April Saints & Feasts

HIGHLIGHTED SAINTS:
April 4 - St. Isidore of Seville
Both as a child and as an adult, St. Isidore was a strong believer in education. He is the patron saint of the Internet. Find additional information and a family activity here!

April 7 – St. John Baptist de la Salle
St. John spent his life teaching the poor. He trained teachers who soon became the "Brothers of the Christian Schools." He is the patron saint of teachers.

April 13 – St. Margaret of Castello
St. Margaret suffered many physical disabilities ranging from blindness to malformed limbs, to severe curvature of the spine. After being abandoned by her parents, she was adopted by a loving couple. Margaret’s disabilities did not make her bitter. Rather, she became generous and sympathetic, nursing the sick, consoling the dying, and visiting prisoners. She regarded her own disabilities as a means to unite her pain with the pain that Christ endured on the cross. Margaret is the patron saint of the poor and anyone dealing with a disability or physical challenge.

April 16 – St. Bernadette Soubirous
St. Bernadette was a peasant girl from a poor family in France. When she was only 15 years old, Our Lady appeared to her in Lourdes, France, asking her to do penance and pray for sinners. St. Bernadette’s entire life was marked by humility and a spirit of dying to self. She is a patroness for the sick.

April 23 – St. George
St. George always wanted to be a soldier, and professed loudly throughout the town that the Christian God is the only true God. His courage became legendary, and we honor him today for tirelessly defending the faith.

April 25 – St. Mark the Evangelist
St. Mark is the author of the second Gospel. Tradition tells us that St. Mark was requested by the Romans to set down the teachings of St. Peter, which is the record of the life of Jesus seen through Peter’s eyes. St. Mark is often depicted with the symbol of a lion.

April 28 – St. Gianna Beretta Molla
St. Gianna Beretta Molla was a faithful Catholic, a successful working woman, a devoted wife, and a loving mother of four. She is the patron saint of mothers, physicians, students, and unborn children.

April 29 – St. Catherine of Siena
St. Catherine is an international political figure, a feminist hero, and a Doctor of the Church. As a child, St. Catherine had mystical experiences, seeing the guardian angels of others. Because of her reputation for holiness, Church leaders turned to her for advice and guidance. She continued to have visions of Christ, Mary and the Saints. She was given the stigmata which became visible after her death.

Holy Week
Our Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving have prepared us for Holy Week, as we enter into the Passion of Christ - his crucifixion, death, and resurrection. Make Holy Week special for your family with this video! Celebrate Holy Week with your kids with this Activities Pack and Coloring Pages. And take advantage of these Resources for Families.

Palm Sunday
On Palm Sunday, we recall Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Enjoy a coloring page and a family activity with Blessed Palms. Watch Palm Sunday videos for Children and for Youth. 

The Chrism Mass (Cathedral of St. Raphael in Dubuque on Tuesday, April 4, and 2:00 PM.)
The Archdiocese of Dubuque celebrates the Chrism Mass on the Tuesday before the Triduum. During this special Mass, priests renew their priestly promises, the Oil of the Sick (for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick), and the Oil of Catechumens (for pre-baptismal anointing as one prepares for initiation into the Catholic Church) are blessed, the Sacred Chrism Oil (for the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders) is consecrated, and all are then distributed to parishes across the Archdiocese. 

The Easter Triduum
The Triduum begins at dusk on Holy Thursday, and continues through dusk on Easter Sunday. The Church teaches that the Triduum is really one celebration that lasts for three days. However, in the liturgy, each day has its unique qualities and different focuses. Prepare your kids for the Triduum with 25 Things for Kids to Spot during Holy Week.  

Holy Thursday
The evening Mass on Holy Thursday begins the Sacred Triduum, as we remember the Last Supper and celebrate the institution of the Eucharist. Plan a Last Supper Meal with a decorated table mat, and unleavened bread. Enjoy a Last Supper Craft, online Shuffle Puzzle Game, or Video for children. Pray with a coloring page, and learn about the Church Traditions of Holy Thursday.

Good Friday
This day of fasting and penance is a time to reflect on Jesus' crucifixion, death on the cross, and sacrifice for us. The Good Friday service is not a Mass; holy Communion that is distributed was consecrated on Holy Thursday and kept in the tabernacle. Many parishes offer Stations of the Cross on Good Friday. Pray these Virtual Stations of the Cross with your family, watch a Good Friday Video for Children, or pray with these Coloring Pages.

Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil)
The Easter Vigil is the high point in the liturgical year! The vigil begins in darkness, and the candlelight procession with the Paschal Candle and the Exsultet remind us that Jesus is the light of the world who has conquered all darkness and death. The newly baptized and confirmed come into full communion with the Catholic Church! Spend some time as a family in prayer and talking about the Paschal Mystery - Jesus' crucifixion, death, and resurrection.

Easter Sunday   
Celebrate the Risen Christ at Mass with the singing of the Gloria and Alleluia, the renewal of baptismal promises, and a sprinkling with Easter water! Celebrate with these Easter Activities for kids, Food, Fun and Prayer, and watch the Easter Story!

Celebrate the 50 Days of the Easter Season
Learn about why the Easter Season lasts for 50 days. Gather your family to celebrate with these articles and activities, other family resources, and more!

Divine Mercy Sunday
Celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday as a family by praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy prayers for Catholic kids. Pray a Divine Mercy Novena with your family, and embrace Divine Mercy every day!

World Day of Prayer for Vocations (Good Shepherd Sunday)
Teach your children to pray that young men and women hear and respond generously to the Lord's call to the priesthood, diaconate, and religious life.  Pray with these Coloring Pages, play a Shepherd’s Voice Game, and learn about vocations in the Archdiocese of Dubuque!

From the Archdiocese of Dubuque Pinterest Boards: www.pinterest.com/dbqarch

Check out these April Pinterest topics focused on the family - the Domestic Church!

• Holy Week and Easter for Children, for Youth, and for the Domestic Church
• Divine Mercy Sunday
• Creation for Young Children
• Vocations for Children, Youth, and Young Adults