Collection: October

Saint Katharine is a model of our Lenten goals of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Color this page and ponder how God is calling us to serve the people around us.

Saint Brigid is said to have woven rushes (a grass-like plant) into a cross as she helped convert a pagan man upon his deathbed. If you’ve got access to rushes, weave away! Or, if you’re feeling less outdoorsy, we’ve provided pipe cleaners for you instead!

St. Josephine is the patron saint of Sudan, one of the world’s top exporters of peanuts. So why not make Sudanese peanut macaroons? These delicious little bites taste more like meringue than a French macaroon, and capture the sweet and salty history of St. Josephine’s life as a child forced into the slave trade. The horrors she endured are all true. But it’s also true that she found peace and happiness for the last fifty years of her life, through God and forgiveness and service to others and her Catholic faith. St. Josephine, pray for us!

King cake gets eaten for breakfast at our house, so we need a dessert after dinner. And in our family we’re going to be giving up all treats and desserts throughout Lent except for special treats on Sundays and solemnities, so we need to get all that stuff out of the house. To kill both of those Fat Tuesday birds with one stone, we have Boeuf Gras (boof grah), or “fattened ox”, Sundaes.

Apparently, in many European countries, the traditional dinner for the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, was a whole suckling pig. To remind us of motherhood? I guess? That sounds very dramatic, and I’m sure it would make quite an impression on my kids if I were to pull one of those babies (literally) out of the oven while everyone is hanging out watching football. Maybe one of these years I’ll give it a try. In the meantime I think a corn dog is a reasonable approximation!

On the feast of the Immaculate Conception we like to pray the Litany of Loreto which honors Our Lady’s many titles. Find some of those titles in this word search then pray the litany together as a family.

Saint Martin de Porres gave special care to the animals that visited the Dominica priory where he lived. Color this picture of Saint Martin with his animal friends while you tell his story to your kiddos!

Pope St. John Paul II’s favorite food, famously, is a puffed pastry and custard cream dessert now known as kremówka papieska or “papal cream cake.” Other than that, he was known for eating whatever was placed before him, and not making his food preferences known. I’d like to think that the Polish nuns who did his cooking might have occasionally made him something like this one-pan kielbasa skillet dinner!

The name of this rather obscure cocktail comes from a legend in which young maidens would seek to find the name of their true love by sipping on lavender brew while invoking Saint Luke with the words: “Saint Luke, be kind to me. In my dreams, let my true love see.”

Inspired by St. Teresa’s writing on the interior castle, this historical English dessert, traditionally called “Castle Pudding”, is steamed in the microwave for a quick, tasty dessert, perfect for the fall!

As you color, give thanks for all of the beautiful things God has given you—even amid suffering—and reflect on Saint Josephine’s powerful example of strength and grace.

Honor Saint Paul Miki and his twenty-five companions by trying the traditional Japanese art of folding paper, or origami! As you fold, feel free to talk about the blessing of religious freedom and the persecution many Christians still face today.

You can go out for Japanese food, but today’s also a great day to try making it yourself at home! Homemade sushi can feel intimidating, but this easy sheet pan recipe is foolproof. Plus, it’s a fun activity for kids! Don’t like imitation crab? Feel free to substitute with cooked fish, shrimp, or even beef (as long as it’s not a Friday)!

Celebrate the feast of Saint Agnes by praying the prayer on the back of this holy card and by displaying her image for the day!

In Europe the feast of Saint Stephen is known as Boxing Day, when traditionally boxes of food, money, and gifts were given to the servants and delivery workers. Use these gift tags and some ribbon to bring Christmas treats to your neighbors on the feast of St. Stephen this year!

Celebrate the feast of Saint Paul Miki by praying the prayer on the back of this holy card and by displaying her image for the day!

This silly activity is based on The Donkey of Tarsus, who tells the story of Paul’s conversion from his perspective. You’re sure to laugh as you try to pin Saint Paul to said donkey blindfolded (Jesus did take his sight away for three days). But while you’re at it, don’t also forget to reflect on the goodness of God’s mercy and the miracles he performed while spreading the faith!

Throughout his life, even as a child, Saint Martin de Porres could be found giving what he had to those in need. Throughout November collect coins in this box for those in need in your community!

St. Luke’s symbol as an evangelist is a winged ox or cow, which is the inspiration for this fun feast day dinner!

Let someone in your life know how much you appreciate the work that coaches do with this thank you card inspired by St. Sebastian, patron saint of coaches.