Faith Activities

The Patron Saint of Ireland Saint Patrick was a Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland. He is known as the patron saint of Ireland and is celebrated every year on March 17th, which is called Saint Patrick’s Day. When he was 16 years old, he was captured by pirates and taken to Ireland as a slave. He worked as a shepherd and spent a lot of time praying.  After six years, Patrick escaped and returned to his family in Britain. He had a dream where he felt called by God to go back to Ireland and spread Christianity. So, he studied to become a priest and later returned to Ireland as a missionary. Saint Patrick traveled all over Ireland, teaching people about Christianity. He used the shamrock, a three-leafed plant, to explain the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). This is why the shamrock is a symbol of Saint Patrick’s Day. Miracles and Legends There are many legends about Saint Patrick. One famous story says he drove all the snakes out of Ireland. Another legend tells how he used his walking stick to grow into a tree. Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17th, the day he is believed to have died. People wear green, attend parades, and enjoy Irish music and food. It’s a day to celebrate Irish culture and heritage. Fun Facts The color originally associated with Saint Patrick was blue, not green. Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated not just in Ireland, but all around the world! Here are some fun and family-friendly activities you can do with your kids on St. Patrick’s Day: Leprechaun Hunt: Create a scavenger hunt where kids search for hidden “leprechaun treasures” like chocolate coins or small toys. You can make it more exciting by giving them clues to follow Crafts and Coloring: Spend some time making St. Patrick’s Day crafts. You can create shamrock decorations, leprechaun hats, or rainbow art. Coloring pages with St. Patrick’s Day themes are also a great way to keep kids entertained Baking Together: Bake some festive treats like green cupcakes, shamrock-shaped cookies, or rainbow-colored snacks. Let the kids help with decorating the goodies St. Patrick’s Day Bingo: Play a game of bingo with St. Patrick’s Day-themed cards. It’s a fun way to keep everyone engaged and entertained Story Time: Read books about St. Patrick and Irish folklore. This can be a great way to teach kids about the history and traditions of the holiday Leprechaun Trap: Build a leprechaun trap with your kids. Use household items to create a trap and see if you can “catch” a leprechaun. It’s a fun and creative activity that sparks imagination DIY Shamrock Shake: Make a homemade version of the famous Shamrock Shake. Blend vanilla ice cream, milk, and a few drops of green food coloring. Add some whipped cream on top for a delicious treat Parade at Home: If you can’t attend a local parade, create your own at home. Dress up in green, play some Irish music, and march around the house or yard St. Patrick’s Day Charades: Play a game of charades with words and phrases related to St. Patrick’s Day. It’s a fun way to get everyone moving and laughing Lego Challenge: Challenge your kids to build St. Patrick’s Day-themed creations with Lego bricks, like a leprechaun, a pot of gold, or a rainbow These activities are sure to make your St. Patrick’s Day celebration fun and memorable for the whole family! 🍀  

  In October 2024, the CCCB in Preparation for the Jubilee 2025 hosted the second part of a four session webinar series titled, “A Great Symphony of Prayer, Mary, the Saints and Scripture”, enabling the faithful a meaningful way to participate in the Year of Prayer which was announced by Pope Francis on 21 January 2024. The Jubilee Office in Rome prepared a series of booklets on prayer, the themes of which were taken up during the webinar series. The webinar series was presented by Dr. Josephine Lombardi of St. Augustine Seminary please take a look at these wonderful webinars: Learn More

  We are excited to invite you to the OAPCE Advent Retreat, a special opportunity for spiritual growth and reflection as we prepare for the Jubilee Year and the Christmas season. OAPCE Advent Retreat December 11 2024 ✠ Yvan Mathieu, SM The Jubilee Year will start on Tuesday December 24th, 2024 Christmas Eve. His Most Rev. Bishop Mathieu will  present the biblical sources of the Holy Year: the sabbatical Years and the Jubilee Years (Lev. 12) and the beginning of Jesus ministry (Luke 4). Bishop Mathieu will discuss the purposes of a Holy Year, what is the theme of Holy Year 2025 and how we should prepare for Christmas.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u34EZH8MvL4

  Lord, make me an instrument of your peaceWhere there is hatred, let me sow loveWhere there is an injury, pardonWhere there is doubt, faithWhere there is despair, hopeWhere there is darkness, lightAnd where there is sadness, joy O Divine Master, grant that I may Not so much seek to be consoled as to console To be understood, as to understand To be loved, as to love For it is in giving that we receive And it’s in pardoning that we are pardoned And it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life Amen. What Is the Prayer of St. Francis? The prayer of St. Francis is a prayer loaded with spiritual meaning. For one, the words of the first few lines indicate how we should live our lives. In this world full of darkness, despair, and sorrow, we should be people who promote light, hope, and joy. This prayer is all about living our lives just as Jesus did during His time here on Earth. Living in a similar way is the most effective way of reflecting the image of God through our lives as His creation. During November we dedicate it to remembrance for all our loved ones and those who have given their lives so that we may all live in peace. Mural made of tile at James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic High School, Toronto.