Why Our Family Escapes Every Summer and What We Find There

Why does one family return to the same small island every summer, and what do they find there? Jim and Meghan step away from their usual guest format to reflect together on nearly two decades of summers in Jamestown, Rhode Island, the place where Meghan grew up and where their family has built a second, deeply rooted community. From an unexpected turn on the altar to conversations that stretch late into the night in a favorite corner of the house they call the cupola, they explore how leaving routine behind draws them closer to each other and to God. It is a conversation about slowing down, showing up in a small parish, and discovering that a place, like a person, can become an unexpected gift.

What’s in this episode:

• The origin story of summering in Rhode Island as a family tradition
• Community as an extension of what it means to be Catholic
• Encountering God's beauty in nature, from sunsets to ocean waves
• Jim's unexpected turn as lector the day the bishop visited
• Getting out of routine to slow down and rediscover morning prayer
• Multigenerational memories with great-grandparents, cousins, and family
• How their daughter's first Communion came together at the island parish
• Evening conversations in "the cupola" as a nightly family ritual
• Why family rules and priorities shift when routine is left behind

Looking for meaningful ways to deepen your family’s connection with God outside of Sunday Mass? Download our free guide to discover 10 practical and fun faith-based activities that will bring your family closer to Christ—no matter how busy life gets. From sharing gratitude at the dinner table to watching faith-filled media together, these ideas make living your faith easy and enjoyable.