Explore seasons, saints, prayers, and traditions.
Advent
Four weeks of waiting and preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ.
Christmas
The joyous season celebrating the birth of Jesus, the Word made flesh.
Ordinary Time
The everyday seasons of growing in discipleship between the great feasts.
Lent
Forty days of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to prepare for Easter.
Holy Week
The most sacred days of the year, from Palm Sunday to the Resurrection.
Easter
Fifty days of joy celebrating the Resurrection of the Lord.
Pentecost
The birthday of the Church, when the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles.
Blessed Virgin Mary
The Mother of Jesus and the greatest of all saints, honored under many titles throughout the year.
St. Joseph
Husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus, a carpenter who quietly cared for the Holy Family.
St. Peter
The fisherman Jesus called to be the rock on which the Church is built, the first pope.
St. Paul
Once a persecutor of Christians, he became the great apostle to the Gentiles after meeting the risen Christ.
St. Michael the Archangel
The archangel who serves God and protects the Church; patron of those who battle evil.
St. Gabriel the Archangel
The archangel who announced the birth of Jesus to Mary; messenger of God.
St. Francis of Assisi
The joyful friar who embraced poverty and praised God through all of creation.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux
A young Carmelite nun who taught the 'Little Way' of doing small things with great love.
St. Augustine
A brilliant bishop whose restless heart found peace in God; one of the Church's greatest thinkers.
St. Monica
Mother of St. Augustine who prayed faithfully for her son for years before he returned to faith.
St. Patrick
Taken to Ireland as a slave, he returned as a bishop to bring the Irish to Christ.
St. Nicholas
A generous bishop of Myra whose gift-giving inspired the tradition of Santa Claus.
St. Valentine
A Roman martyr associated with love and marriage, honored on the day of courtly love.
St. Anthony of Padua
A Franciscan preacher known for his eloquence and for helping find what is lost.
St. Jude Thaddeus
An apostle honored as the patron of hopeless or difficult causes.
St. Benedict
Father of Western monasticism, whose rule balances prayer and work (Ora et Labora).
St. Scholastica
Twin sister of St. Benedict and foundress of the Benedictine nuns, devoted to prayer.
St. Dominic
Founder of the Order of Preachers, devoted to preaching and the Rosary.
St. Catherine of Siena
A mystic and Doctor of the Church who counseled popes and served the poor.
St. Teresa of Calcutta
Founded the Missionaries of Charity to serve the poorest of the poor with tender love.
St. John Paul II
Pope for 27 years who traveled the world, defended life, and trusted deeply in Christ.
St. Carlo Acutis
A teenager who used the internet to spread love for the Eucharist before dying of leukemia at 15.
St. Faustina Kowalska
A Polish nun to whom Jesus revealed the message of Divine Mercy.
St. Gianna Beretta Molla
A mother and physician who sacrificed her life to save her unborn child.
St. Thomas Aquinas
A Dominican friar and Doctor of the Church, one of the greatest theologians in history.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
First American-born saint, a mother who founded Catholic schools and religious life in the U.S.
St. Kateri Tekakwitha
A Mohawk woman who embraced the Catholic faith and is the first Native American saint.
St. Juan Diego
The Mexican peasant to whom Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared, carrying her image on his tilma.
St. Padre Pio
An Italian Capuchin friar known for bearing the stigmata, his long hours in the confessional, and his care for souls.
St. Anne
Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary and grandmother of Jesus, beloved by families.
St. Joachim
Father of the Blessed Virgin Mary and husband of St. Anne.
St. John the Baptist
The prophet who prepared the way for Jesus and baptized him in the Jordan.
St. Mary Magdalene
A devoted follower of Jesus and the first witness of the Resurrection, 'apostle to the apostles.'
St. Lucy
A young Sicilian martyr whose feast brings light into the darkest days of Advent.
St. Cecilia
A Roman martyr honored as the patron of music and musicians.
St. Rita of Cascia
A wife, mother, and nun known as the patron of impossible and difficult causes.
St. Teresa of Ávila
A Carmelite reformer and Doctor of the Church who taught the prayer of the heart.
St. Ignatius of Loyola
Founder of the Jesuits who taught the Spiritual Exercises and finding God in all things.
St. Maximilian Kolbe
A Franciscan who gave his life in Auschwitz to save a fellow prisoner and was devoted to Mary.
St. John Vianney
The humble Curé d'Ars who spent hours in the confessional and is patron of parish priests.
St. Clare of Assisi
A follower of St. Francis who founded the Poor Clares and lived a life of radical simplicity.
St. Rose of Lima
The first saint of the Americas, a Dominican known for her care for the poor and her prayer.
St. Vincent de Paul
A priest who organized service to the poor and is the patron of charitable societies.
St. Elizabeth of Hungary
A princess who devoted her life and wealth to serving the poor and the sick.
Our Lady of Guadalupe
The apparition of Mary to St. Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill, patroness of the Americas.
Our Lady of Lourdes
Mary appeared to St. Bernadette in Lourdes, France, a place of healing and pilgrimage.
Our Lady of Fatima
Mary appeared to three children in Fatima, Portugal, calling the world to prayer and peace.
Sign of the Cross
The prayer that begins and ends our prayer.
Our Father (Lord's Prayer)
The prayer Jesus taught his disciples.
Hail Mary
The prayer of Gabriel's greeting and our trust in Mary's intercession.
Glory Be (Doxology)
A short prayer of praise to the Trinity.
Apostles' Creed
The ancient baptismal profession of faith.
Nicene Creed
The creed we profess at Sunday Mass.
Grace Before Meals
A blessing before eating.
Grace After Meals
A prayer of thanks after a meal.
Guardian Angel Prayer
A prayer to our guardian angel.
Prayer to St. Michael
A prayer for protection by the archangel Michael.
The Memorare
A heartfelt prayer of trust in Mary's intercession.
Hail, Holy Queen (Salve Regina)
The Rosary's closing prayer of trust in Mary.
Act of Contrition
A prayer of sorrow and resolve to amend one's life.
Morning Offering
Offering the day to Jesus through Mary.
Evening Prayer
A quiet prayer to end the day.
Prayer Before Mass
A short prayer to prepare for Sunday Mass.
Prayer After Mass
A short prayer of thanks after Mass.
Prayer for the Family
A prayer for unity and love at home.
Prayer for Children
A parent's prayer for their children.
Prayer for Parents
A prayer for the grace of parenting.
Prayer for the Sick
A prayer for those who are ill.
Prayer for the Deceased
A prayer for those who have died.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
A prayer of gratitude.
Prayer for Forgiveness
A prayer for healing and reconciliation.
Prayer for Peace
A prayer inspired by the peace of St. Francis.
Prayer Before a Difficult Conversation
A prayer for grace before a hard talk.
Divine Mercy Chaplet (Opening)
The opening of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.
How to Pray the Rosary
A simple guide to praying the family Rosary.
Christmas Family Prayer
A prayer for families at Christmas.
Advent Wreath Prayer
A prayer for lighting the Advent wreath.
Lenten Prayer
A prayer for the season of Lent.
Advent Wreath
Lighting candles on an Advent wreath each week as Christmas approaches.
Family Advent Prayer
A short daily prayer together during Advent.
Jesse Tree
Hanging an ornament each day of Advent that tells the story of Jesus' family tree.
Nativity Scene
Setting up the family crèche, often adding figures gradually through Advent.
St. Nicholas Shoes
On the eve of St. Nicholas' feast, children leave a shoe by the door or fireplace.
Advent Sacrifice or Kindness Jar
A jar where family members add a note (or bean) for each act of kindness or sacrifice.
O Antiphons
The seven ancient prayers sung from Dec. 17–23, each naming Jesus (O Wisdom, O Root of Jesse…).
Blessing the Christmas Tree
A short prayer of blessing over the family Christmas tree.
Family Nativity Prayer
A prayer together before the crèche on Christmas.
Christmas Eve Prayer
A quiet prayer on Christmas Eve before the celebration begins.
Twelve Days of Christmas
Celebrating each day from Christmas to Epiphany as a season of joy.
Epiphany House Blessing (Chalking the Door)
Writing the Magi's initials and year above the door on Epiphany.
Holy Family Devotion
A devotion to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph as a model for the home.
Family Lenten Prayer
A daily or weekly prayer together during Lent.
Stations of the Cross
Walking and praying the fourteen stations of Jesus' Passion.
Meatless Friday Family Meal
Sharing a simple meatless meal on Fridays in Lent (and beyond).
Lenten Sacrifice
Each family member chooses one small thing to give up or do for Lent.
Almsgiving Project
A family project of giving during Lent — to the poor, a charity, or each other.
Family Examination of Conscience
A quiet time to reflect on the day and where we need God's mercy.
Preparing for Confession
Preparing together to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Palm Sunday at Home
Bringing blessed palms home and reading the Passion Gospel.
Holy Thursday Meal or Reflection
A simple meal recalling the Last Supper and Jesus washing the disciples' feet.
Good Friday Quiet Time
A time of silence and prayer remembering the Lord's Passion.
Veneration of the Cross at Home
Reverently kissing or touching a crucifix on Good Friday.
Easter Vigil Preparation
Preparing the family to attend or follow the Easter Vigil.
Easter Sunday Family Prayer
A joyful prayer together on Easter morning.
Divine Mercy Sunday Prayer
Praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy on the Sunday after Easter.
May Crowning
Honoring Mary in May with a small crowning of a Marian image.
Family Rosary
Praying the Rosary together as a family.
Marian Prayer Corner
A small dedicated space with a Marian image, candle, and rosary.
Celebrating a Child's Patron Saint
A special meal on a child's name day or patron saint's feast.
Name-Day Celebration
Celebrating the feast of the saint you are named after.
All Saints Family Activity
Celebrating all the saints on Nov. 1 with a family activity.
All Souls Remembrance
Remembering and praying for departed loved ones on Nov. 2.
Gratitude at Dinner
Each night, sharing one thing you are grateful for before grace.
Bedtime Blessing
A parent blessing each child before sleep.
Sunday Mass Preparation
A simple habit of preparing for Sunday Mass as a family.
Family Prayer Intentions
A shared list of people and needs the family prays for.
Blessing Children Before School
A short blessing as children leave for the day.
Sunday Family Meal
A special meal together on the Lord's Day.
Home Prayer Space
A dedicated corner for prayer — a candle, cross, Bible, and images.
Baptism Anniversary Celebration
Celebrating the anniversary of a family member's baptism.
Mary, Mother of God
We begin the year honoring Mary as the Mother of God and praying for peace.
Epiphany of the Lord
The Magi visit the Christ Child, revealing God to the nations.
Baptism of the Lord
Jesus is baptized in the Jordan; Ordinary Time begins.
Presentation of the Lord
The Holy Family presents Jesus in the Temple.
Chair of St. Peter
We pray for the Pope and the unity of the Church.
We honor St. Joseph, husband of Mary and patron of families.
The Annunciation of the Lord
The angel Gabriel announces Jesus' birth to Mary.
Divine Mercy Sunday
We celebrate the endless mercy of Christ.
St. Mark, Evangelist
Feast in Easter.
Sts. Philip and James
The Visitation
Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth.
Nativity of St. John the Baptist
Solemnity in Ordinary Time.
Sts. Peter and Paul
Assumption of Mary
Mary is assumed body and soul into heaven.
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Feast in Ordinary Time.
Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael
Guardian Angels
We give thanks for our guardian angels.
Our Lady of the Rosary
Memorial in Ordinary Time.
All Saints
We celebrate all the saints in heaven.
All Souls
We pray for all the faithful departed.
Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
St. Martin of Tours
Christ the King
We honor Christ as King of the universe.
Immaculate Conception
Mary was preserved free from original sin.
Patroness of the Americas.
Memorial in Advent.
The saint behind the story of Santa Claus.
We celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Holy Family
We honor Jesus, Mary, and Joseph as a model for our homes.
Our Lady of Sorrows
We contemplate Mary's compassionate suffering beside her Son.
Sts. Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs
Two martyrs who gave their lives for the Church.
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross
We venerate the Holy Cross, the instrument of our salvation.
First American-born saint, mother and founder of Catholic schools.
Dominican friar and Doctor of the Church, patron of students.
Conversion of St. Paul
We remember Paul's encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus.
Twin sister of St. Benedict, devoted to prayer.
Mary appeared to St. Bernadette at Lourdes, a place of healing.
Bishop who brought the Irish to Christ.
Mother and physician, patron of mothers and the unborn.
Mystic and Doctor of the Church who served the poor.
Mary appeared to three children in Fatima, calling the world to prayer.
Patron of impossible and difficult causes.
Franciscan preacher, patron of lost things.
First Native American saint, patron of ecology.
First witness of the Resurrection.
Sts. Anne and Joachim
Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, grandparents of Jesus.
Father of Western monasticism — prayer and work.
Founder of the Jesuits — finding God in all things.
Patron of parish priests, the Curé d'Ars.
Founder of the Order of Preachers, devoted to the Rosary.
Founder of the Poor Clares, a life of simplicity.
Mother of St. Augustine, patron of patient prayer for family.
Bishop and Doctor of the Church — our hearts are restless for God.
Franciscan who gave his life at Auschwitz for a fellow prisoner.
First saint of the Americas, devoted to the poor.
Founded the Missionaries of Charity to serve the poorest of the poor.
Capuchin friar, patron of Confession and mercy.
Patron of charitable societies, served the poor.
The Little Way of doing small things with great love.
Patron of animals and creation — Lord, make me an instrument of peace.
Jesus revealed the message of Divine Mercy through her.
Teenager who spread love for the Eucharist — patron of youth.
Carmelite reformer and Doctor of the Church — prayer of the heart.
Pope who defended life and trusted in Christ — patron of families.
Patron of hopeless and difficult causes.
Princess who served the poor and sick.
Roman martyr, patron of music and musicians.
The humble peasant to whom Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared.
Feast
Sunday, September 27 · Memorial · Ordinary Time