{"id":11206,"date":"2026-07-07T12:00:35","date_gmt":"2026-07-07T16:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sta2.org\/church\/?p=11206"},"modified":"2026-07-13T11:28:31","modified_gmt":"2026-07-13T15:28:31","slug":"summer-date-night-challenge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sta2.org\/church\/news\/summer-date-night-challenge\/","title":{"rendered":"Summer Date Night Challenge"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">June, July, &amp; August 2026<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Join the challenge. Strengthen your marriage. Have fun!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How It Works:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sign up for the Summer Date Night Challenge.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>At the beginning of June, July, and August, you\u2019ll receive an email with date night ideas and simple conversation starters.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Go on one date each month. St. Thomas date nights count!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enjoy your date. Keep it simple and meaningful.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Email a photo of the two of you on each of your dates to&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:&#99;o&#109;&#109;u&#110;&#105;&#99;ati&#111;&#110;&#115;&#64;&#115;&#116;&#97;&#50;&#46;or&#103;\"><strong>com&#109;&#117;&#110;i&#99;at&#105;&#111;&#110;&#115;&#64;sta&#50;.org<\/strong><\/a>. Include your first and last names and phone number.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>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&#8217;ll award the gift card and have a slideshow of all the date photos at the St. Thomas Annual Picnic on Sunday, September 13.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-1&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-1-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-1\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">July Date Night Opportunities &amp; Tips<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-1\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-1-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Can you believe it&#8217;s already July? Summer is flying by, which is exactly why we&#8217;re glad you&#8217;re in this challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>July&#8217;s Theme: Try Something New<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best dates aren&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Date&nbsp;Ideas for July:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.signupgenius.com\/go\/9040448A8A82FA75-64422078-2026#\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ann Arbor Art Fair:<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0This fun annual event is July 16-18. Wandering through the artists&#8217; booths makes for a great date!\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.signupgenius.com\/go\/9040448A8A82FA75-64422078-2026#\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">You can also volunteer for the Marian Booth to help spread the Gospel to Art Fair attendees before or after your date.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/sta2.org\/church\/news\/fr-chris-talks-exodus-as-the-foundation-event-in-the-old-new-testaments\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fr. Chris&#8217; Talks:<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0The 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mission-suite.com\/forms\/a99b7be6-4b41-49f1-9636-58f1e899e014\/submit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">St. Thomas\u00a0Date Night\u00a0in the Park:<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0Our next parish\u00a0date night\u00a0is at Gallup Park on July\u00a030. Join us for drinks, appetizers, dessert, and a maze of fun picnic challenges.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mission-suite.com\/forms\/a99b7be6-4b41-49f1-9636-58f1e899e014\/submit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Please register, but walk-ins are welcome.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.signupgenius.com\/go\/10C0B45A4A62CA7F5C43-61355797-24hour#\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Friday\/Saturday Adoration or Mass Date:<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0Pray 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).\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.signupgenius.com\/go\/10C0B45A4A62CA7F5C43-61355797-24hour#\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sign up here to commit to a holy hour if you can!<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/communio.org\/great-american-date-night\/?utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--ei18gCTR69cF2P_Bl3KEEp55F2wj9IIJ6AvfiLq3bQcHgMso_ZVNOU6nZOqj0oJPZrDweCrFUxw8-NCJ2fAQZiNgsMQ&amp;_hsmi=420645275&amp;utm_content=420645275&amp;utm_source=hs_automation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Great American\u00a0Date Night:<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0Use this kit to celebrate our nation&#8217;s 250th birthday with your beloved.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/communio.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DNC-Fireworks-Date-Night.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fireworks\u00a0Date:<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0There&#8217;s something naturally romantic about watching fireworks side by side. Find a show near you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/communio.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DNC-Outdoor-Concert-Date.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Outdoor Concert:<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0Check your local listings for a free or low-cost outdoor show this month. Bring a blanket and snacks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/communio.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DNC-Hiking-Date.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hiking\u00a0Date:<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0Find a trail you&#8217;ve never done before. Great conversation happens when you&#8217;re moving.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/communio.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DNC-Beach-Date-1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Beach\u00a0Date<\/strong>:<\/a>\u00a0This one is hard to beat. Sunrise or sunset timing makes it even better.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/communio.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DNC-Time-for-adventure-date.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Time for Adventure:<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0Push yourselves a little. Try something neither of you has done before.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remember, it\u2019s quality time together that matters. Pick one from the list above or go on your own unique&nbsp;date!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Conversation Starters for July:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What&#8217;s one thing about our relationship that you&#8217;re grateful for right now?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Is there something we used to do together early in our relationship that we should bring back this summer?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What&#8217;s one dream you have for us \u2014 big or small \u2014 that we haven&#8217;t talked about in a while?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reminder: Send a photo from your July&nbsp;date&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:&#99;&#111;&#109;&#109;un&#105;&#99;&#97;&#116;i&#111;ns&#64;s&#116;&#97;2.&#111;r&#103;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>c&#111;m&#109;&#117;&#110;i&#99;a&#116;i&#111;&#110;s&#64;&#115;&#116;a&#50;&#46;&#111;rg<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;for another entry into the prize drawing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You&#8217;re halfway through the summer. Keep showing up for each other!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2014 St. Thomas Family Life Ministry<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>P.S. Mark Your Calendar:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/sta2.org\/church\/news\/marian-concert\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Marian Concert:<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>On August\u00a014, 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!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/sta2.org\/church\/news\/annual-picnic-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">St. Thomas Annual Picnic:<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>On Sunday, September 13, we will wrap up the Summer\u00a0Date Night\u00a0Challenge and award the $100 gift card at this fun family event.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/sta2.org\/church\/news\/navigating-us-retreat\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Navigating Us Marriage Retreat:<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0Over the weekend of September 25-27,\u00a0couples will discover better ways to meet one another\u2019s needs, communicate, resolve conflicts, and more.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sta2.org\/church\/news\/navigating-us-retreat\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Registration is now open!<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mission-suite.com\/forms\/95b6aad8-fa18-480d-9acd-1a462acc8b6c\/submit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sign Up for the Summer Date Night Challenge<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/sta2.org\/church\/news\/date-night-in-the-park\/\">Date Night in the Park: July 30<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>June, July, &amp; 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\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":37,"featured_media":11231,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_wp_rev_ctl_limit":""},"categories":[27,24],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11206","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-family-life","category-news"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sta2.org\/church\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11206","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sta2.org\/church\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sta2.org\/church\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sta2.org\/church\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/37"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sta2.org\/church\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11206"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/sta2.org\/church\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11206\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11621,"href":"https:\/\/sta2.org\/church\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11206\/revisions\/11621"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sta2.org\/church\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11231"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sta2.org\/church\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11206"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sta2.org\/church\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11206"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sta2.org\/church\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11206"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}