January 5: Saint John Neumann

History

Born in Bohemia in 1811, John Neumann studied to be a priest, but just before his ordination in 1835, the bishop decided there were too many priests. John knew many different languages, so he wrote to other bishops in Europe to see if they needed him, but they all had plenty of priests. John had to go work in a factory instead of doing what he knew God was calling him to do. Some of his co-workers taught him English so that John could write to American bishops. And so he was able to sail across the ocean and be ordained in western New York. He had many Catholics to care for all over the western part of the state. Eventually, he was appointed bishop of Philadelphia.

Activity

John had a lot of perseverance. Even when it looked like he would never be able to accomplish what God wanted him to do, he kept trying. Today, make a resolution to set aside time every day to work toward what you believe God is calling you to do. That might mean taking time to study, do some research, or to go out and serve the poor or something like that. 

Saint John Neumann, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

National Shrine of St. John Neumann

American Catholic

Catholic Online

January 4: Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
St. Paul Catholic Church
Westerville, Ohio
Photo by Nheyob

History

Elizabeth grew up in a popular, rich family and had every advantage, but she preferred to read more than anything. She married a rich young man, and they had several wonderful years together until the hard times came. First, her husband’s father died, leaving them in charge of seven little brothers and sisters and a business that failed. Then her husband became sick and died. Elizabeth found help in the Catholic Church. Through the Holy Eucharist and the knowledge that the Blessed Mother was her mother, two, Elizabeth grew in faith and confidence. She started the first free Catholic school in the U.S. and a religious order. Elizabeth became the first U.S. saint ever canonized by the Church. 

Activity

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton found comfort and joy in the Holy Eucharist, even before she was confirmed Catholic and could receive. Today, pay a visit to your parish to pray before the tabernacle for a little while. (If a nearby parish or chapel is offering Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament – meaning the Eucharist is on display in a monstrance, that would be even better.) While you are praying, ask God to give you the same love for the Eucharist that Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton had. 

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia

SQPN

Catholic Online

January 3: Saint Genevieve

Painting (detail) of Saint Geneviève 

from the Carnavallet Museum, 

image by Le Scripteur (est. 1501-1600)

History

When Genevieve was only 7 years old, Saint Germain of Auxerre came to visit her small village near Paris. He noticed her in a big crowd of people and talked about what she would accomplish for Jesus. She was consecrated to God right away and became a nun when she was 15. Genevieve devoted herself to prayer, worship and helping the poor. When the people of Paris where packing up to leave because Attila the Hun was getting ready to attack, Genevieve convinced them to fast and pray instead. Attila the Hun changed his mind about Paris and never did attack! 

Activity

How often do you wish that somebody would tell you exactly what God planned to do with your life? We can't all have somebody like Saint Germain prophesy over us. But we can and should pray to the Lord regularly and ask Him to tell us what He wants us to do. And then we must remain silent and listen to the "still small voice" to learn God's will for our lives. Start doing it today, and keep it up - this is a New Year's Resolution that will bear much fruit in your life! 

Saint Genevieve, pray for us!

More reading for parents: 

Catholic Encyclopedia

EWTN

Catholic Online

January 2: St. Basil the Great

Fresco of St. Basil the Great, Macedonia

History

Basil grew up in a big family. Not only did his parents become saints (Saint Basil the Elder and Saint Emmelia), three of his brothers and one of his sisters also became saints: Gregory of Nyssa, Macrina the Younger, Naucratius and Peter of Sebaste. Basil started out as a lawyer like his dad. Then he became a monk and started his own monastery where the monks were dedicated to prayer, manual labor, and living as a true community of brothers who loved and helped each others. Basil eventually was made a bishop, and he got quite famous for teaching people about Jesus and helping the poor. 

Activity

Imagine so many people in one family becoming saints! That’s really the goal for all of us, though. Today, pray that God will help each person in your family become a saint – say one prayer for each family member.

Saint Basil the Great, pray for us! 

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia 

EWTN

Catholic Online

January 1: Octave of Christmas, the Solemnity of Mary

"But Mary Kept All These Things and
Pondered Them in Her Heart" (1888)
By Alice Havers

History

The Church has always celebrated the eighth day after Christmas, January 1. Originally, it was the feast of the Circumcision of Our Lord, because in the Jewish tradition, boys were given a special operation on the eighth day after they were born. Then, the name of the feast day was changed to the Holy Name of Jesus, because Jewish children were also named on the eighth day after birth.  Now we call it the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and we take this opportunity to think about Mary's great faith in agreeing to be the mother of Jesus, no matter what that might mean for her. We also thank God that He chose to give us a Savior who was born of a woman, fully human so that He could die for our sin. 

Activity

Our cakes, fresh from the oven

After Mass, even though there is a LOT of football on television, you should also take a little time as a family (maybe halftime?) to kneel together and pray the Hail Mary. There are a lot of other traditions surrounding this feast day, many based on the country your ancestors came from. Some people make eggnog to drink; others make a rice and black-eyed pea stew called Hopping John. Another tradition is “God Cakes”, which use purchased puff pastry, and a lemon and current filling (currents are like small, sweet raisins).

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

More reading for parents: 

Catholic Culture

Jimmy Akin’s “9 Things You Should Know About 
     How the Church Celebrates January 1”

Catholic Online