June, July, & August 2026
Join the challenge. Strengthen your marriage. Have fun!
Marriage grows through small, intentional moments. This summer, commit to one date per month for three months and watch how simple connection can renew your marriage. Your marriage is worth it!
How It Works:
- Sign up for the Summer Date Night Challenge.
- At the beginning of June, July, and August, you’ll receive an email with date night ideas and simple conversation starters.
- Go on one date each month. St. Thomas date nights count!
- Enjoy your date. Keep it simple and meaningful.
- Email a photo of the two of you on each of your dates to communications@sta2.org. Include your first and last names and phone number.
Each date photo you submit is one entry to win a $100 gift card to the Ann Arbor Main Street Venues for a fabulous date night! We’ll award the gift card and have a slideshow of all the date photos at the St. Thomas Annual Picnic on Sunday, September 13.
Can you believe it’s already July? Summer is flying by, which is exactly why we’re glad you’re in this challenge.
July’s Theme: Try Something New
The best dates aren’t always the most elaborate ones. Sometimes, the most memorable moments come from doing something a little outside your usual routine: visiting a new place, trying a new activity, or having a small adventure together.
Date Ideas for July:
- Ann Arbor Art Fair: This fun annual event is July 16-18. Wandering through the artists’ booths makes for a great date! You can also volunteer for the Marian Booth to help spread the Gospel to Art Fair attendees before or after your date.
- Fr. Chris’ Talks: The annual Bible series from Fr. Chris starts July 21 in the parish hall at 7:00 p.m. Get dinner beforehand and then bring your date to learn more about Exodus as the foundation event in the Old and New Testaments.
- St. Thomas Date Night in the Park: Our next parish date night is at Gallup Park on July 30. Join us for drinks, appetizers, dessert, and a maze of fun picnic challenges. Please register, but walk-ins are welcome.
- Friday/Saturday Adoration or Mass Date: Pray a holy hour together at St. Thomas in Ann Arbor, then go out on the town on Friday evening (or get breakfast on Saturday morning after Adoration and/or Mass). Sign up here to commit to a holy hour if you can!
- Great American Date Night: Use this kit to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday with your beloved.
- Fireworks Date: There’s something naturally romantic about watching fireworks side by side. Find a show near you.
- Outdoor Concert: Check your local listings for a free or low-cost outdoor show this month. Bring a blanket and snacks.
- Hiking Date: Find a trail you’ve never done before. Great conversation happens when you’re moving.
- Beach Date: This one is hard to beat. Sunrise or sunset timing makes it even better.
- Time for Adventure: Push yourselves a little. Try something neither of you has done before.
Remember, it’s quality time together that matters. Pick one from the list above or go on your own unique date!
Conversation Starters for July:
- What’s one thing about our relationship that you’re grateful for right now?
- Is there something we used to do together early in our relationship that we should bring back this summer?
- What’s one dream you have for us — big or small — that we haven’t talked about in a while?
Reminder: Send a photo from your July date to communications@sta2.org for another entry into the prize drawing!
You’re halfway through the summer. Keep showing up for each other!
— St. Thomas Family Life Ministry
P.S. Mark Your Calendar:
- Marian Concert: On August 14, the vigil of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, join us for a concert and then a vigil Mass for the solemnity. You can go out for dinner before or after and make it a date night!
- St. Thomas Annual Picnic: On Sunday, September 13, we will wrap up the Summer Date Night Challenge and award the $100 gift card at this fun family event.
- Navigating Us Marriage Retreat: Over the weekend of September 25-27, couples will discover better ways to meet one another’s needs, communicate, resolve conflicts, and more. Registration is now open!