Saint Stephen

Saint Stephen: Feast Day Dec. 26th

Today we celebrate Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr. You can discuss with your children what the term “martyr” means, and, if they are old enough, why so many early Christians were martyred for their faith. Today is also a perfect opportunity to reflect upon the truths of the Gospels and staying true to God and your faith even in the midst of adversities. The times we live in are challenging and present different challenges than times past. Sometimes the secular culture can cloud the truth of divine love and make one feel ostracized for their faith and belief in God. Talk to your children about the importance of prayer in their lives and praying for the graces of fortitude and courage, so that they can stand strong in their faith, like Saint Stephen and the many other saints throughout history, whenever they are challenged. Since Saint Stephen was martyred by being stoned to death, you can make today’s activities revolve around a “rock theme.”

Celebrating Through Food:

Make homemade rock candy. The website, “The Spruce Eats,” has an easy recipe. We made ours red for “martyr” and peppermint flavored for Christmas. You can also by red rock candy if you don’t have time to make it. While you eat your rock candy, read about Saint Stephen’s martyrdom in Acts of the Apostles.

(Pictured above is store bought rock candy we used to celebrate St. Stephen in 2024)

Celebrating Through Science:

You can use today as an opportunity to discuss the various types of rocks found on the earth as well as the various layers of the earth’s crust. The website

“Thought Co” has a free rock crossword puzzle, worksheets, and a coloring page. And the website, “Home Science Tools,” has a great free coloring worksheet with the different types of rocks on it.

“Superstar Worksheets” also has a variety of free coloring worksheets for the Earth’s crust.

Celebrating Through Prayer:

Below is a prayer that I wrote that you and your family can say. You can also give each family member a rock with the word “pray” written upon it, to remind them that prayer is “the rock” on which they can build their relationship with the Lord and a firm foundation to help them grow in their faith.

Dear Lord, please fill me with the courage to profess your name and love in every instant of my life, and most especially during the direst of times. Flood me with the graces of faith and fortitude when I am challenged in my faith and love for you, and let me never be shaken, even at the hour of my death. Amen.

Have a blessed day with your family celebrating the Feast of Saint Stephen!

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