Find resources, articles, social media images, videos, and more for specific feast days and seasons. Just find the day in the list below and click on the link for a list of suggestions related to that holy day or season.
Ideas and Resources for Upcoming Liturgical Dates
Friday, January 22
January 22 is the anniversary of the Roe vs Wade decision and is designated as the "Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children". It is a day of prayer and penance.Sunday, January 24
The readings for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B invite us to be transformed by the call of Jesus. So possible themes for this Sunday are evangelization, vocations, and discipleship.Monday, January 25
January 25 is the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. St. Paul's encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus converted him from a persecutor of Christians to a fully committed follower of Jesus.Tuesday, January 26
January 26 is the feast day of Sts. Timothy and Titus. St. Timothy is the patron saint of stomach ailments. St. Titus is the patron saint of the United States Army Chaplain Corps.Wednesday, January 27
St. Angela Merici is the founder of the Ursuline order of religious sisters. She is the patron saint of the sick, the disabled, and all those grieving the loss of parents. Her feast day is January 27.Thursday, January 28
St. Thomas Aquinas is a 13th century saint and a Doctor of the Church. St. Thomas was influenced by the philosopher Aristotle and was known to for his logical and reasoned approach to theology. Sunday, January 31
The readings for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B invite us to recognize Jesus and grant him authority in our lives. So possible themes for this Sunday are conversion and magesterium. Here are some ideas.Sunday, January 31
St. John Bosco was a priest and educator. His feast day is January 31. He is the patron saint of editors, school children, publishers, young people, juvenile delinquents, and magicians. Tuesday, February 2
The readings for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord speak of purification and offering. What am I willing to present to God as an offering? What parts of my life do I need to purify? Where am I in need of more holiness? Can I offer some aspect of my own life as the gifts are brought up during the offertory?Friday, February 5
St. Agatha lived in 3rd century Italy. She desired to be consecrated to the Lord and remain unmarried and able to be dedicated to a life of prayer. However she had many men who desired her. Sunday, February 7
The readings for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B cause us to reflect on Jesus' power to heal us, both physically and spiritually. So we can focus this weekend on how Jesus has healed us and how we, in turn, can help heal the world. Here are some ideas.Thursday, February 11
Our Lady of Lourdes is a title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary in honor of her apparitions to St. Bernadette in Lourdes France. Our Lady of Lourdes is the patron saint of bodily ills, sick people, and protection from diseases. Her feast day is February 11. Sunday, February 14
The readings for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B demonstrate the healing power of Jesus and his ability to rid us of what is unclean in our lives. So we can focus this weekend on issues such as chastity and Theology of the Body. Unclean language is also a good topic. Wednesday, February 17
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. Catholics attending mass on this day have their foreheads marked with ashes as a sign of repentance.Wednesday, February 17
Lent is a time to answer the call to conversion. Catholics practice self discipline by abstaining from meat on Fridays and making other small sacrifices. Sunday, February 21
The readings for the 1st Sunday of Lent for Year B get us thinking how God is faithful even when we wander away from him. So these readings get us started on our Lenten journey. It is time to commit to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.Monday, February 22
This feast day is not really just to celebrate a piece of furniture. Instead, it commemorates the importance of the role of St. Peter and all of his successors throughout history. So this feast recognizes the importance of the papal authority and reminds us of the role of the Pope as the shepherd of the Church.Sunday, February 28
The readings for the 2nd Sunday of Lent make us think of God's revelation of himself to us and how we recognize him. Some possible themes for this weekend are prayer, listening to Jesus, and taking time away to encounter JesusSunday, March 7
The readings for the 3rd Sunday of Lent for Year B help us understand that we must follow God's commandments and truly live them in our hearts to find life. Some possible themes for this weekend are the Ten Commandments, morality, and Church authority.Sunday, March 14
The readings for the 4th Sunday of Lent for Year B focus on God's faithfulness in drawing us closer to him. Discussions for these readings could include topics such as God's love for us, light and darkness, and our longing for God. Here are some ideas.Wednesday, March 17
March 17 is the Feast of St. Patrick. St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, engineers, and paralegals.Friday, March 19
March 19 is the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Joseph was a just and holy man, chosen by God to be the foster father of Jesus. St. Joseph is the patron saint of fathers, carpenters, immigrants, happy death, the Catholic Church, and more.Sunday, March 21
The readings for the 5th Sunday of Lent for Year B focus on God's covenant with us, even though we are often unfaithful. Discussions for these readings could include topics such as the covenants in scripture, how death can lead to life, and why we should pray for God's will to be doneThursday, March 25
The Feast of the Annunciation is celebrated on March 25. This feast day commemorates the announcement of the Angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she had been chosen to be the mother of Jesus.Sunday, March 28
The readings for Palm Sunday (Passion Sunday) for Year B focus the sacrifice which Jesus Christ made for me and you. So these readings would definitely lead into a discussion of the Pascal Mystery. Here are some ideas.Thursday, April 1
On Holy Thursday, Catholics remember the last supper of Jesus Christ with his apostles. This marks the establishment of the sacrament of the Eucharist and the priesthood.Friday, April 2
On Good Friday, Catholics remember the death by crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This is a solemn day of fast and abstinence. Saturday, April 3
Holy Saturday is the day between Good Friday and Easter. It is a mix of both sorrow for the suffering of Jesus Christ and expectation of his rising.Sunday, April 4
April 4 is the feast day of St. Isidore of Seville: a bishop and a scholar who wrote a huge encyclopedia. He is the patron saint of the internet, computer users, programmers, and students.Sunday, April 4
Easter is the most significant celebration in the church year. Catholic celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Easter is actually an octave, lasting eight days.Sunday, April 11
The readings for Divine Mercy Sunday (2nd Sunday of Easter) for Year B show us that the mercy of God is given to all of us, even though we turn away again and again. Some topics for this weekend include the Sacrament of Reconciliation, forgiveness, and God's love for us.Friday, April 16
St. Bernadette was a young French girl to whom Our Lady of Lourdes appeared in a series of apparitions in 1858. Although her reports of the apparitions were initially not believed and she was ridiculed, eventually led to a shrine being built in Lourdes France. It has become a popular pilgrimage site for people seeking healing from the water in the spring there.Sunday, April 18
The readings for the 3rd Sunday in Easter encourage us to truly believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and to accept his love. So faith, hope, and trust in the love of God are themes for this weekend. Wednesday, April 21
April 21 is the feast day of St. Anselm of Canterbury: philosopher, theologian, and Doctor of the Church.Sunday, April 25
The readings for the 4th Sunday in Easter (Good Shepherd Sunday) for Year B demonstrate that Jesus Christ cares for us as a shepherd cares for his flock. Our relationship with Jesus is a good topic for this weekend. Here are some ideas.Sunday, May 2
The readings for the 5th Sunday in Easter for Year B remind us of our dependence on God and each other. Topics for this weekend could include community and humility. Sunday, May 9
The readings for the Sixth Sunday in Easter for Year B are a call to love each other just as we are loved by God. Topics for this weekend could human dignity, community, or God's commandments. Here are some ideas.Thursday, May 13
The Ascension of the Lord celebrates the day that Jesus Christ ascended into heaven. It is celebrated 40 days after Easter. Thursday, May 13
The readings for the The Ascension of the Lord for Year B encourage us to being open to the Holy Spirit and willing to spread the Good News. Discussion topics for this week could include evangelization, the Holy Spirit, and transitions. Sunday, May 16
The readings for the 7th Sunday of Easter for Year B tell us that God knows our hearts and wants us to belong to him, not to the world. So this weeks focus can be on commitment, rejecting evil, and living lives of service.Sunday, May 23
The readings for the Pentecost for Year B clearly tell us that we need to be willing to receive the Holy Spirit and then use the gifts we receive. Discussion topics for this week could include evangelization, the fruits of the Spirit, and reconciliation. Here are some ideasSunday, May 30
The readings for the Trinity Sunday for Year B affirm that we are members of God's family and that God desires the whole world to be united into his relationship of love. Discussion topics for this week could include the Trinity, baptism, or what it means to be a child of God. Find some ideas here.Tuesday, June 1
St. Justin was a 2nd century apologist. He defended Christianity to the Roman emperor. His description of the Eucharistic celebration is cited in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.Sunday, June 6
The readings for the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ for Year B give background for the notion of sacrifice and explain why we call Jesus the Lamb of God. So the Blessed Sacrament is the main theme for this feast day along with the notion of self-giving. Here are some suggested activities for this date.Friday, June 11
The Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is celebrated by Catholics to remember Jesus Christ's tremendous love for all of humanity.Sunday, June 13
The readings for the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B are filled with images of growth. Spiritual growth and growth of the Kingdom of God are themes for these readings. Here are some suggested resources for this SundaySunday, June 20
The readings for the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B demonstrate that we must turn to God during the storms in our lives. Discussion of these readings would almost certainly include talk of what troubles us and how we can trust in Jesus when life seems overwhelming. Monday, June 21
St. Aloysius Gonzaga was a young Jesuit. He had many health issues, including kidney and skin diseases. When a plague broke out in Rome in 1591, he volunteered to care for the sick, even though he found the work difficult. He eventually died from the plague.Thursday, June 24
The Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist celebrates his birth. St. John the Baptist was the cousin of Jesus and came to prepare the world for the coming of the Messiah.Sunday, June 27
The readings for the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B show us that God wants nothing but life and goodness for us. Discussion topics for this week could what we need to be healed in our own lives and gratitude for all that God has provided for us. Here are some ideas.Monday, June 28
June 28 is the feast day of St. Irenaeus. He was an early Christian theologian who argued against the gnostics in his extensive writings. Sunday, July 4
Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati loved to climb mountains. He served the poor with the same enthusiasm which he participated in this athletic activity. The phrase "verso l'alto" is often associated with Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati. It means "to the heights". It refers to the desire to reach the summit of eternal life. He is called "Man of the Eight Beatitudes" because of his holiness.Sunday, July 4
We celebrate the many freedoms we enjoy living in the United States and remember the sacrifices made so that we can live in our democracy. We recount our many blessings and consider how we can share them so that all can live free with the opportunities we have.Sunday, July 4
The readings for the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B are a call to listen to God and follow Him even when those around us do not. These readings make us think of how we can persist as disciples in times of adversity and how to handle rejection. Here are some ideas.Tuesday, July 6
St. Maria is an Italian martyr. One day, a young man made sexual advances to her. When she resisted him, he stabbed her fourteen times. At the hospital, before she died, she forgave him. Her feast day is July 6. She is the patron saint of victims of rape and crime, teenage girls, and modern youth.Friday, July 9
This feast day honors 120 martyrs who were canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2000. They died between 1648 and 1930. Many were killed during the Boxer Rebellion from 1899 to 1901. This uprising resulted in much violence against foreign and Christian influences in China. Sunday, July 11
The readings for the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B are a call to spread the gospel in our communities. This selection from scripture could lead to a discussion of evangelization and the importance of not walking alone.Wednesday, July 14
July 14 is the feast day of St. Kateri Tekakwitha , the first Native American saint to be canonized. She is the patron saint of ecology, environmentalism, those who have lost their parents, people in exile, and Native Americans.Thursday, July 15
St. Bonaventure was a 13 century Franciscan. He was a man of prayer known for his embrace of simplicity and poverty. When he was made a cardinal in 1273 he refused to wear the traditional red hat of a cardinal. Instead he left it hanging on a bush!Friday, July 16
Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the title given to Our Blessed Mother as the patroness of the Carmelite order. Mount Carmel is located in the Holy Land. The early Carmelites lived as hermits there. They are a contemplative orderSunday, July 18
The readings for the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B are focused on Jesus Christ as the one who loves and cares for us as a shepherd and also the need to care for ourselves. Discussion for these readings might focus on the need for rest, especially Sabbath rest, the emotions of Jesus, or how God always cares for us. Thursday, July 22
St. Mary Magdalene was one of the disciples of Jesus. She was probably wealthy and provided financial support for his ministry. She was present at Jesus’ crucifixion and burial and was one of the first witnesses to his resurrection. Sunday, July 25
St. James is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and the brother of St. John the Evangelist. They were nicknamed "The Sons of Thunder". They were fishing with their father Zebedee when Jesus called them to follow him. St. James was one of the three apostles to witness the transfiguration of Jesus.Sunday, July 25
The readings for the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B tell of how God provides for all of our needs and feeds us spiritually. These readings would lead to a discussion of Eucharist and recognizing the abundance in our lives. Thursday, July 29
St. Martha is the sister of St. Lazarus and St. Mary. This family lived in Bethany and were close friends of Jesus. Saturday, July 31
St. Ignatius of Loyola is the founder of the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits. He was pursuing a career in the military when a cannonball shattered his leg. While recovering, he discovered that reflecting on the things of this world, such as fame and romance, only brought him temporary pleasure. Reading about the lives of the saints and thinking about serving Jesus Christ brought him lasting happiness.Sunday, August 1
The readings for the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B show that God gives us bread from heaven - the Eucharist. Once again these readings point to the Eucharist. The lure of material goods and worldly values is also a possible topic. Sunday, August 1
St. Alphosus Liguori was a 18th century Italian bishop and the founder of the Redemptorist order. He promoted simple homilies over the pompous sermons of the day. He believed in practicality in the confessional and was able to answer questions about everyday problems. Wednesday, August 4
St. John Vianney was known for his holiness, his dedication to our Blessed Mother, and his reputation as a confessor. He is the patron saint of parish priests. His feast day is August 4. He is also called The Cure of Ars.Friday, August 6
August 6 is the Feast of the Transfiguration. This day commemorates the day Jesus was transfigured on the mountain, traditionally thought to be Mount Tabor. This is recounted in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Peter, James, and John witnessed the event.Sunday, August 8
St. Dominic founded the Dominicans, which is known as the Order of Preachers (OP). They sought to educate through informed preaching. St.Dominic was inspired by the lifestyle of the early Christians as described in the Acts of the Apostles. He also preached and spread the devotion of the rosary.Tuesday, August 10
St. Lawrence was a 3rd century martyr. He lived in Rome and as a deacon was responsible for distributing resources to the poor. When the prefect of Rome demanded that he bring him the treasures of the Church, he brought a group of the poor he had been serving, saying "These are the treasure of the Church." Wednesday, August 11
St. Clare of Assisi was one of the first people to follow St. Francis of Assisi. She founded the Poor Clares Order. She embraced a rule of poverty, austerity, and seclusion. Saturday, August 14
St. Maximilian Kolbe is the patron saint of families, journalists, prisoners, ant pro-life movement. His feast day is August 14. Sunday, August 15
August 15 is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This holy day celebrates Mary's passing and being assumed into heaven. Friday, August 20
St. Bernard of Clairvaux was a 12th century monk and theologian who was known for his ability to arbitrate disputes. He counseled kings and popes, yet valued the time he spent in prayer and contemplation. He wrote much on the Blessed Virgin Mary and is known for emphasizing the importance of Lectio Divina.Saturday, August 21
St. Pius X was pope from 1903 to 1914. He strongly believed that frequent reception of the Eucharist should be promoted. He also encouraged children to receive Holy Communion and reduced the minimum age for reception of the Eucharist from 12 years old to 7 years old. He is sometimes called "Pope of the Blessed Sacrament".Sunday, August 22
This feast day celebrates the queenship our Blessed Mother. As the mother of Jesus Christ, the Lord of all creation, Mary shares in his royal heritage. Mary's queenship foreshadows the glory in heaven which awaits all of us who recognize her son as ruler of the universe. Sunday, August 22
The readings for the Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B remind us that discipleship is a choice. This is a good time to speak about endurance and perseverance as disciples. Here are some ideas.Tuesday, August 24
St. Bartholomew was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. He is mentioned several times in the synoptic gospels. He is also widely thought to be the person identified as Nathaniel in the Gospel of John. After the resurrection of Jesus, he is one of the apostles who saw our risen Lord at the Sea of Galilee. He went on to evangelize in Asia Minor and was martyred. Friday, August 27
St. Monica was the mother of St. Augustine of Hippo. She was married to a pagan who was a cruel man and who would not allow her to baptize their children. She prayed for her husband and mother-in-law and eventually they converted. Augustine lived a worldly life and had no interest in practicing his mother's Christian faith. St. Monica persisted in prayer and fasting, and eventually her son not only became a fervent Christian, but became energized about spreading the faith. Saturday, August 28
St. Augustine of Hippo was born in North Africa. He spent his youth living wildly but then converted to Christianity after his mother, St. Monica, prayed for him for years. He became a priest and then later a bishop. His his extensive writings make him a doctor of the Church. After his conversion he preached and lived a life of poverty.Sunday, August 29
The readings for the Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B tell us to be wary of those things which lead us to sin and remind us that we must really follow Jesus in our hearts. Are we truly following Jesus or just "going through the motions"? Sunday, August 29
This feast day is a memorial of the beheading of St. John the Baptist. Herod was fascinated by John. But when he threw a party and promised his daughter anything, she asked for the head of St. John the Baptist at the suggestion of her mother. Herod didn't want to go back on his word and embarrass himself so he had the cousin of Jesus executed.Friday, September 3
St. Gregory the Great called himself a servant of God. His writings are extensive and some of his influences are still seen today. He donated generously to the poor and called deacons to service of those in need. When famine struck Rome he ordered that the assets of the Church be used to give relief to the people in the area. And he is famously known for establishing the form of music now known as Gregorian chant.Sunday, September 5
The readings for the Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B help us understand that God is faithful and merciful. Do we truly believe that God loves each of us with impartiality? Do we try to love as God does? Wednesday, September 8
The Feast of The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary celebrates the birth of Our Blessed Mother. Her immaculate conception and birth prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ into the world. This feast day is celebrated annually on September 8.Thursday, September 9
St. Peter Claver was a Jesuit priest who ministered to slaves arriving in the Caribbean port city of Cartagena. He fed them and treated their diseases and wounds. His feast day is September 9.Sunday, September 12
The readings for the Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B challenge us to open our minds and truly see how Jesus is both human and divine and recognize him as the source of our salvation. Do I receive Jesus as my savior and allow him to change my heart? Tuesday, September 14
This feast day on September 14 celebrates the cross as a sign of Christ's victory over sin for us. It is also called the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross. The cross is not a sign of defeat, but a sign of redemption.Wednesday, September 15
The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows commemorates the extreme sorrow that the Blessed Virgin Mary experienced during the life, passion, and death of Jesus Christ. There is a traditional Catholic devotion related to the seven sorrows of Mary.Thursday, September 16
Saints Cornelius and Cyprian were 3rd century Christians. \St. Cornelius was a pope. At the time, many Christians were being martyred. Some renounced their faith and then later repented. A priest named Novatian said that these Christians should not be allowed back in the Church. Pope St. Cornelius successfully opposed Novatian's position. St. Cyprian was a bishop who also opposed Novatian's views. He offered support and encouragement to Cornelius. He also encouraged him to grow in holiness.Sunday, September 19
The readings for the Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B are a call to humility and service. Am I ambitious for power, wealth, or recognition? Or am I willing to be a servant? Tuesday, September 21
St. Matthew was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. He also wrote the Gospel of Matthew. He is from Galilee and was a tax collector before following Jesus. His fellow Jews would have despised him for working with their Roman occupiers. When Jesus called him, and the faithful Jews objected, Jesus said "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do."Thursday, September 23
St. Padre Pio, also known as Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, was a 20th century Capuchin friar and priest. He is known for his piety and charity. He had the stigmata, the wounds of Christ in his hands and feet. He also had many mystical experiences, including frequently seeing guardian angels and predicting that Karol Wojtyła, a priest, would ascend to "the highest post in the church" Karol Wojtyła later became Pope John Paul II.Sunday, September 26
The readings for the Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B remind us not to exclude or hinder others who are doing the work of God. These readings could lead to a discussion about pride and jealousy or to consider the relationship between the Catholics and other religions. Tuesday, September 28
Our Blessed Mother is portrayed untying a complex knot. In this devotion, Catholics ask Mary to assist us in untying the knots in our lives through her intersession to our Lord Jesus.Wednesday, September 29
The archangels are leaders of angels in the army of God. These three archangels are mentioned in scripture. Their feast day is on September 29.Thursday, September 30
St. Jerome was born in 347 A.D. He became a Christian in his late teens.He is best known for translating the Bible into Latin. His translation is called the Vulgate. He is considered a Doctor of the Church for his efforts in spreading the Word of God. Friday, October 1
St. Thérèse of Lisieux lived in late 19th century France. She is also called "The Little Flower of Jesus". For her, the path to holiness was "doing of the least actions for love".Saturday, October 2
Each of us has a guardian angel who watches over us. October 2 is the Memorial of the Guardian Angels.Sunday, October 3
The readings for the Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B focus on marriage and relationships. The sacrament of marriage and theology of the body are obvious choices for discussion this weekend. The need for friendship is also touched on in these readings. Here are some ideas.Monday, October 4
St. Francis of Assisi was a 13th century Italian. He was the son of a wealthy merchant, but he gave away his possessions and started a religious order. October 4 is his feast day.Tuesday, October 5
St. Faustina is known for her devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. Her family had ten children and was very poor. She joined the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy and experienced several visions of Jesus. She is known for her diary and for promoting devotion to Jesus as the King of Mercy which is particularly done by praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet.Thursday, October 7
October 7 is the feast day of Our Lady of the Rosary, also known as Our Lady of Victory. This feast day commemorates a victory at sea to fend off Turkish invaders in the 16th century. Europeans were encouraged to pray the rosary to avoid invasion. Pope St. Pius V attributed the victory to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary afterwards.Sunday, October 10
The readings for the Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B challenge us to focus on trusting in God instead of in our material goods. This weekend's discussion could focus on not being too attached to things and spending our energy on spiritual riches instead. Friday, October 15
October 15 is the feast day of St. Teresa of Avila, a Carmelite mystic, and doctor of the Church. Along with St. John of the Cross she worked to reform the Carmelite order which she felt was too lax. Saturday, October 16
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque was a 17th century mystic. She was a Visitation nun. When she started having visions of Jesus, members of her order and theologians did not believe her. Eventually her visions were accepted.Sunday, October 17
The readings for the Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B speak of the cost of discipleship. Humility, sacrifice, and mercy are topics for these readings.Tuesday, October 19
The North American Martyrs were a group of eight Jesuits who served as missionaries to the Hurons in Canada. Their feast day is October 19. Sunday, October 24
The readings for the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B make us think of how we are blind and how Jesus can give us new vision. Sight, healing, and answering the call of Jesus are themes for this weekend.Thursday, October 28
St. Jude is called the saint of lost causes. St. Simon is the "other Simon", also known as Simon the Zealot or Simeon. It is thought that he and St. Jude traveled to Persia to preach the gospel there. Both were eventually martyred.Sunday, October 31
The readings for the Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B help us think of God's commandments and if we are following them just in our heads or also in our hearts. The Ten Commandments, the call to love, and Church laws are possible themes for this Sunday.Monday, November 1
November 1 is the Solemnity of All Saints. On this day we remember all who were servants of the Lord while here on earth. We ask that they pray for us so that one day we might join them in heaven.Tuesday, November 2
November 2 is the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed (All Souls Day). On this day we pray for loved ones who have departed this earth. Thursday, November 4
St. Charles Borromeo came from a wealthy family. He is known for his work with the Council of Trent and reforms such as stopping the sale of indulgences and creating seminaries to educate priests. When the plague hit Milan, he used much of his wealth to feed and care for the victims.Sunday, November 7
The readings for the Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B challenge us to remember that all we have comes from God and we must be willing to give back. Counting our blessings, charity, and service are themes for this weekend. Tuesday, November 9
This feast day commemorates a building. The early Christians gathered quietly in their homes. But when the Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity, the followers of Jesus no longer feared persecution. Constantine donated a family palace to the Church and it became the Basilica of St. John Lateran. Wednesday, November 10
St. Leo the Great was a fifth century pope. He was dedicated to the service of the church. During his papacy, he worked for Church unity. He also refuted several heresiesThursday, November 11
St. Martin of Tours was a 4th century soldier in the Roman military. He lived during a time when Christianity had become legalized in the Roman Empire. He was a catechumen - one being instructed in the Catholic faith in preparation for baptism. He refused to continue fighting after his baptism. "I am the soldier of Christ: it is not lawful for me to fight." Friday, November 12
St. Josaphat was a 17th century monk who worked for union between Eastern Orthodox churches and the Roman Catholic Church. He was eventually martyred by a mob who opposed the union.Sunday, November 14
The readings for the Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B speak of heavenly battles and being prepared. So some topics for this weekend are archangels, angels, spiritual battle, and readiness. Here are some ideas.Wednesday, November 17
St. Elizabeth was a Hungarian princess who was known for her charity. She married at the age of 14, but became a widow just six years later. She was greatly attracted to the philosophy of St. Francis of Assisi.Sunday, November 21
The readings for the Feast of Christ the King for Year B speak of heavenly battles and being prepared. So this weekend we could speak of the kingship of Christ or the book of Revelation. Here are some ideas.Sunday, November 21
This date commemorates the day when Mary was dedicated to God at the temple in Jerusalem. Tradition holds that Sts. Joachim and Anne were thought to be barren. In thanksgiving for their daughter Mary, they took her to Jerusalem to consecrate her to God.Wednesday, November 24
This feast day commemorates 117 Vietnamese who were martyred between 1820 and 1862. Persecution of Christians was severe during this time period. Missionaries were banned in Vietnam and Christians were required to deny their faith. Sunday, November 28
The readings for the First Sunday in Advent for Year C warn us to get ready for the coming of our Lord, for change will come with him. These readings lead into a discussion of how we are going to prepare and grow and change during this Advent season.Sunday, December 5
The readings for the Second Sunday in Advent for Year C tell us to hopefully look forward to the coming of Jesus Christ. God has planned this since the beginning of time. These readings lend themselves to a discussion of covenants, family, and salvation history. Here are some ideas.Wednesday, December 8
December 8 is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This holy day is often misunderstood. It celebrates the conception of Mary, not Jesus.Sunday, December 12
The readings for the Third Sunday in Advent (Gaudete Sunday) for Year C encourage us to rejoice at the new life being offered to us through Jesus Christ. This would be a good time to discuss the Incarnation. Why did God become man and what does that mean for us?Sunday, December 19
The readings for the Fourth Sunday in Advent for Year C focus on hospitality, history, and family. These readings might lead into a discussion of what it means to welcome and greet another person. They also make us think about how events in our lives fit into a larger context. Sunday, December 26
The readings for the Feast of the Holy Family for Year C focus on consecration, holiness, and sacred spaces. This is a good time to think about our own sacred spaces - our church, our prayer space at home, and even the earth.Sunday, January 9
The readings for the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord for Year C focus on the revelation of Jesus Christ as God's beloved and upon the effects of the Spirit. Do we view ourselves and others as God's beloved? How does the Spirit act in my life? Sunday, January 16
The readings for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year C focus on the Church as the bride of Christ. So the sacrament of Matrimony and using our gifts are both good topics for this weekend.Sunday, January 23
The readings for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year C focus on the call to ministry and the importance of scripture. Topics for this weekend could include community, the sacrament of Holy Orders, the universal priesthood, and scripture study. Sunday, January 30
The readings for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year C bring to mind the adversity which can occur during discipleship. So this is a good time to talk about not giving up, trusting in God, and handling rejection.Sunday, February 6
The readings for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year C speak about being called by God and sent to do His work. Discipleship is a clear theme here, as is the first reaction of unworthiness. Sunday, February 13
The readings for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year C are all about being blessed, which might also be translated happy or lucky. o the focus this weekend is on the Beatitudes and the many blessings in our lives. Sunday, February 20
The readings for the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year C lead us to think about mercy and justice. This is a good time to think about the way we think and act toward each other. Are we merciful as God is merciful to us? Sunday, February 27
On the Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time we might reflect on our own lives as flawed individuals. But God can make beautiful things from our weaknesses. Find resources for youth ministry, classrooms, religious ed, and home churches here.Sunday, March 6
The readings for the First Sunday of Lent for Year C demonstrate that we must give our whole lives to God. This is a good time to think about if we give our whole selves to the Lord or if we hold back for ourselves. Sunday, March 13
The readings for the 2nd Sunday of Lent for Year C show us that God is truly present in our world. This weekend we can think about how we see God manifest in our own lives and how we can let ourselves be transformed. Sunday, March 20
The readings for the Third Sunday of Lent for Year C are a call to repent and return to the Lord. This is a time to think about the sacrament of reconciliation and how to really change our ways. Here are some ideas.Sunday, March 27
The readings for the Fourth Sunday of Lent for Year C remind us that God is always waiting for us to return to Him so we can receive the abundance of life he offers us. Think about leaving behind our old ways and starting some new good habits. Sunday, April 3
The readings for the Fifth Sunday of Lent for Year C remind us God sees us in our weakness and suffering and saves us. Consider how God can take what seems not good in our lives and transform it. Sunday, April 10
The readings for Palm Sunday (Passion Sunday) for Year C tell of the death of Jesus Christ, who showed us the true meaning of love and the nature of God. So this weekend we reflect on Jesus' love for us and the Pascal Mystery. Sunday, April 24
The readings for Divine Mercy Sunday for Year C tell of Jesus Christ's incredible love for us and his willingness to display his care for us. This is a time to reflect on all God has done to show us his mercy and to reveal his identity to us. Sunday, May 1
The readings for the 3rd Sunday in Easter for year C show us that we must boldly proclaim the Good News and bring in a large catch of new Christians. Evangelization is a good theme for this weekend. Here are some ideas.Sunday, May 8
The readings for the Fourth Sunday in Easter (Good Shepherd Sunday) for year C remind us that Jesus loves the whole world and calls to all people to follow him. This is a good weekend to consider global issues such as immigration, the environment, and famine.Past dates
Sunday, November 29
Monday, November 30
Thursday, December 3
Sunday, December 6
Sunday, December 6
Monday, December 7
Saturday, December 12
Sunday, December 13
Sunday, December 13
Monday, December 14
Sunday, December 20
Friday, December 25
Saturday, December 26
Sunday, December 27
Sunday, December 27
Monday, December 28
Tuesday, December 29
Friday, January 1
Saturday, January 2
Sunday, January 3
Sunday, January 10
Sunday, January 17
Thursday, January 21