Catholic Family Movie Night: The Sandlot

Boiling temps aside, I absolutely love summer. It’s a sacred time, in my opinion, to slow down and refocus on what’s the most important: faith, family, and friends. im fortunate to be able to stay home with my kids and I understand that’s not the norm for everyone. Many of you work and utilize daycare for your kids, others homeschool and continue schooling through the summer. No matter your family situation, summertime can still become a sabbath season for your family. 

For June’s Catholic family movie night, we will watch The Sandlot which is a movie that really illustrates the slowing down and digging into the good stuff of summer. 

1. Celebrate the Simplicity and Wonder of Childhood Summers

The Sandlot captures the essence of long, unscheduled summer days—filled with baseball, imagination, and adventure. It reminds families that summer isn't just a season, but a sacred time to be fully present, unhurried, and immersed in joy.

What are some ways your family can have some active time together, using imagination and adventure? 

• Try a campout together 

• Or a hiking trail nearby! Just google “find local hiking trails nearby” for a great list!

2. Promote Friendship and Belonging

At the heart of the film is the formation of true, loyal friendships. Summer becomes the backdrop for this deepening bond, reminding viewers that relationships—especially those formed in moments of leisure—can be life-giving and enduring.

What are you doing this summer that promotes holy friendships? 

• Consider having family friends over for dinner. 

• Consider hosting an adoration and ice cream night where you meet at your local parish for a holy hour and then invite everyone either out for ice cream or back to your place for ice cream sundaes or popsicles. 

• Call some mom friends and set up a play date at the park or pool. 

3. Encourage Outdoor Play and Creativity

The kids in The Sandlot make their own fun. Whether it’s inventing baseball games, storytelling, or building crazy contraptions, the film subtly affirms the sacred value of imagination, freedom from screens, and physical play—all so important in summer and often neglected today.

What are some ways you can encourage outdoor play away from screens?

• Consider setting screen limits and creating a summer checklist that includes creative time and/or outdoor play. 

• Here’s a basic summer checklist. Feel free to make a copy and edit how you want!

4. Honor Mentorship and Growing Up with Virtue

The story shows boys learning from one another, figuring out right from wrong, forgiving mistakes, and growing in courage and character—like when Smalls finally faces "The Beast." These lessons are gently woven into the relaxed rhythm of summer.

Do you have a family trip to confession planned?

• Consider taking the whole family to confession, bringing any mistakes or burdens along the way and face “the beast” of shame and experience the freedoms of Confession together. 

5. Nostalgia That Sparks Gratitude

For parents, The Sandlot brings a sense of nostalgia—a reverent look back at their own summers. Watching it as a family opens space to share stories, laugh together, and cherish the fleeting but holy moments of childhood.

Are there any ways you can share the nostalgia of your own summer memories with your kids?

• Maybe take them to a drive in movie or an ice cream place you used to go as a family?

• Take them fishing or go for a bike ride?

• Are there any movies from your childhood you could show them? 

We pray this blog blesses your family and helps you to slow down and soak in the sacredness of summer!