Kid-Friendly, Catholic Activities for the Liturgical Year
Engage kids with fun and faith-filled activities from Discover! Finding Faith in Life. This Catholic activity calendar takes you through each month of the year, providing creative ways to...
Engaging the whole family in Catholic faith formation
This article contains insights from the recent webinar Parents and Families at the Center of Faith Formation. The webinar offered strategies for Directors of Religious Education (DREs) and parishes...
Starting the school year with intention
It is not uncommon for classes and programs to start the year with a grounding theme or a centering idea. Start this new academic year by being intentional about...
Praying the Nicene Creed
“I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. . . . ” begins the Nicene Creed, which Catholics...
How to pray the Rosary
The Rosary is a popular devotion to Mary, the Mother of God. By praying the Rosary, we pray with Mary and we ask her to pray for us. The...
Magnificat!
The word Magnificat means “magnifies.” It comes from the first line of Mary’s song after she heard Elizabeth’s greeting to her: “And how does this happen to me, that...
Create your own Vacation Bible School Program
Engage your entire parish community with Vacation Bible School (VBS)! From leaders and organizers to teen volunteers and participants, VBS offers a unique opportunity for intergenerational connection, shared faith...
Electing a New Pope
Choosing a new pope is somewhat of a mystery to people. In the early Church, a pope was elected not only by the bishops but also by the clergy...
A guide to choosing a Confirmation name
Imagine choosing a lifelong spiritual companion. That’s what Confirmation names are all about. This tradition connects young people with a saint who will serve as their special patron and...
Faith and Fun in the Family
Catholic family faith formation, no matter the situation Sustaining faith in a family’s busy routine is an intentional act. By embracing the opportunities within daily life, families can beautifully...
Strengthening bonds through family faith formation
Introducing a dynamic new way to enhance faith formation in your parish: Gathered Family Sessions! Rooted in the liturgical and natural seasons, our Gathered Family Sessions offer ten 90-minute...
Free Lent Activities for Kids, Tweens, and Teens!
Invite children, tweens and teens to deepen their Lenten journey. Lent is a time for renewal and reflection through fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. We offer free Lent activities to...
Naming Our True Worth
Questions of human dignity encircle us in many striking and challenging ways these days. Can we as teachers and mentors truly contribute to a national conversation that insists on...
The Relationship between the Old and New Testaments
Christians understand the Old Testament as preparing us for the coming of Jesus Christ. The authors of the New Testament incorporated Old Testament texts in their writings to demonstrate...
Free Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany Resources
In this season of joyful anticipation, we invite you to use and share this interactive Advent calendar of activities to prepare for Jesus’ birth. With prayers, projects, and reflections...
The Shared Wisdom of the World’s Major Religions
People of different religious backgrounds sometimes disagree bitterly. This is a big deal because of the violence and war that can result. Violence-inducing disagreements may suggest that huge and...
Respect for Life
Catholics view respect for life as a value that touches a wide range of life issues. It recognizes that we are called to have compassion for all people—including those...
How to Prepare Kids for Advent
When the pictures of turkeys appear in school windows across the land (sometimes each feather a different color!), we know that Thanksgiving is near. After a full weekend of...
Three Tips for Bringing the Bible to Life with Children
Twenty years ago, Saint Mary’s Press discovered a sad reality. Our research indicated that Catholic young people didn’t know how to find things in the Bible, they weren’t familiar...
Prayer Service for Families Coping with Traumatic Events
About this article This prayer service offers families a way to come together to pray and reflect on recovering from traumatic events. Gathering Come together as a family. Set...
Free Lessons to Celebrate All Saints’ Day with Kids and Young People
All Saints’ Day, which falls on November 1, is a time to honor all the saints of the Church, known and unknown. These people of great faith lived lives...
The Liturgical Year
Just as our calendar year has special times and seasons, so does the Church. In liturgical seasons, we remember important parts of our faith and we celebrate and reflect...
When Hope Is Needed
About this article This prayer service is intended to bring hope during the difficult days that follow a tragedy. The service can be used with any size group, and...
Foundations for Flourishing: The Podcast
In Foundations for Flourishing, a video and podcast series by Saint Mary’s Press, we share stories and advice from educators, ministers, and leaders, all with one goal: to encourage you...
Episode 6: Personal, Communal, Meaningful
“It’s all about how you show up.” Showing up for young people requires a system of support, a personal community that guides you through difficulties and joys. In this...
In Times of Crisis
About this article This prayer service provides an opportunity for prayer and communal support in light of the aftermath of any disaster. The service can be used with any...
The Christian Path to Peacemaking
When asked what their greatest wish is, many people respond that they would like to see world peace. It is admirable to hope for the absence of war and...
