October Crate Unveiling: Celebrating Saints and Virtues with Your Family
Hi CFC Family!
October is a beautiful month to deepen our connection with the saints and virtues that lead our families closer to Christ. As the seasons change, we are reminded of the rich spiritual rhythms of the Church. This month’s crate is specially curated to help your family celebrate two beloved saints and reflect on the virtue of temperance. Let’s take a closer look at what’s inside and how it can help nurture your family’s faith.
What’s Inside Your October Crate:
1. Feast Day Calendar Stickers
Stay organized and excited for upcoming feast days with our colorful stickers. These simple visuals help your family mark important dates, making it easier to anticipate and celebrate the saints in October.
2. Feast Day Art Prints
This month, your crate features beautiful art prints of two inspiring saints: St. Francis of Assisi (October 4th) and St. John Paul II (October 22nd). These prints are perfect for displaying in your home, bringing their stories to life and inspiring conversations about their impact on our faith.
3. Feast Day Activities
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St. Francis of Assisi (October 4th): St. Francis, known for his love of God’s creation, is the focus of this fun and educational activity! Your children will get to “grow wheatgrass on Francis’ bald head,” symbolizing his deep connection to the natural world. This hands-on project will remind your kids to care for God’s creation and think about their environmental impact. Challenge them to do something kind for the environment this week—whether it's recycling or picking up litter!
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St. John Paul II (October 22nd): Dive into Theology of the Body with a family-friendly mini-lesson, complete with self-image art and a roll-the-dice game! This activity introduces your children to St. John Paul II’s teachings on human dignity and the beauty of God’s creation in every person.
4. Catechesis Corner: Pray by Sticker
Our subscribers get first access to the NEW Story of the Cross Sticker Book! Your children can piece together the story of what Jesus did for us through this engaging sticker activity. This hands-on approach to learning the faith will make the passion of Christ more memorable for younger hearts.
5. Beautiful Words: Guardian Angel Prayer
October also brings the Feast of the Guardian Angels (October 2nd), and this month’s crate features the beautiful Guardian Angel Prayer. Encourage your family to memorize and pray this ancient prayer, reminding everyone of the spiritual protection we receive every day.
6. Virtue Chat Table Topper: Temperance
This month’s virtue focus is temperance. Place the table topper in your dining area to guide meaningful discussions about self-control and moderation. Talk about how your family can practice temperance in their daily lives, whether that’s being mindful of screen time or making healthier food choices. These conversations help build strong character and spiritual discipline in your home.
7. October Playlist & Monthly Resources
Check out our specially curated playlist and extra printables online to enhance your family’s experience throughout the month. You can find these resources at catholicfamilycrate.com/pages/october.
8. FREE GIFT!
A special thank you to Ave Maria Press for the fun, free gifts for in our October Crates! These beautiful gifts are from the Living the Seasons book by Erica Tighe Campbell of Be A Heart.
For Families Who Don’t Receive Our Crates:
Even if you don’t have this month’s crate, there are still many ways to celebrate the feast days of these two wonderful saints with your family. Here are some easy and meaningful ideas:
St. Francis of Assisi (October 4th)
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Create an Outdoor Prayer Space: Set up a simple prayer space in your backyard or at a local park. Bring a statue or image of St. Francis and use this time to thank God for the beauty of creation. You can also pray the Canticle of the Sun, written by St. Francis, which praises God through the elements of nature.
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Do a Family Nature Walk: Take a walk outside, enjoying the beauty of God’s creation just as St. Francis did. Encourage your children to notice the animals, trees, and sky, and discuss how you can care for the environment as part of living out your faith.
St. John Paul II (October 22nd)
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Family Movie Night: Watch a documentary or family-friendly movie about St. John Paul II. Discuss his life, his love for young people, and how he inspired millions with his faith and leadership.
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Theology of the Body Discussion: Have an age-appropriate conversation about St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. For young children, focus on themes like respect for others and the beauty of how God made each of us. You can even do a simple self-portrait activity where they draw how God made them special.
Other Fun Ideas for October:
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Plant Something: To honor St. Francis, consider planting something as a family, like flowers, herbs, or a small tree. This can be a tangible way to connect with the earth and reflect on how God cares for us.
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Gratitude Journal: Start a family gratitude journal in honor of St. John Paul II’s joyful spirit. Each night, take turns writing down one thing you’re grateful for. This practice helps foster a sense of thanksgiving and reminds your family to focus on the blessings in your life.
October's Saints and Virtues: A Path to Growing in Faith
Whether you are receiving this month’s crate or finding your own ways to celebrate at home, October is filled with opportunities to bring the beauty of our Catholic faith into everyday life. St. Francis and St. John Paul II provide us with beautiful examples of how to live a life devoted to God and His creation, and this month’s focus on the virtue of temperance reminds us to practice moderation and self-control in a world full of distractions.
We are so grateful to journey with your family as you grow in faith and virtue together! We hope this crate and these ideas help you celebrate the rich heritage of our Catholic faith and bring your family closer to Christ.
In Christ,
Elissa
Catholic Family Crate