June 30: First Martyrs of the Church in Rome

"The Christian Martyr's Last Prayer"
by  Jean-Léon Gérôme

History

Shortly after Jesus returned to heaven, the Church grew rapidly. People were excited about Jesus and the salvation that He gave us by dying on the Cross and then rising again. But the Emperor of Rome, Nero, was not happy with Christians. In the year 64, his hatred of Christians grew, and he had them arrested, tortured and killed. Many Christians were martyred in Rome that year.







Activity

In honor of these saints who shed their blood for Jesus, wear something red today. If somebody asks you why your whole family is wearing red, try to be brave like the First Martyrs and tell them you’re wearing red to honor the saints who died because they were Christians. 

Holy martyrs of Rome, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Online

American Catholic

June 29: Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul

History

Saint Peter was named Simon by his parents. He and his brother, Saint Andrew, were fishermen when Jesus came up and called them to be His disciples. Peter was always very humble and full of faith in Jesus, even when he didn’t understand what Jesus was trying to teach him. Jesus gave him the name “Peter,” which means “Rock.” Peter is talked about in the Bible more than any other disciple. Even though he wasn’t perfect, Jesus loved Peter and gave him “the keys to the kingdom”, making him the first earthly leader of the Church. 

Saint Paul also had a different name when he was young: Saul. Saul was a faithful Jew who started out hating the Christians. He even persecuted them until he was on the road to Damascus and he was blinded by a bright light. He heard Jesus' voice say, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" After that, Saul became a faithful Christian and he preached Jesus' Gospel in many different places. He took the name "Paul" because it means "least" or "little. Paul faced a lot of trouble, including a shipwreck, prison and beatings, but he stayed faithful to Jesus. 

Activity

Today is a solemnity and it some countries, it's a Holy Day of Obligation when everybody goes to Mass. Even if you can't make it to Mass today, it's good to have a special meal or special snacks. These pretzels are tasty and easy to make using a recipe from Catholic Cuisine. You can shape them into symbols that represent Saints Peter and Paul. For Saint Peter, you can make the pretzels into key shapes or croziers (shepherd's hooks). For Saint Paul, you can make swords or anchors. 

Ingredients

•   1 1/2 cups warm water

•   1 package yeast

•   1 tablespoon sugar

•   1 tablespoon salt

•   4 cups flour

•   1 egg (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven at 425°. Dissolve the yeast in warm water.  Add the sugar and salt.  Mix in the flour and knead until the dough is smooth.  

2. Shape the dough into keys or other symbols. (Click here to see photos of other children making key shapes out of the dough – you can make yours the same size or smaller and thinner). Place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. 

3. Brush the dough with a beaten egg to give the keys a golden finish. You can sprinkle them with a little kosher salt if you want to. Bake for 15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack and enjoy. 

Saint Peter and Saint Paul, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic News Agency
Crossroads Initiative

June 28: Saint Vincenza Gerosa

History

Even when Saint Vincenza was a young girl, she acted like a saint. Though her family was wealthy, she always focused on helping poor and lonely people. She also went to Mass every day. Her family sent her to a school run by the Benedictine sisters, but Saint Vincenza fell ill and had to return home. Her mother, father and sister soon died, leaving Vincenza to run the family business. She worked hard and used the family’s money to do charitable works in her town. Then she started a new order of religious sisters, the Sisters of Charity.  

Activity

Today, learn the Act of Charity, and decide as a family when to add it to your family prayers. Will you all pray it together in the morning? After dinner? Or at bedtime.

An Act of Charity

"O my God, I love Thee above all things, with my whole heart and soul, because Thou art all good and worthy of all love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of Thee. I forgive all who have injured me, and ask pardon of all whom I have injured. Amen."

Saint Vincenza Gerosa, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

365 Rosaries

Catholic Online

June 27: Saint Hemma

History 

Saint Hemma is also sometimes called Saint Emma. Both of Saint Hemma’s parents died when she was very young, and she was adopted by the emperor of Germany. She married an important man and became a powerful woman, but she suffered a lot. Her children died young and her husband was killed. With her family gone, Saint Hemma used her money to help the poor and to build monasteries and churches. 

Activity

Today, make pretty church “windows” like Saint Hemma would have put in the churches and monasteries she built.

Materials 

(per window)

Template (either simple or more complex, depending on the patience and cutting skills of the person cutting it out!)

2 sheets of black card stock (8.5 x 11 inches)

1 sheet of waxed paper (or clear acetate, 8.5x11 inches)

Assorted colors of tissue paper (bright colors work best), cut into small, randomly shaped pieces

Clear-drying glue mixed 50/50 with water and a small paintbrush or glue sticks

Yarn or string

1. Use the template to cut out 2 frames of a cathedral-shaped window.

2.    Lay the waxed paper flat on your work surface.

3.    Paint a little glue on the waxed paper and then stick a piece of tissue paper on it. Continue to add tissue paper, overlapping the pieces, until your waxed paper is mostly covered. Make sure all the edges are glued down. Allow to dry.

4.    Use the template to cut the waded paper into the cathedral window shape. Glue it between the two black frames.

5.    When dry, punch a hole in the top of the window and use string to hang it in your own window. 

Saint Hemma, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Online

June 26: Saint Josemaria Escriva

History

Saint Josemaria Escriva grew up in a devout family. However, that did not mean things were always easy. Bad things happened to them, but that taught Saint Josemaria to find his joy in the Lord. He became a priest and started an organization to help all people learn to live holy lives filled with love for God and other people. Throughout his life, Saint Josemaria always prayed the same prayers his parents and grandparents taught him when he was a little boy, because they helped him remember to keep his eyes on Jesus.

Activity

Today, learn the prayer that Saint Josemaria Escriva prayed every night before he went to bed:  “I am yours, I was born for you,
 Dear Jesus, what do you want me to do?”Make sure you pray it every night, too!

Saint Josemaria Escriva, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Saint Josemaria Escriva website

Catholic Online

PDF of children’s prayers

Stories/games based on Saint Josemaria's life

Prep work for tomorrow's activity

If your children are very young, you may want to get a head start on tomorrow's activity after you put the kids to bed tonight. Using black cardstock, cut two matching frames for each child using one of the shapes found on this template. Then, cut a variety of tissue paper into smallish, random shapes (triangles work well).

June 25: Saint William of Vercelli

History

Saint William of Vercelli was born to a noble family, but both his parents died when he was little. He was a very devout Christian and he lived as a hermit, somebody who lives apart from everybody else so he can concentrate on prayer. However, Saint William was so holy, many people came to him to learn from his example. So, a monastery was built. Saint William then traveled through Naples, Italy, founding more monasteries.

Activity

Using your favorite building toys (Legos, Lincoln Logs, whatever you have) build little monasteries and set them around your home. Whenever you pass by one of them, as Saint William of Vercelli to pray for you, so that you can become holy, too.

Saint William of Vercelli, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia

Catholic Online

June 24: Saint John the Baptist

History

John the Baptist is a very important person in the Bible. He recognized Jesus as the Savior of the world before either one of them was born, and he preached to people, telling them that the Kingdom of Heaven was near and baptizing people who were sorry for their sins. He also baptized Jesus, even though he told Jesus, “It is I who need to be baptized by You!” Saint John the Baptist has two feast days each year, and today we celebrate his birth, which was a miracle because John’s parents, Zachary and Elizabeth, were old and thought they could never have children

Activity

Celebrate Saint John the Baptist’s birthday with a homemade or store-bought birthday cake (or cupcakes) and candles.

Saint John the Baptist, pray for us!

More reading for parents

Crossroads Initiative

Catholic Online 

Please read more about the Fortnight for Freedom here. 

June 23: Saint Joseph Cafasso

History

After Saint Jospeh Cafasso became a priest, he was a very popular teacher and spiritual advisor. He encouraged all his students to keep very high standards, and he ministered to prisoners and worked to make their lives better. Saint Joseph also worked very hard to keep the government from telling the Church what to do.

Activity

Right now, Catholics in the United States are observing the Fortnight for Freedom, two weeks of prayer and fasting devoted to religious freedom (June 21 - July 4). Our bishops are concerned that the government will prevent Catholics from following what we believe. Today, make a sacrifice for religious freedom. Will you give up a favorite food, a favorite activity, or a favorite toy? 

Saint Joseph Cafasso, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Online

American Catholic 

June 22: St. Alban

History 

There was a time in England where it was illegal to be Christian. Alban was not Christian, but he thought the government was wrongs. So, he allowed a priest to hide in his house. The priest loved Jesus so much, Alban became a Christian himself. When soldiers came to search Alban's home, he gave the priest his own clothing and put on the priest’s robes, because he wanted the priest to be free to teach other people about Jesus. The judge found out what Alban had done and threatened to have him killed unless he worshiped idols. Alban refused and he became the first martyr of England.

Activity

Jesus said there was no greater love than to lay down your life for somebody else. That’s what Saint Alban did when he traded his clothes with the priest so the priest could get away. Gather up some action figures, dolls or stuffed animals that have clothing and play Saint Alban’s Hide-and-Seek. One child hides his or her eyes, while the other(s) switch the clothing on two toys and sets them in a line. The first child has to guess which two characters have exchanged clothes. Then it’s somebody else’s turn. 

St. Alban, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia

Catholic Online

Please read more about the Fortnight for Freedom here. 

June 21: St. Aloysius Gonzaga

St. Aloysius Gonzaga
St. Joseph Church, Macao
Photo by John Hill

History

The first words St. Aloysius ever spoke were the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. By the time he was 9 years old, he knew he wanted to be a priest. But his father wanted him to be a soldier, and he had to serve as a page (a servant to a nobleman or military officer). Still, he spent as much time as he could praying and reading about the saints. At age 18, he finally got permission from his father to become a Jesuit. He took care of people who were infected with the plague until he caught it himself and died when he was 23. The last word he spoke was the Holy Name of Jesus. 

Activity

The name of Jesus was so important to St. Aloysius, it was the first and last word he ever spoke. We live in a culture where people say the name of Jesus all the time - and sometimes they use it when they are angry, disgusted, etc. Today, ask God to help you always say Jesus' name as if it was the most precious word ever spoken. 

Saint Aloysius, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia

American Catholic

Catholic Online 

**Fortnight for Freedom has begun. Please read more here.**

June 20: St. Vincent Kaun

History

St. Vincent Kaun was born in Korea. In 1591, he was captured by Japanese soldiers taken to Japan. That's where he learned about Jesus and became a Christian - he even joined the Jesuits and taught other people about Jesus in Japan and China. But around 25 years later, the Japanese emperor decided that he wanted to get rid of all the Christians in his country. In 1625, Saint Vincent Kaun was arrested and later killed for his faith in Jesus. 

Activity

St. Vincent Kaun took quite a journey for Christ, throughout Japan and into China. Today, you can make this Korean game where the players journey around the board from point to point. Every time you reach a corner in this game, pray for the missionaries who spread the word about Jesus. 

Saint Vincent Kaun, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Online

In 2013, we learned about Saint Adalbert of Magdeburg and prayed for missionaries.

June 19: St. Romuald

History

St. Romuald lived more than 1000 years ago, when people still fought duels to settle their arguments, even though it was against the law. One day, his father won a duel. Romuald was so horrified that his father killed another man, he decided to do 40 days of penance, just as if he had been the one who committed the crime. Eventually, he became a monk. He sometimes faced terrible temptations, but by praying, he would avoid committing the sin.

Activity

Sometimes, people do the wrong thing because everybody around them thinks it’s okay. That makes it hard for them to realize they have sinned. In the U.S., one of those sins might be telling a “white lie” or driving just a little bit faster than the speed limit, or something like that. Today, pray a penance for the sins that people don’t recognize as sin.

Saint Romuald, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Online

June 18: St. Elizabeth of Schönau

History

Elizabeth entered a monastery when she was only twelve years old and soon became a Benedictine nun. She was very strict with herself, striving for perfect piety. Sometimes, she would get visions of the Lord, angels, or saints. She would tell what she had seen to her brother Egbert, who was a priest, and he put it in writing and later published her visions in three books. In one vision, she saw the Blessed Mother dressed in white with a purple mantle (or cloak), wearing a fancy crown.

Activity

Today, color your own vision of the Holy Mother. Will you color her in white with a purple mantle, the way Saint Elizabeth of Schonau saw her? Or do you see her in wearing simpler colors? Here is a coloring page to download, plus a more intricate version for kids with a little more coloring experience. Or, use plain paper and draw from your heart. 

Saint Elizabeth of Schonau, pray for us!

More reading for parents

Catholic Encyclopedia

Catholic Online

June 17: St. Emily de Viala

History 

When St. Emily de Vialar was only 15 years old, her mother died. Emily left school to run her wealthy father’s household. Her father wanted her to marry, but Emily was more concerned with caring for poor people and children who were neglected by their parents. Fifteen years later, she used money she inherited from her grandfather to buy a large house and moved in with three other women who worked with her to serve needy people. Within three months, there were twelve women working together, and the archbishop allowed them to become a religious order, the Congregation of Sisters of Saint Joseph.

Activity

Did you know that all Christians are supposed to do acts of charity, not just religious sisters? Talk about what kind of charity work your family already does, like giving a tithe to church. What else can you do to help people who are less fortunate?

St. Emily de Viala, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Online

Saints SQPN 

June 16: St. John Francis Regis

 

History 

Even when he was a little boy of five years of age, Saint John Francis Regis wanted to be holy. He had a teacher who would quickly lose his temper and treat John and other students unfairly, but John never complained. He didn’t even complain when he was 18 years old and contracted a terrible sickness. Sometimes John would cry when he was kneeling before the crucifix, thinking about what Jesus did for all of us. He became a priest and did the most difficult or distasteful work himself. God even did miracles through St. John, healing people.

Activity

It's really, really easy to complain isn't it? And when you feel like complaining, it's really, really hard not to do it.  Saint John Francis Regis understood that there is a great advantage when we pray in front of the crucifix and really concentrate on what Jesus did for. Today, kneel before a crucifix at home or at church and ask God to help you understand Jesus' gift for us and why you really have no need to complain about anything. 

Saint John Francis Regis, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia 

Catholic Online

June 15: St. Germaine Cousin

History

Saint Germaine was raised by a step-mother who made her sleep in the barn and fed her only scraps of food. Germaine didn’t go to school, but watched the family’s flock of sheep instead. Despite all this, Germaine had great faith in God. She had a rosary made out of knotted string and she would go to Mass every day, leaving the sheep in the hills under God’s protection. One day, Germaine was carrying something in her apron when her stepmother raged at her, certain Germaine had stolen some bread. Instead, beautiful flowers fell onto the floor, though it was not yet spring and not the time for flowers. Germaine handed one of the blossoms to her stepmother and said,  “Please accept this flower, Mother. God sends it to you in sign of his forgiveness." After that, her stepmother began to treat her more kindly.

Activity

Today, make colorful flowers out of tissue paper and green chenille stems (instructions hereat Spoonful.com). Can you think of somebody to give them to? Maybe you have a neighbor who can be difficult to get along with. Or maybe there is a nursing home in your area where there are many people who need some cheering up. Don’t forget to pray for whomever you give your flowers. 

Saint Germaine, pray for us!

More reading for parents

Catholic Encyclopedia

Catholic Online

Saints SQPN

June 14: St. Methodius I

St. Mehodius

History

Saint Methodius grew up in a wealthy family, and his parents thought he would work for the government someday. However, he was called by God to serve the Church. He became an abbot, a leader of a monastery, during a time when some Christians thought that any image or statue in a church was wrong. There were many arguments and debates, and Saint Methodius was even arrested because he was in favor of keeping statues and icons in churches so that people would have something lovely to look at when they worshiped God. Saint Methodius worked hard to keep the Church unified. He wrote beautiful sermons and poetry about God to inspire people to think about Jesus instead of arguing.

Activity

Did you ever hear a wonderful story or poem that made you think about Jesus? Somebody wrote that. If you can speak words, you can write a poem or story that will show other people how much you love Jesus. Your poem can rhyme or not. It can follow a simple structure like Haiku or you can make up your own structure.

Saint Methodius, pray for us! 

More reading for parents:

Catholic Online

Saints SQPN

June 13: St. Anthony of Padua

St. Anthony of Padua
by Raffaello Sanzio

History

Saint Anthony is one of the most loved saints in the Catholic Church. He started out in the Augustinian Order of priest, but he switched to the Franciscans after several Franciscans were martyred. He had a gift for teaching the Catholic Faith so that anybody could understand it. He was declared a saint by the Church less than one year after his death, which is really fast, and he was named a Doctor of the Church in 1946 because his teachings continue to have a positive influence on the Church. Lots of Catholics turn to Saint Anthony for help when they have lost something.

Activity

It’s important to remember that the saints in heaven are still part of the Church, and they are available to pray with us and for us when we need them. Using prayer cards (purchased at a Catholic bookstore) or a prayer downloaded from the Internet, learn a prayer to Saint Anthony today. Have you lost something recently? Ask Saint Anthony to pray for you to find it.

Saint Anthony, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Patron Saint Index

Catholic Encyclopedia

Catholic Online

June 12: Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

History

St. Margaret Mary, a nun who lived in the late 1600s, saw several a vision of Jesus during the week after the Feast of Corpus Christi (which we celebrated on Sunday). During this vision. Jesus asked St. Margaret Mary to start a Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the Friday after the Feast of Corpus Christi, so that people would grow in their gratitude for His sacrifice on the Cross. The Sacred Heart of Jesus reminds us of His love that is so great, He died for our sins. In 1765, the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus became official in France, and 100 years later, Pope Pius IX made it a world-wide feast.  

Activity

If you haven't already had the Sacred Heart of Jesus enthroned in your home, take some time to plan this devotional today. You will need to schedule a time (in the future) with your parish priest, acquire an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and some Holy Water (more instructions in the link below). If you've already enthroned the Sacred Heart of Jesus in your home, decorate your image with flowers and/or votive candles. Other ways to celebrate today's solemnity include going to Mass, having a special dinner with heart-shaped cake or cookies for desert, and having the children write or draw ways Jesus shows His love for us on paper hearts to use as a centerpiece. 

All the saints of heaven, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia
Women for Faith & Family
How to plan a Sacred Heart enthronement ceremony (Catholic Company)

June 11: St. Barnabus

St. Barnabas

History

The name “Barnabas” means “man of encouragement”, and that’s what Saint Barnabas was. He was one of the earliest Christians, and he’s the one who convinced the Apostles that Saint Paul was no longer their enemy, but their brother in Christ. Barnabas and Paul traveled together for a while, teaching people about Jesus. 

Activity

Read Acts 9:20-28, which tells about Paul becoming a Christian and Barnabas persuading the Apostles to accept him. How do you think the Apostles might have felt when they were told their biggest enemy had changed his mind about Jesus? Would you have believed him or would you have been suspicious? How do you think Paul might have felt if the Apostles were suspicious? How would he have felt when Barnabas stood up for him?

Saint Barnabas, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia

Catholic Online

June 10: St. Landry

St. Landry

History

Very soon after Saint Landry was made the bishop of Paris, he realized that there were many sick people in the city, and nobody to care for him. He built the first major hospital in Paris, dedicating it to Saint Christopher. Later on, during a famine, he was so concerned about the poor, he sold his own furniture to help relieve their suffering.

Activity

Sometimes, it’s hard to remember that there are people who don’t have enough clothes to wear or food to eat, or even a comfortable place to sleep. Think about what you could give up to help somebody in need. Do you have an extra jacket? A sleeping bag you never use? Maybe some stuffed animals that could give many children comfort when they go to sleep at night? Today, pack them up and take them to your local Saint Vincent de Paul Society or another organization that helps needy families.

Saint Landry, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Online

Biography from "The Golden Legend"

June 9: St. Columbkille

History

As the legend goes, Saint Columbkille (also called Columba) ate a cake filled with the letters when he was a boy, and after that he always loved to read and write. He especially loved reading the Bible. He grew up to become a monk who worked as a scribe 1,000 years before the printing press was invented, when the Bible had to be copied very carefully by hand. There are many other legends about Saint Columbkille, but what we know for a fact was he started a monastery on the Scottish Island of Iona, bringing the Gospel of Jesus to many people. 

Activity

Make your own cakes with letters to help you remember that we should all love the Bible as much as Saint Columbkille did. 

Saint Columbkille “Cakes” with Letters* 

4 oz. butter (plus more for pan)

16 oz. mini marshmallows

5 cups of crisp rice cereal

3 cups of alphabet-shaped cereal

1. Grease a 13x9” pan with butter, set aside

2. In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat. (Add a dash of salt if your butter is unsalted). Stir in the marshmallows and continue to stir until they are melted.

3. Remove from heat and quickly stir in the two kinds of cereal until evenly coated. Immediately turn the mixture out into the pan. Using a sheet of waxed paper coated with non-stick cooking spray, press the cereal firmly and evenly into a pan. (Use a flat-bottomed drinking glass or measuring cup for an even surface). When cool, cut into squares and enjoy hunting for letters in your “cakes.”

*I created this recipe because Saint Columbkille is my husband's and my son's confirmation saints. I hope you enjoy it as we do every year!

Saint Columbkille, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia

Catholic Online