Your source for faith-building, boredom-busting, and family memory-making activities!

"The age-old tradition of the Church is that every Christian, and perhaps every human being, has an angel guardian protecting him from physical and spiritual harm. Christ warned, 'Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven' (Mt 18:10). An angel was at Christ’s side in the Garden of Gethsemane, and an angel delivered Saint Peter from prison. The Fathers of the early Church wrote prolifically about the dense realm of the spirit inhabited by angels. The Catechism of the Catholic Church notes that the angels belong to Christ. “They are his angels” (CCC #331). The Catechism also quotes Saint Basil, “Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life” (CCC #336)." ("Guardian Angels" from My Catholic Life website)

Try these 10 Ways to celebrate the Feast Day of the Guardian Angels, courtesy of the Catholic Icing website. The Angel yarn doll is an easy, kid-friendly craft that you can use to decorate your Christmas tree in a few months! 

What does the Church teach about guardian angels?  Does everyone have one? Should I name mine? This article from the National Catholic Register offers answers to these and many other questions: "8 Things to Know and Share About the Guardian Angels"

Having trouble sleeping? Suffering from anxiety or fear?  The Guardian Angel Prayer is a simple, traditional prayer that encourages Catholics of all ages to trust in God's protection and care.

St. Therse of the Child Jesus is known for her "Little Way," a spiritual practice that emphasizes child-like faith in God and absolute dependence on his goodness.  

Born in Spain in 1581, St. Peter was ordained in the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) in 1615 and assigned to Cartegena, Colombia.  He  dedicated his priestly ministry to serving the enslaved African people who were brought daily to the port of Cartagena; when he took his final vows as a priest, he made a solemn promise to be the "slave to the enslaved forever."   Through his words and actions, he upheld the dignity of all people and called others to do the same:  "Fr. Claver’s apostolate extended beyond his care for slaves. He became a moral force, indeed, the apostle of Cartagena. He preached in the city square, gave missions to sailors and traders as well as country missions, during which he avoided, when possible, the hospitality of the planters and owners and lodged in the slave quarters instead." (Francisan Media)

St. Peter was a voice for justice in the midst of unspeakable oppression and cruelty. He used his position and authority to speak the truth about human dignity, and to call out the consciences of those who were profiting from the sin of slavery. May we follow in his example of radical love and extravagant mercy: O God, who made Saint Peter Claver a slave of slaves and strengthened him with wonderful charity and patience as he came to their help, grant, through his intercession, that, seeking the things of Jesus Christ, we may love our neighbor in deeds and in truth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. (Collect prayer from the Feast of St. Peter Claver)

Do you know about these African Americans candidates for sainthood? African American Catholics have contributed to the witness and life of the Church in many ways.  Read more about these six candidates for sainthood, including two women who founded religious orders, the first African American to be ordained a priest, and a freed slave who made a fortune as a hair dresser - and then gave his money away to the poor. 

Learn about Our Lady of Stono On September 8, 1739 a group of Congolese Catholics in colonial South Carolina prayed to the Blessed Mother to assist them in escaping from the plantation where they were enslaved.  The story of the Stono Rebellion (sometimes called the Cato Rebellion) reveals the dignity of these enslaved men and women, and the deep roots of Catholicism in Africa, and America.
 

St. Teresa of Calcutta spent her life caring for the poor and dying in the slums of India. The religious order she established, the Missionaries of Charity, continue her work with the poorest of the poor in countries all over the world. They are also known for their distinctive habits, which resemble the simple cotton versions of the traditional saris worn by Indian women. In addition to being a canonized saint, she also won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 (watch her acceptance speech here). With her life and ministry, St. Teresa taught that whatever we do for the least of our brothers and sisters, we do for Christ.

Practice the Corporal Works of Mercy St. Teresa was known for her acts of mercy toward the poor. (The seven corporal works of mercy are based on the parable of the Judgement of the Nations [Matthew 25:31-46] where Jesus commends those who offered compassion to the poor and needy) Most of us will never minister to dying in people in the streets of Calcutta - but all of us can live lives of mercy and compassion, right where we are! For ideas about practical ways to live the works of mercy in your family, check out "How to Practice the Works of Mercy as a Family" from the Blessed is She website.

Have a family movie night! The feature film Mother Teresa starring Olivia Hussey. Younger children might enjoy Mother Teresa: Seeing the Face of Jesus, an animated biography of the saint's life and ministry.  Both films are available to stream for free from Formed.org 

Try a traditional Indian meal for family dinner. Indian cuisine combines simple, fresh ingredients with complex spices and herbs to create delicious, plentiful meals! Try one of these 10 easy and quick Indian recipes from Spruce Eats.  (Not feeling up to cooking? Support a local small business by ordering take out!) 

Learn more about Catholics in India Tradition teaches that the apostle Thomas brought Christianity to India in the year 52 A.D., making it one of the oldest Christian communities outside of the Holy Land.  Despite a sharp increase this year in religious persecution and violence, the Catholic Church in India continues to thrive. This short documentary from Salt & Light media gives a great overview of the rich faith traditions of the Church in India.

What does God want from me? St. Teresa talks about receiving not just a call to religious life, but a specific call to serve the poor in a radical way - what she called "the call within the call." Is God calling one of your children to serve Him as a priest, deacon, or member of a religious order?  For ideas on talking with your family about these vocations, check out the archdiocesan Office of Vocations website.