December 31: Pope Saint Sylvester

Statue of Pope Saint Sylvester
at the Church of Saint Sylvester
Pisa, Italy

History

Born in Rome and ordained by Pope Saint Marcellinus, Sylvester became pope only two years after Christianity had become legal. One of the most important gatherings in Church history happened during his papacy: the Council of Nice in 325, where hundreds of priests, bishops and theologians met to talk about what God wanted to do with the Church.  But Pope Sylvester was too old to go. He sent two priests to represent him. When the Council ended. Pope Sylvester agreed with all their decisions, including the Nicene Creed

Activity

At every Sunday Mass, we stand together to pray the Nicene Creed. Read it together today. Do you know it by heart? If you memorize it, it’s easier to think through what the words mean as you say them at Mass. Work on memorizing the Creed today if you haven’t already. 

Pope Saint Sylvester, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia

Catholic Online

December 30: Saint Anysia

December 30: Saint Anysia

History

Saint Anysia grew up wealthy, but she never wanted to live a rich life. She  dedicated herself to Jesus and her money to helping the poor. Everybody knew she did this because she was a Christian. One day, a soldier tried to drag Anysia into a pagan temple to make a sacrifice to his false gods. Anysia resisted, making him so angry, he drew his sword and killed her. 

Activity

We are so lucky we live in a time when we can act like Christians and help the poor without being afraid. Many of us help the poor before Christmas or even on Christmas day, but the poor need our help every day. To honor the memory of Saint Anysia, go through all your belongings and find good, useful things that don't work for you any more but could be used by somebody else. (No raggedy clothing or threadbare socks!) Maybe you got two of the same item for Christmas, so you can give away the spare. Take these items to a homeless shelter in your community to be given to somebody in need. 

Saint Anysia, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Holy Spirit Interactive

Catholic Exchange

Catholic Online

December 29: Saint Aileran

History

Aileran was an Irish monk and a scholar. He liked to learn about Jesus and saints, and then write books about them. He wrote about all the great Irish saints who had lived before him, including Saint Patrick and Saint Brigid. The last thing Aileran ever wrote was about the genealogy of Christ that is found in the Gospel of Matthew. 

Activity

Today, read the first chapter of Matthew's Gospel. Matthew wrote this Gospel to prove to other Jews like Himself that Jesus is the Messiah. Why do you think it was important for Matthew to include Jesus' genealogy? That was one of the things that Saint Aileran found interesting.

Saint Aileran, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia
Catholic Online

December 28: Saint Anthony the Hermit

St. Anthony the Hermit
(detail)
by Baltasar de Echave

History

Saint Anthony became a monk when he was a young man. For a while, he lived in a community, but he had so many men who wanted to learn from him, he didn’t have the time to focus on Jesus that he really wanted. So he ran away to a more quiet location and lived as a hermit, all by himself. Saint Anthony grew so close to Jesus that he understood the Lord’s will very well, and God was able to work miracles through him. 

Activity

With Christmas, it is a very busy time of year! Some of us have so many gatherings with family and friends spread throughout the week, we can forget to make special time for Jesus. Saint Anthony never forgot this and neither should we. Today, set a timer for 15 minutes and spend that time totally alone with Jesus, talking to Him and listening to Him. What would happen in your life if you did that every day? 

Saint Anthony the Hermit, pray for us! 

More reading for parents:

Catholic Online