle of June to start in July.

Even better if it tackles a life issue they may be facing (something like "How to actually hear God's voice").

Lean into travel season.

Level up just posting about MassTimes.org. Instead, put out a post on social media asking people to comment where they're traveling this summer and have other parishioners comment with their favorite parish in that area.

Or create some parish swag (a small banner with the parish logo or a cutout of the pastor perhaps — or the pastor's pet) that people can easily take on vacation with them and have them submit their photos posing with the swag in various locations over the summer.

Encourage digital means of connection.

Since people may not be meeting physically for fellowship as often over the summer, host a virtual Bible study series or even just offer opportunities for connection through social media.

In one parish I worked for, during the pandemic, we had "virtual Gathering Space" questions each week where parishioners could comment based on a central theme: sharing a favorite recipe or team, their Confirmation name, or even prayer requests.

You could easily replicate something like this on your social channels over the summer (just prepare yourself that it takes a few times posting a question like this to get people to engage — maybe have staff and main volunteers "plant" a few answers to get the conversation going!)

May your "let's review how the year went" meetings be short, your vacations be long, and your pews be full this summer season.

For His greater glory,

Emily

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