The end of summer brings excitement, nervous energy, and holy anticipation. Whether you are packing for your first year of college or waving goodbye as a parent or mentor, this season of transition is sacred.
It is an opportunity to prepare not only practically but also spiritually, to make room for grace, cultivate virtue, and invite God into every detail. As Catholic women, we are called to begin the academic year with clarity, courage, and Christ at the center.
Here are two end-of-summer checklists: one for young women heading off to school, and one for those who love and support them.
For Catholic Young Adults: 15 Ways to Prepare Your Heart and Mind
1. Make a Simple Budget
Plan for tithing, saving, and spending. Financial peace nurtures spiritual peace.
2. Buy a Catholic Planner
Choose one that includes liturgical feast days and space for prayer intentions. Check out the BIS planner here.
3. Write Thank-You Notes
Send gratitude to teachers, priests, mentors, or family members who helped you arrive here.
4. Find Catholic Community
Connect with Newman Centers, FOCUS missionaries, or Catholic young adult groups. Be bold. It takes courage and openness to seek holy friendships.
5. Have a Heart-to-Heart with Your Parents or Mentors
Talk about values, boundaries, and expectations. Invite their wisdom and support.
6. Practice Saying No Gracefully
You will face peer pressure. Prepare now to set kind and holy boundaries.
7. Create a Prayer Corner in Your Room
Bring a crucifix, rosary, candles, and holy cards. Make space for stillness and reflection.
8. Visit an Adoration Chapel
Spend time in the Real Presence of Jesus. Offer Him your hopes and fears for the year.
9. Make a Local Pilgrimage
Visit a nearby shrine, cathedral, or Saint’s tomb. Begin your semester as a spiritual journey.
10. Choose a Patron Saint for the Semester
Ask for the intercession of a Saint who inspires you or aligns with your studies.
11. Go to Confession Before Leaving
Start the year with a clean heart. Let God’s mercy strengthen your spirit. Find the Confession schedules at nearby parishes and plan to go regularly.
12. Establish a Daily Prayer Routine
Decide when and where you will pray. Even five minutes of quiet can ground your day.
13. Start a Gratitude Journal
Write three things each day for which you are thankful. Gratitude invites joy and resilience.
14. Write a Letter to Jesus
Share your heart with Him: your hopes, questions, and fears. Jesus, I trust You. Walk with me this year.
15. Pray for Discernment
Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your academic path, friendships, and decisions. Begin with a simple prayer: Come, Holy Spirit. Lead me.
For Parents and Mentors: 15 Ways to Support a Young Catholic Woman
1. Send a Liturgical Calendar or Catholic Planner
Help her stay rooted in the rhythm of the Church year.
2. Create a Care Package
Include a rosary, holy cards, snacks, and a handwritten prayer—plus other goodies from the BIS Shop.
3. Help Her Find Mass Times or a Parish
Research local churches and Catholic campus ministries. Share what you find with her.
4. Celebrate Her Sacramental Anniversaries
Mark her Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation dates. A short prayer or note can make these days special.
5. Mark Her Patron Saint’s Feast Day
Send a reminder or have a Mass said for her intentions.
6. Gift a Catholic Book or Subscription
Consider something uplifting like Magnificat or Navigating College with Faith, Clarity, and Confidence by Emily Wilson Hussem.
7. Encourage a Sunday Sabbath
Remind her that Sunday is for the Lord, and for rest, renewal, and community.
8. Share Your Own Story
Offer honest reflections from your own young adult years, both the graces and the struggles.
9. Be Open to Hard Questions
If she brings doubts or struggles, listen with love. Do not panic. God is present even in her questioning.
10. Respond with Mercy, Not Pressure
If she stumbles, be a safe place. Reflect the unconditional love of the Father.
11. Write a Blessing Letter
Include Scripture, personal encouragement, and words of truth: She is beloved, chosen, and called.
12. Model Peace During Goodbyes
Let her see your trust in God. Your calm will become part of her foundation.
13. Offer a Daily Morning Prayer for Her
Something simple like, Jesus, I offer You this day for [her name], unites your heart to hers.
14. Entrust Her to Our Blessed Mother
Pray the Memorare or simply whisper, Mary, be her mother when I cannot be near.
15. Pray a Novena for Her Transition
Choose a favorite novena and offer it for her peace, protection, and courage.
Let the Quiet Confidence of God Go Before You
Whether you are stepping into a new dorm room or letting go with a prayer, this season matters. Let it be filled with intention, intercession, and the quiet confidence that God goes before you.
“Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will act.” // Psalm 37:5
Share these checklists with a young woman you love or someone supporting her. Together, let us walk into the new year with faith and courage.
Rose Coleman is an elementary school teacher with a heart for pilgrimage. She traveled the globe on a ship during college and spent some years in the convent as a religious sister. She was a contributing author to All She Had, Blessed Conversations: Rooted, and our children’s devotional prayer book called Rise Up. Find out more about her here.
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