Advent & Christmas
Christmas Activities and Resources
The Shepherd (Youtube)
In this pilot episode of the series The Chosen, this is the perfect introduction to the meaning of Christmas. Christmas Prayer
Blessing of a Christmas Tree (USCCB)
8 Printable Catholic Christmas Prayers (Sadlier)
Catholic Feast Days (Catholic Apostolate Center)
This website features profiles of saints, special devotions in the church, including those who are blessed and Marian devotions, and other important events in the liturgical calendar. This ever-growing website can serve as a reference to learn about the lives of holiness of saints throughout the whole Catholic Church.
Christmas Articles and Resources (Building Faith)
Celebrando Navidad (Diocese of Des Moines)
Christmas Resources (Loyola Press)
Blessing the Family Christmas Tree
Christmas- About
As you set up your nativity scene in your home this year (or if you do not have one, gather around the crèche in church one Sunday before Christmas) talk about the many ways each of the figures can teach us about waiting for Jesus, following Jesus, or receiving Jesus.
Christmas for Parishes/Schools
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Christmas Lesson Plan Grades 1-3 (Loyola Press)
Christmas Lesson Plan Grades 4-6 (Loyola Press)
Christmas Lesson Plan Grades 7-8 (Loyola Press)
Arts & Faith: Your Christmas Reflection, Cycle A (Loyola Press)
Arts & Faith: Your Christmas Reflection, Cycle B (Loyola Press)
Arts & Faith: Your Christmas Reflection, Cycle C (Loyola Press)
Mini Video Retreat for Catechists for Advent and Christmas (Diocese of Syracuse)
dvent prayers and activities
CHOSEN ESPECIALLY FOR YOU FROM SOME OF OUR FAVORITE WEBSITES:
Advent Resources and Activities
Advent Links & Resources (USCCB)
Season of Advent Activities (Sadlier)
Advent Blooms Activity (Sadlier)
A busy Catholic's guide to celebrating Advent: 10 Tips for Observing the Season (National Catholic Reporter)
Advent Resources (Busted Halo)
Advent Articles and Resources (Building Faith)
Advent Traditions Game (Good Ground Press)
Advent Wreath Crafts for Kids (Catholic Icing)
Creating a Personal Online Advent Calendar (MyAdvent) Upload photos, voice messages and videos to create your personal & free online advent calendars to share with friends and loved ones!
Love Bears All (Holy Cross Family Ministries) Prayer resources to inspire you and your family as you journey through Advent and Christmas. Includes Family Activity Calendar, Advent wreath video series, ebooks, blogs, and more.
O Come, O Come Emmanuel Sing-Along Advent Hymn (Catholic Kids Media)
Advent Family Resources (Loyola Press)
Family Advent and Christmas Traditions, Prayerful Reflections, Acts of Kindness (Diocese of Des Moines)
Living This Advent - A four week journey by Kristi Quinlan
Advent Prayers and Retreat
Advent and Christmas Prayers (CRS)
Advent and Christmas Prayers, Blessings (Diocese of Des Moines)
A Prayerful, Magical Catholic Family Advent & Christmas (The Liturgical Catechist)
The "O Antiphons" of Advent (USCCB)
Advent Retreat, Holy Women, Full of Grace (Good Ground Press)
Twelve Days Before Christmas (Renew International)
Blessing of an Advent Wreath
About Advent Wreaths (USCCB)
Blessing of an Advent Wreath (USCCB)
Advent Wreath Activity and Prayer for Young Families (Building Faith)
Advent Wreath Prayer (Good Ground Press)
Blessing of a Christmas Manger and Tree
Blessing of a Christmas Manger or Nativity Scene (USCCB)
Manger Scene (Good Ground Press)
Blessing of a Christmas Tree (USCCB)
Holy Days, Holidays and Special Remembrances
Catholic Feast Days (Catholic Apostolate Center)
This website features profiles of saints, special devotions in the church, including those who are blessed and Marian devotions, and other important events in the liturgical calendar. This ever-growing website can serve as a reference to learn about the lives of holiness of saints throughout the whole Catholic Church.
Advent Feast Days (Diocese of Des Moines)
Feast of St. Nicholas - December 6
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception - December 8
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe - December 12
Feast of St. Lucy - December 13
Start of Los Posadas and Christmas Novena - December 16
Advent - Parish/School
Advent Resources (Catholic Apostolate Center)
Webpage of articles, reflection guides, and ecclesial documents to accompany you and those you minister with in this time of joyful anticipation. This page continues to be updated as new resources and materials become available, including their own E-Book featuring reflections from blog writers on Advent and Christmas.
The "O Antiphons" of Advent (USCCB)
The Roman Church has been singing the "O" Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23.
Advent Season (RCL Benziger)
Enjoy these free downloadable and printable resources for celebrating the season of Advent!
Coaching Parents for Advent (The Pastoral Center)
Waiting for Jesus Christ - An Intergenerational Event (Loyola Press)
Arts and Faith: Advent (Loyola Press)
Use these videos to take a new look at this season of hope and preparation through the lens of sacred art.
Holy Days, Holidays and Special Remembrances
The Shepherd (Youtube)
In this pilot episode of the series The Chosen, this is the perfect introduction to the meaning of Christmas. Christmas Prayer
Blessing of a Christmas Tree (USCCB)
8 Printable Catholic Christmas Prayers (Sadlier)
Catholic Feast Days (Catholic Apostolate Center)
This website features profiles of saints, special devotions in the church, including those who are blessed and Marian devotions, and other important events in the liturgical calendar. This ever-growing website can serve as a reference to learn about the lives of holiness of saints throughout the whole Catholic Church.
Christmas Articles and Resources (Building Faith)
Celebrando Navidad (Diocese of Des Moines)
Christmas Resources (Loyola Press)
Blessing the Family Christmas Tree
Christmas- About
- What does living Christmas mean? (Mic Daily) - Video by Rev. Kevin O'Brien on the meaning of living Christmas.
- How did December 25 get to be Christmas Day? (Busted Halo)
- Family Christmas Movie Nights (Diocese of Des Moines)
As you set up your nativity scene in your home this year (or if you do not have one, gather around the crèche in church one Sunday before Christmas) talk about the many ways each of the figures can teach us about waiting for Jesus, following Jesus, or receiving Jesus.
- Click HERE for a Nativity Scene Prayer (Catholic Relief Services).
- And in Spanish HERE (Catholic Relief Services).
- Need a (new) nativity scene for your home. Here are 9 Unique Nativity Scenes! (Aleteia)
- Turning into a Happier Holier Family (Can We Cana)
- What would the Holy Family Do? (Ave Maria Press)
- Praying with Mary in Advent (Loyola Press)
- A Journey with Mary and Joseph- a child's prayer (Loyola Press)
- A Reflection: Learning from the Silence and Way of Joseph (Catholic Online)
- Blessing of a Christmas Manger or Nativity Scene (USCCB)
- Manger Scene - art project (Good Ground Press)
Christmas for Parishes/Schools
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Christmas Lesson Plan Grades 1-3 (Loyola Press)
Christmas Lesson Plan Grades 4-6 (Loyola Press)
Christmas Lesson Plan Grades 7-8 (Loyola Press)
Arts & Faith: Your Christmas Reflection, Cycle A (Loyola Press)
Arts & Faith: Your Christmas Reflection, Cycle B (Loyola Press)
Arts & Faith: Your Christmas Reflection, Cycle C (Loyola Press)
Mini Video Retreat for Catechists for Advent and Christmas (Diocese of Syracuse)
dvent prayers and activities
CHOSEN ESPECIALLY FOR YOU FROM SOME OF OUR FAVORITE WEBSITES:
Advent Resources and Activities
Advent Links & Resources (USCCB)
Season of Advent Activities (Sadlier)
Advent Blooms Activity (Sadlier)
A busy Catholic's guide to celebrating Advent: 10 Tips for Observing the Season (National Catholic Reporter)
Advent Resources (Busted Halo)
Advent Articles and Resources (Building Faith)
Advent Traditions Game (Good Ground Press)
Advent Wreath Crafts for Kids (Catholic Icing)
Creating a Personal Online Advent Calendar (MyAdvent) Upload photos, voice messages and videos to create your personal & free online advent calendars to share with friends and loved ones!
Love Bears All (Holy Cross Family Ministries) Prayer resources to inspire you and your family as you journey through Advent and Christmas. Includes Family Activity Calendar, Advent wreath video series, ebooks, blogs, and more.
O Come, O Come Emmanuel Sing-Along Advent Hymn (Catholic Kids Media)
Advent Family Resources (Loyola Press)
- Activities
- Calendars
- Inspiration
- The Jesse Tree
- Prayers
- Arts and Faith: Advent
- Books
- Advent A to Z E-Mail Series
- More Advent Resources from Loyola Press
- Receiving Advent
Family Advent and Christmas Traditions, Prayerful Reflections, Acts of Kindness (Diocese of Des Moines)
Living This Advent - A four week journey by Kristi Quinlan
- Advent Faith Conversations Week 1
- Advent Faith Conversations Week 2
- Advent Faith Conversations Week 3
- Advent Faith Conversations Week 4
- Primer Semana de Adviento
- Segunda Semana de Adviento
- Tercera Semana de Adviento
- Cuarta Semana de Adviento
- The Jesse Tree Bible-Story Guide
Advent Prayers and Retreat
Advent and Christmas Prayers (CRS)
Advent and Christmas Prayers, Blessings (Diocese of Des Moines)
A Prayerful, Magical Catholic Family Advent & Christmas (The Liturgical Catechist)
The "O Antiphons" of Advent (USCCB)
Advent Retreat, Holy Women, Full of Grace (Good Ground Press)
Twelve Days Before Christmas (Renew International)
Blessing of an Advent Wreath
About Advent Wreaths (USCCB)
Blessing of an Advent Wreath (USCCB)
Advent Wreath Activity and Prayer for Young Families (Building Faith)
Advent Wreath Prayer (Good Ground Press)
Blessing of a Christmas Manger and Tree
Blessing of a Christmas Manger or Nativity Scene (USCCB)
Manger Scene (Good Ground Press)
Blessing of a Christmas Tree (USCCB)
Holy Days, Holidays and Special Remembrances
Catholic Feast Days (Catholic Apostolate Center)
This website features profiles of saints, special devotions in the church, including those who are blessed and Marian devotions, and other important events in the liturgical calendar. This ever-growing website can serve as a reference to learn about the lives of holiness of saints throughout the whole Catholic Church.
Advent Feast Days (Diocese of Des Moines)
Feast of St. Nicholas - December 6
- St. Nicholas Day Blessing of Candy Canes (Sadlier)
- Celebrate at Home (St. Nicholas Center)
- Celebrate Advent Saints (Good Ground Press)
- St Nicholas Activities, Crafts, Skits and More (Building Faith)
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception - December 8
- Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Franciscan Media)
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe - December 12
- Celebrating the Feast of St. Juan Diego and Our Lady of Guadalupe (Catholic Icing)
- Celebrate Advent Saints (Good Ground Press)
- Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe—Our Lady of Guadalupe (Loyola Press)
Feast of St. Lucy - December 13
- Feast Day Fun: St. Lucy (equippingcatholicfamilies.com)
Start of Los Posadas and Christmas Novena - December 16
- Las Posadas - a Catholic Hispanic Tradition (Catholic Online)
- Las Posadas Neighborhood Outreach- Family Activity- Bringing Jesus to your Neighbors (Diocese of Des Moines)
- Las posadas y la fe/A Video on the Posadas in the United States in Spanish (CRS)
- Christmas Novena - December 16-24 (CatholicCulture.org)
Advent - Parish/School
Advent Resources (Catholic Apostolate Center)
Webpage of articles, reflection guides, and ecclesial documents to accompany you and those you minister with in this time of joyful anticipation. This page continues to be updated as new resources and materials become available, including their own E-Book featuring reflections from blog writers on Advent and Christmas.
The "O Antiphons" of Advent (USCCB)
The Roman Church has been singing the "O" Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23.
Advent Season (RCL Benziger)
Enjoy these free downloadable and printable resources for celebrating the season of Advent!
Coaching Parents for Advent (The Pastoral Center)
Waiting for Jesus Christ - An Intergenerational Event (Loyola Press)
Arts and Faith: Advent (Loyola Press)
Use these videos to take a new look at this season of hope and preparation through the lens of sacred art.
Holy Days, Holidays and Special Remembrances
- Our Lady of Guadalupe Lesson Plan (Loyola Press) Articles, activities and books to help you celebrate!
- Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Loyola Press)
Lent
Lenten Videos
What are the Faith Practices of Lent? Bishop Barron Explains (Word on Fire)
- What Does Lent Mean? (The Religion Teacher)
- Catholic Kids Homilies for Ash Wednesday and all the Weeks of Lent (Catholic Kids Media) An upbeat animated video with a kid-friendly homily based on the readings for Ash Wednesday and all the weeks of Lent.
- Ash Wednesday & Lent in Two Minutes (Busted Halo) Looking for a quick way to explain Ash Wednesday to your friends? Look no further than Busted Halo’s® two-minute video that describes the day which begins the season of Lent, and why Catholics and many Christians receive ashes on their foreheads. You can download this video from the website.
- Lent Frequently Asked Questions: With Joe Paprocki (Loyola Press)
- Lenten Video Series (The Religion Teacher)
- Reflecting on the Lenten Scriptures Cycle A and Cycle C Video Options: Joe Paprocki (Loyola Press)
- Psalm 22 (Catholic Kids Media) children's guided prayer
- Palm Sunday (Outside da Box)
- What is Lent? (Catholic Relief Services) Why do we set aside this season and change our practices? What does it accomplish? Fr. Jim Martin, Kerry Weber, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Chris West and others answer. Has subtitles in Spanish.
- See Station of the Cross videos below.
- NEW! Lent for Married Couples 2021 (Marriage in Christ) 20 Minutes/Day! Prayers, conversation starters and tips for how to love your spouse.
- Forty Lenten Ideas (Janet Schaeffler, OP) Lent approaches each year, our minds turn to, “what will we do; what will we give up?” Instead of giving up, why not put something in ... something that will take hold and stay with us for the rest of our lives – since Lent is about change/conversion. Remember that real penance is to live life well: to be the mercy and peace of God toward others. Perhaps one or two of these ideas will be helpful.
- Living Lent Daily - 40 Hours to Inspire Your Journey through Lent (Loyola Press) Each year, Lent is celebrated by millions of Catholics throughout the world. But what is truly at the heart of Lent, and how can each of us participate fully in this special season of the church year? Let Fr. James Martin, Fr. William Barry, best-selling author Vinita Hampton Wright, and many others lead you to a deeper appreciation of your faith through the Living Lent Daily series.
- Lenten Reflections from Fr. Robert Barron (Word on Fire) Fr. Barron sends daily Lenten reflections right to your inbox.
- Live Lent: Things to Do (Renew International)
- Live Lent: A Forty-Day Challenge (Renew International)
- USCCB Lent 2021 Resources (USCCB)
- Lenten Stations of the Cross (USCCB)
- Lent with the Saints: Do You Want to be a Saint? (Franciscan Media)
- NEW! Meditation Stations on Jesus' Forgiveness (Renew International)
- Ash Wednesday (Loyola Press)
- Ash Wednesday Lesson Plan (The Religion Teacher)
- Families Lenten Journey/CRS Rice Bowl (CRS) CRS Rice Bowl can serve as the foundation to your family’s Lenten journey. We have prayer resources and activities to use during dinner, in the car on the way to school or whenever you have just a few moments to gather together, pause and pray. Use these holy days of Lent to respond to Pope Francis’ call to deepen your family’s faith life-and let CRS Rice Bowl accompany your family along the way.
- Simple, meatless meals from around the world (CRS) Perfect for Fridays during Lent for those who want to eat in Solidarity
- Catholic Social Teaching Stations of the Cross (CRS) Short video reflections that help us recognize Christ still walking to Calvary in the lives of so many of our brothers and sisters
- Share the Journey Lenten resources (CRS) Videos and digital retreats to help families live Pope Francis' invitation to care for the refugee and migrant during their Lenten journey
- CRS Rice Bowl mobile app (CRS) Daily reflections for Lent
- Resources for your Lenten Journey (Loyola Press) Activities, Stations of the Cross, Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, Articles, Videos, Prayers, Retreats, Art, Books
- Recursos Cuaresmales (Loyola Press)
- 40 Ideas for 40 Days (Catechist's Journey-Joe Paprocki-Loyola Press) Faith formation activities to use with children.
- Lenten Resources for Catechists (Catechist's Journey-Joe Paprocki-Loyola Press) Check out the curated links on this site for a wide variety of kid-friendly activities.
- Lent at Home: Activities for Busy Catholic Families (Loyola Press) Simple ideas for Lent including crafts, mealtime sharing, reaching out in kindness and reading for families.
- Lenten Resources (Sadlier) Family Lenten Calendar, Stations of the Cross Prayer, Living out Lent Activity, Act of Contrition Prayer Card
- Resources for the Season of Lent (Sadlier)
- Lent Activities (The Religion Teacher) Check out the curated links on this site for a wide variety of kid-friendly activities.
- Lent Resources (catholicmom.com) Scroll through the index to find lessons and activities for Lent.
- Lenten Activities for Children (Catholic Icing) Activities for preschoolers
- Lenten Calendar for Kids (Catholic Icing) Catholic Icing offers families a nice "Journey through Lent" calendar that can help kids track the days through Lent and write into the days the Lenten actions and sacrifices that they do. It is offered in a variety of languages.
- Creating a Lenten Prayer Space in the Home (Building Faith) Children, especially young children, often relate to what they can see and touch better than what they hear. A small table with a cross an empty bowl and purple cloth, among other things, is the beginning of a sensory journey through Lent for families.
- Ideas for Celebrating Lent and Easter at Home (Simply Catholic/Our Sunday Visitor) A blog post by Joanne Bogle on Simply Catholic.
- Lenten Adventure (Holy Heroes)
- Lenten Stations of the Cross (USCCB)
- Stations of the Cross - Overcoming Racism (USCCB)
- Vía Crucis: Superando el racismo (USCCB)
- Stations of the Cross for Children (Loyola Press)
- Doing the Stations of the Cross with your kids (Our Sunday Visitor)
- Walking the Stations of the Cross this Lent (Our Sunday Visitor)
- Taking the Journey at the Shrine of Christ's Passion - St. John, Indiana (The Shrine of Christ's Passion) virtual tour
- Stations of the Cross Videos (Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl)
- Stations of the Cross for Kids (Catholic Kids Media)
- Estaciones de la Cruz para ninos (Catholic Kids Media)
- Stations of the Cross Video-English (American Bible Society) Featuring unique works of art from sculptor Gib Singleton, this video provides an opportunity for viewers to meditate on the Passion of Christ.
- Best Lent Ever (Dynamic Catholic)
- Catholic Icing Lent Board (Catholic Icing) Ideas for Kids
- Catholic Diocese of Toledo Lent Recipe Board - (Diocese of Toledo) help families focus on meatless meals together during Lent
- Catholic Diocese of Toledo Lent Activities Board (Diocese of Toledo)
- Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (Durham) Pinterest Page (Immaculate Conception, Durham)
- Our Sunday Visitor Lent and Easter Board (Our Sunday Visitor)
- RedeemedOnline's ShareJesus Project (Redeemed Online)
- St. Jude Faith Formation Church Season: Lent, Tritium, Easter Board (St. Jude Faith Formation)
- St. Michael Catholic Church Lent Board (St. Michael)
- The Catholic Muse Lent Meals and Traditions Board (The Catholic Muse)
- NEW! 25 things for your kids to spot during Palm Sunday and Triduum (Teaching Catholic Kids)
- Lenten Hymn - Were You There? (Catholic Kids Media) video reflection
- Holy Week Activities (Loyola Press)
- Holy Week Resources for Families (Sadlier)
- Recursos de Semana Santa para las Familias (Sadlier)
- How to Make the Most of Holy Week at Home (Our Sunday Visitor)
- Unleash the Gospel - Worshipping from Home preparing for Holy Week (Archdiocese of Detroit) family resources and activities
- Holy Week at Home (Liturgical Press) These prayers are not intended to replace the liturgies of Holy Week. Rather, they are a sincere effort to cultivate some of the rituals and spirit of Holy Week in our own homes when public celebration might not be possible.
- Palm Sunday and Holy Week Resources (The Religion Teacher)
- Palm Sunday Worksheet for Catholic Children (Sadlier)
- Your Essential Guide to the Triduum (Busted Halo) Taking you step-by-step through the three-day celebration of the Church.
- The Easter Triduum ( Sadlier) Explanation for children
- Eighteen Questions on the Paschal Triduum (USCCB)
- Holy Thursday (Worship @ Home)
- Good Friday (Pinterest)
Holy Week@Home Experience (Pastoral Center) Worship services, prayers, and activities for the family. (Please read the leader page for this and the pages below, and request a free license. )
- Palm Sunday (Pastoral Center)
- Holy Thursday (Pastoral Center)
- Good Friday (Pastoral Center)
- Easter Sunday (Pastoral Center)
Easter
EASTER PRAYERS
- Break Open the Tomb (CRS) / Abre la tumba (CRS)
- Easter Prayer (Catholic Online)
- Easter Sunday: A New Perspective (Renew International)
- The Joy of Easter (Loyola)
- Easter Hymn: Christ the Lord is Risen Today (Catholic Kids Media)
- Easter Hymn: Alleluia! Sing to Jesus! (Catholic Kids Media)
- Make All Things New (CRS)
- Prayer for the Newly Baptized (Sadlier)
- The Encounters with the Risen Jesus (Renew International)
EASTER ACTIVITIES
Celebrating Easter: A Handout for Busy Parents (Growing up Catholic) Celebrando Pascua
This handout is available to download free if you register with the Growing Up Catholic website. It is two pages chocked full of information for parents on the meaning of Easter and ideas on how to celebrate the holiday with family focused on the real meaning of the event.
Christian Easter Crafts for Kids (Catholic Icing)
Easter coloring pages and the jelly bean prayer plus a resurrection rolls and cookies and resurrection eggs.
Eleven Activities for Families to Celebrate the 50 Days of Easter (Sr. Janet Schaeffler - Faith Formation Learning Exchange)
Great ideas to help families make the Easter season come alive for 50 days courtesy of the Faith Formation Learning Exchange.
Easter Activities (The Religion Teacher)
Explore the following Easter activities for kids as a part of your Easter lesson plans this year.
Easter Activities for Kids (iMOM)
Help parents prep for Easter with an Easter Story Hunt or Easter Egg Hunt, and sharing some Easter Traditions!
Easter Traditions for Teens (Vibrant Faith at Home)
Helps families with teens to develop new ways to celebrate Easter.
Open-Egged Questions (Vibrant Faith at Home)
Open-ended questions are great conversation starters at Easter for families with teens.
Easter Cupcakes (Vibrant Faith at Home)
Young families read a story of Jesus' resurrection in the Gospel of Luke followed by a sweet treat reminding them that Jesus is the light of the world.
Easter Games (The Catholic Toolbox)
Games and activities to help families celebrate the Triduum and Easter in the home.
Arts and Faith: (Loyola Press)
- Arts & Faith: Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion, Cycle B
- Arts & Faith: Holy Thursday Cycle B
- Arts & Faith: Good Friday, Cycle B
- Arts & Faith: Holy Saturday, Cycle B
- Arts & Faith: Easter Sunday Cycle A
- Arts & Faith: Easter Sunday Cycle B
- Arts & Faith: Easter Sunday Cycle C
Easter Resources (Loyola Press)
A variety of prayers, activities and resources to enable families to bring the resurrection home.
Easter (USCCB)
Pascua (USCCB)
Printable Easter Cards in English and Spanish (Loyola)
The Best Thing About Easter (YouTube)
Easter Version of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah (YouTube)
The Gift of the Resurrection is not only for the Future (Renew International Blog)
Catholic Feast Days (Catholic Apostolate Center)
This website features profiles of saints, special devotions in the church, including those who are blessed and Marian devotions, and other important events in the liturgical calendar. This ever-growing website can serve as a reference to learn about the lives of holiness of saints throughout the whole Catholic Church.
Divine Mercy Sunday-Second Sunday of Easter
Divine Mercy Lesson Plan and Activities (The Religion Teacher)
Divine Mercy Sunday (Loyola Press)
Litany of Mercy (Divine Mercy) (CRS)
Through the Year
NEW! Catholic Feast Days (Catholic Apostolate Center)
This website features profiles of saints, special devotions in the church, including those who are blessed and Marian devotions, and other important events in the liturgical calendar. This ever-growing website can serve as a reference to learn about the lives of holiness of saints throughout the whole Catholic Church.
Holidays, Holy Days, and Special Remembrances
- NEW! Catholic Feast Days (Catholic Apostolate Center) This website features profiles of saints, special devotions in the church, including those who are blessed and Marian devotions, and other important events in the liturgical calendar. This ever-growing website can serve as a reference to learn about the lives of holiness of saints throughout the whole Catholic Church.
- Mardi Gras Prayer (Loyola Press)
- St. Patrick's Day Crafts and Activities - March 17 (Catholic Icing) Crafts for Catholic Kids
- Saint Patrick's Day Reproducible Prayer - March 17 (Sadlier)
- Annunciation of the Lord - March 25 (Franciscan Media)
- Twelve (Simple!) Ways to Celebrate the Annunciation (Mary Haseltine)
- Learning to Say Yes - Lesson Plan (Loyola Press)
- Mary and the Angel - Lesson Plan (The Catholic Toolbox)
EARTH DAY/CARE FOR CREATION - See more related articles and links under Faith Practice: Catholic Social Teaching - Care for God's Creation
- Earth Day (April 22) is the perfect time to help Catholics in your area respond to Pope Francis' call to "be 'protectors' of creation"! (CRS)
- Backyard Scavenger Hunt for Earth Day (Building Faith)
- 10 Care for God’s Creation Printables for Catholics to Use at Home (Sadlier)
- Ten Ways to Help the World on Earth Day (CRS) - Get Catholic Climate Covenant's free, downloadable Earth Day Program Guide.
- With family or friends, pray this Prayer to Care for Our Common Home (USCCB)
- Watch the video on Care for God's Creation from the CST101 video series by CRS and USCCB.
- Use these resources for liturgy and preaching on the Sunday before or after Earth Day to call attention to our role in caring for God's creation
- Learn how local community organizations, including those funded by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, are addressing environmental issues. Join their efforts!
- Gift Green Street Park or Drop by Drop to your parish's religious education program or school. Both of these children's books are about kids caring for creation.
- Gather with a group of friends and reflect on Laudato Si' using USCCB's discussion guide in English and Spanish.
- Share this Laudato Si' bullet insert, in English and Spanish, in your parish.
- Get inspired by what others are doing to Act Together to care for creation. Advocate!
MONTH OF MAY
Mental Health Awareness Month (Ave Maria Press)
Catholic resources to give you spiritual guidance and encouragement as well as practical tips to help maintain your mental and emotional health.
National Day of Prayer - May 6, 2021
Mother's Day
- If God were in charge of the Mother’s Day celebration, what would it be like? (Loyola Press)
- Mother's Day Inspiration (Loyola Press)
- My Mother's Eyes (Loyola press)
- A Prayer for Mothers (Catholic Prayers)
- Blessing for Mother's Day (Archdiocese of New Orleans)
- Mothers' Prayers - Prayers by and for Mothers (Creighton University)
- Prayers for Motherhood and Mother's Day (Xavier University)
The Ascension of the Lord
Ascension of Jesus Prayer (Loyola)
Pentecost
Pentecost Activity: Tongue of Fire Hat (Building Faith)
Pentecost in a Box (Building Faith)
Mary
Mary, Mother of the Church (Vatican News)
Pope Francis inserts the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, into the Roman Calendar on the Monday following Pentecost Sunday
Mary, Mother of the Church - video music reflection for young adults and adults
May Crowning Activities (The Religion Teacher) A collection of activities ideas to prepare your students for a May crowning or to organize your own little ceremony in class.
Flowers for the Blessed Mother (Sadlier)
Many Faces of Mary (Youtube Meditation)
NEW! Free Printable Mary, Mother of God Activities & Prayers - Month of Mary (Sadlier)
August/September
Holidays, Holy Days and Special Remembrances
Feast Days and Memorials
- The Transfiguration of the Lord- August 6 (Loyola Press)
- The Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord- August 6 ( USCCB)
- Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord- August 6 (Our Sunday Visitor)
- Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary- August 15 (Loyola Press)
- Assumption of Mary Prayers - Feast Day August 15 (prayerist.com)
- Prayer for the Assumption of Mary (Catholic Online)
- St. Monica Prayer - Feast Day August 27 (Aleteia)
- Blessed Teresa of Calcutta - Feast Day September 5 (Loyola Press)
- Birth of Mary - Feast Day September 8 (Loyola Press)
- Our Lady of Sorrows - Feast Day September 8 (Sadlier Religion)
- St. Peter Claver Prayer Service 2020 (USCCB)
- St. Peter Claver - Saint of the Day for September 9 (Franciscan Media)
- Triumph of the Cross - Feast Day September 14 (Loyola Press)
- The Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Santa Clara University)
- La Exaltación de la Santa Cruz (Santa Clara University)
- St. Vincent de Paul - Feast Day September 27 (Loyola Press)
Back to School
- Return to School During Covid 19 (Healthy Children)
- Back to School Tips for Parents (Scholastic) - Scholastic and Parent's Magazine offer a wide range of helpful tips for families preparing for a new school year including dealing with the first day jitters, what to do about lunch, creating a homework space at home and what kinds of questions to ask children in order to discuss the events of the school day.
- Back to School Activities (Loyola Press)
- Back to School - What Parents Need to Know (Catholic Mom)
- Starting School (Vibrant Faith) A faith activity for young children, preschool, kindergarten, first grade starting school.
- NEW! Blessing Backpacks: Prayers and Resources (Building Faith)
- Blessing of the Backpacks: Six Tips for Success (Building Faith)
- Blessing of the Devices (Building Faith)
- Prayers for Teachers, Students, Schools and Classrooms (prayerist.com)
- Prayer for New School Year Prayer Cards (Sadlier - We Believe and Share)
- Prayer for Students (USCCB)
World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation - September 1
- Laudato Si' - Encyclical Letter of Pope Francis on Care for our Common Home (Vatican)
- Message of the Holy Father for the Celebration of the "World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation" (Vatican)
- Prayers to Care for Creation (USCCB)
- Prayer to Care for Our Common Home (USCCB)
- Pray with Pope Francis(Global Catholic Climate Movement) their new name is The Laudato Si Movement
- World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation podcast (Ignatian Spirituality- Loyola Press)
- World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation (Loyola Press)
- Climate Change: It Changes Everything video (Catholic Relief Services- CRS)
- Season of Creation (Season of Creation Steering Committee)
- A Catholic Season of Creation Sundays of September (Columban Missionary Society of Australia)
Anniversary of 9-11
A Prayer for the Anniversary of 9-11-01 (prayerist.com)
Grandparent's Day - First Sunday after Labor Day
Blessing of Grandparents (USCCB)
Catechetical Sunday
- About Catechetical Sunday (USCCB)
- Catechetical Sunday resources - "Say the word and my soul shall be healed." - September 19, 2021 (USCCB)
- Pope Francis’ Antiquum Ministerium, "Instituting the Ministry of Catechist", May 10, 2021 (Vatican)
World Day for Migrants and Refugees - Sept 26, 2021 (USCCB)
The theme chosen by Pope Francis for the 107th World Day of Migrants and Refugees is “Towards an even wider "we.” An appeal to build a universal “we” —may this be achieved first and foremost within the Church, called upon to create communion within diversity.
- A backgrounder on IDPs is available from Justice for Immigrants (Catholic Current)
- Video - Pope Francis - (VIDEO -to know in order to understand)
- Resources for World Day for Migrants and Refugees 2021 (Migrants & Refugees Section, Integral Human Development, Vatican City)
Ordinary Time - October/November
Holidays, Holy Days and Special Remembrances
Respect Life Month - October (USCCB) Find a variety of resources, prayer, program, articles and conversation
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
- USCCB
- Catholics for Family Peace - Media toolkit in English and Spanish (pdf)
October - Month of Mary
Marian devotions and praying the rosary
- Our Lady of the Rosary - Feast Day October 7 (Loyola Press)
- Moments With the Virgin Mary (Renew International)
- Praying the Rosary (Loyola Press)
- The Rosary as a Tool for Meditation (Loyola Press)
- The Rosary adapted family activities (National Catholic Partnership on Disability)
- Live Rosary with Miss Heidi (Heidi Witte You Tube)
Feast of St. Francis of Assisi - October 4
St. Francis was a lover of God's creation. Families can join with him by taking the St. Francis Pledge to stop wasting energy and destroying the environment. The Catholic Climate Covenant is an organization that helps families, parishes and schools to learn about climate change and how to protect the environment.
- Prayer of St. Francis (Catholic Kids Media) 2 minute guided prayer video
- Peace Prayer of St. Francis (Loyola Press)
- A Play: Brother Francis (Loyola Press)
Halloween
- Halloween and its Christian Roots (Franciscan Media) - Read a Catholic Christian history of Halloween (All Hallows Eve), learn the legend of the Jack O' Lantern.
- Celebrating Your Values on Halloween (Loyola Press) Here are some activities to help you make a connection between the holiday and your faith.
- Finding God in the Midst of Halloween (Loyola Press)
All Saints
- Saints (Loyola Press) Saint Activities and Lesson Plans, Saints Reflections and Saints Stories for All Ages
- Saint of the Day (Franciscan Media)
- All Saints Day activities for children (Loyola Press)
- All Saints Day Party Ideas for Kids (Catholic Icing) Dress up as your favorite saint and have games that have saint themes. This can be done in the home or in the parish. It can be as big or as small as you want.
- Costumes Ideas for All Saints' Day (Catholic Icing)
- Catholic Saints Research Project (Ave Maria Press) One of the most popular projects assigned in religious education programs is a research project on the saints. Confirmation candidates almost always have to do some research on their Confirmation saint and many Catholic school teachers find such research to be very valuable in supplementing the lessons of the year. This site is a great place to start researching.
- All Saints Activities (Sadlier)
- Spoons for All Saints (Cottage Blessings)
- Cloud of Saints (Vibrant Faith) Family faith activity to remember family and friends who have gone before us.
- All Saints Day and All Souls' Day Video, prayers, resources (Jesuit Resources, Xavier University)
All Souls
- All Souls' Day (Catholic Online)
- All Souls' Day (Loyola Press)
- All Souls' Day adapted family activities (National Catholic Partnership on Disability)
- A Shrine for All Souls Day (Cottage Blessings) For All Souls' Day create a shrine of remembrance with pictures of people who have died during the past year along with an image of Jesus, a candle, plant and a Bible. Throughout the month of November the family is reminded to pray for all those who are enshrined.
Day of the Dead - Die de los Muertos
How Day of the Dead Bread Links a Family Together (Loyola Press)
November Saints Feast Days
Saints Stories for All Ages (Loyola Press) Daily Saint Reflections
Thanksgiving
- NEW! 15 Thanksgiving Prayers and Table Graces (Building Faith)
- Finding God in Giving Thanks (Loyola Press)
- Gratitude Box (Vibrant Faith) Decorate a box for the Thanksgiving Table; fill it with messages of gratitude.
- Thankful Tree (Vibrant Faith) Name what you are thankful for as you create a seasonal decoration for your home.
- Johnny Cash Thanksgiving/ I Thank You video (YouTube)
- The Thanksgiving Song (Igniter Media)
- NEW! Thanksgiving Activities for Church and Family (Building Faith)
November: Black Catholic History Month
- Prayers for Black Catholic History Month (Jesuit Resource) - November is Black Catholic History Month and soon a combination stage and video production of the life of Father Augustus Tolton will be available to parishes and communities across the Untied States. Check out the information below for show times and opportunities to bring the production to your home parish.
- Black Catholic "Saints" (USCCB) Have you ever heard of Pierre Toussaint, or Mother Mary Elizabeth Lange or Henrietta DeLille, or Father Augustus Tolton? They are actually not saints, at least not yet. They are all black American Catholics who served the Church and God so well that they are in line to become saints. Inform your family about these great people during Black Catholic History Month.
- Black Catholic History Month Prayer Service (Today's Catholic Teacher)