The Sacred Heart of Jesus • Monthly Devotion for June

Back in the Middle Ages, many Catholics began observing special devotions around a particular theme each month. Today, many families are reviving this practice as part of the way they observe the liturgical calendar at home. By practicing monthly devotions, the core values of the faith will become more alive within your family. The beauty of monthly devotions is that there is no set way to celebrate. So be creative, make it fun, and adapt your celebration to your own family. Teaching Catholic Kids has ways to celebrate the popular devotion for June, the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Celebrate Saint Gianna Beretta Molla

Gianna Beretta Molla was an Italian pediatric physician, a working mother, an avid outdoorswoman, and a loving wife best known for her decision to not abort her child when complications arose during her fourth pregnancy. However, she displayed heroic virtue throughout her life, joining the St. Vincent de Paul Society at the age of twelve, and Catholic Action later in life. She earned her medical degree in 1949 intending to use her skills to help the poor in Brazil, but when poor health prevented that, she opened her own office, focusing especially on helping poor women. Discover more about her life.

5 easy activities for a Lenten retreat for kids

Last year when Catholic mom Karrie Marascia was looking through her church bulletin, she saw that an adult Lenten retreat was being held for most of a Saturday. She had an idea about doing a smaller version of a retreat for her family and gave it a try with her eight children. Online you’ll find the activities, and how they worked out, from putting together blessing bags to an in-home Stations of the Cross.

Saint Blaise • Saint stories

St. Blaise, whose feast is celebrated on February 3, is another saint who lived a LONG time ago–during the 4th century, when being a Christian was a crime. He was a bishop and a doctor for people and animals. To avoid being caught, he lived in a cave outside of the city. Legend has it that sick animals would come to him to be cured. But if St. Blaise was praying, the animals would patiently wait so as not to disturb his prayers. On his feast day, some people go to church to have their throats blessed. You’ll find a St. Blaise activity online.