
Activities for Families
Featuring Sunday readings, and ideas to celebrate Advent more meaningfully! Dive into your Bible and let us journey joyfully, no matter where we are!
Get more daily ideas featuring service projects
As the “busy-ness” of Christmas increases, take time each day as a family to share Advent and Christmas joys and memories. Each evening at dinner or at another convenient time, choose one or two questions to share and discuss.
Scripture verse, reflection, and activities for the whole family to prepare for Christmas.
Articles
Christmas
Activities
- Blessing of a Christmas Manger or Nativity Scene (USCCB)
- Blessing of a Christmas Tree (USCCB)
- LAS POSADAS (CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES)
- Posadas, a word that means "shelter" or "lodging," is an Advent custom in Mexico. It re-enacts Mary and Joseph's search for lodging as they traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem. The Posadas takes place over nine days, Dec. 16-24, which symbolizes the nine months of Mary's pregnancy. People go from house to house seeking lodging, but the "innkeepers" refuse to let them stay. On Christmas Eve, the travelers are finally welcomed at the last house where they celebrate the birth of Jesus. To learn more about Las Posadas click HERE.
- 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)
- Epiphany Chalk House Blessing (Liturgy)
- Family Epiphany Activity (Loyola Press)
Prayers
Printable Catholic Christmas Prayers (Sadlier)
Family New Year's Prayer and Inspiration (Loyola Press)
A Prayer for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day (Building Faith)
Ordinary Time I
- Article: How to Create a Pro-Life Culture at Home
- Article: How to talk to your kids about abortion
- Article: Ways to be a Pro-Life Family
- Prayer: 9 Days For Life Novena
- 9 Days for Life is a multi-faceted novena for the respect and protection of every human life. Each day, a different intention is accompanied by a short reflection, suggested actions, and related information.
February is Black History Month.
- Did you know that The Subcommittee on African American Affairs (SCAAA) is the official voice of the African American Catholic community? Check out some of their resources HERE
- Video about Leaders of African Descent on the way to Sainthood.
- Article: There are No Black American Saints. These Catholic are Working to Change That
February is also the month of the Holy Family.
Lent
- Video: Lent Frequently Asked Questions (6:11)
- Catholic Family Guide to Lent (from Teaching Catholic Kids)
- Lent Quiz - Test Your Knowledge of Lent (from Teaching Catholic Kids)
- Activities: Family Lent Ideas from CFM
- Activities: Lent at Home from Loyola Press
- Video Reflections: Arts & Faith in Lent from Loyola Press
- Activities: CRS Rice Bowl Resources
Easter
Divine Mercy Sunday - the Sunday after Easter
Ascension Thursday
Often celebrated the following Sunday, takes place 40 days after Easter Sunday
Pentecost
Takes place 50 days after Easter Sunday
Ordinary Time II
May - The Month of Mary
During this month we celebrate the Crowning of Mary as a recognition of her Queenship of Heaven and Earth. We also celebrate Mary as not only the Mother of God, but also our Mother, the Mother of the Church.
an explanation of why we celebrate Mary during the Month of May
When we pray to Mary or any of the other saints, we are really asking them to offer prayers to God on our behalf.
- Article: The Many Names of Mary
Video: Why Do Catholics “Worship Mary”? (3:21) - Hint: They don’t.
Video: May Crowning - Explanation of a Catholic Tradition (1:35)
6 Saints of Summer
August 15th is the Feast of the Assumption
Article: The Assumption of Mary: 12 Things to Know and Share
Article: What Does It Matter? Four Lessons of Mary’s Assumption into Heaven
August 25th is the Feast of St. Louis, the patron of the Archdiocese of St. Louis
Video: St. Louis IX, King of France: Wisdom and Justice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xZNU0P03zg&t=124sVideo: History of St. Louis, French King and American City
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L20yUvOLRQ8
Other Holy Days & Holidays
Halloween/All Saints/All Souls
Halloween:
Click here to watch a video and read a Catholic Christian history of Halloween (All Hallows Eve), learn the legend of the Jack O' Lantern and discover what Catholics believe about witches, ghosts and magic.
Find more history and suggestions here for celebrating this holiday and your faith.
November is the Month to Celebrate All Souls:
Read about souls in Purgatory and prayers for our loved ones who have died.
Check out this website for more suggestions on “What to Teach Your Children about Purgatory.”
Thanksgiving
Check out this article on “Tapping into the Spirit of Thanksgiving” to consider various ways to share thanks and grow in faith with your family.