Today our deepest prayers of sympathy go out to the victims of the horrific Colorado shooting last night, as well as their families. As we go about our weekend activities with our friends and family, may we hold them in our hearts and continue to lift them up in our prayers.

Summer vacations are in full swing, and the Catholic Herald newsroom was a bit quiet this week. Three staff members are at the beach, one is headed to a music festival, and I plan to hit the road this evening for a quick trip to southern Virginia.

What are you summer vacation plans? Have hilarious stories or sweet or scenic photos from family excursions? Share them with the Catholic community on our website at Your Herald.

If you plan to stay local this weekend, here are a few suggestions for spiritual nourishment and summertime fun.

This Saturday, get an early start with a Divine Mercy Cenacle at St. Thomas à Becket Church in Reston at 8:40 a.m. Or if you aren’t such an early morning person, perhaps make time for one of the Institute of Catholic Culture’s summer lectures. “The Nature of Beauty and the Catholic Tradition” will be held at Great Falls Park in McLean at 10 a.m.

Along with vacations, the blockbuster movie season is in full swing. To read Catholic Herald columnist Barbara Curtis’s summer move picks, check out one of her recent op-eds: "A summer movie primer for parents." And before you grab a friend, a cold beverage and some snacks and head to the nearest cineplex, check out some of our reviews.

Even with all the summertime trips, the next issue of the paper (hot off the press July 26) is in full production mode. So be sure to grab a copy next week, as well as check back regularly for more news online.

Have a blessed weekend.