New years, new beginnings, new traditions…2019 has arrived!

Here at Holy Heroes, we can look back on so many joyful moments and blessings.  Not only was I one of several new people added to the team (!), but the family gained a granddaughter, Clara graduated college and got married, we released a new St. Bernadette Glory Story, we created our new free Marian Consecration Family Adventure, and so much more!

Maybe the last year was one of the most spiritually fruitful times your family has ever experienced.  Or perhaps you’re hoping that the next year will jumpstart your prayer life.

No matter the case, we’re praying for you and fighting the good fight right along with you! Please pray for us!

One great way to keep our Catholic faith at the forefront of our lives is through celebrating feast days.  Whether we are celebrating a moment in Jesus’ life, a theological concept, or the life of a saint, these feast days remind us that we are not alone in the journey towards Heaven!  They also help us create encouraging rest stops during the weeks and months to refresh us in our struggles here on earth.

Here are a just a few feast days to keep in mind as we dive into January! Celebrating these days with your kids doesn’t have to be complicated…check out some of our recommendations below!

January 1st – Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God

[Ooops: we know we are late, but–this whole month can be a celebration of Mary as we complete the Christmas Season!] For New Year’s Day, consider gifting your kids a Mary the Blessed Mother Tiny Saint, or maybe a Memorare Prayer Pillowcase; these gifts will surely remind boys and girls of their heavenly mother all year long!

Listen to the Joyful Mysteries Audio CD as you drive to Mass in January.  Or, maybe you want to start the First Five Saturdays Devotion with your family this year.  If so, we have a pamphlet that explains how to practice this simple devotion here.  

Finally, where would we be without the gift of the Holy Rosary?  Learn how to pray it the way Saint John Paul II did by adopting our hugely best-selling The Rosary of Saint John Paul II. Anna (aged 17) and mom use it every evening for our rosary, and Caroline (aged 11) likes to use it on the Adoration Chapel during our weekly hour on Mondays.

January 4th – St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

This amazing woman established the first free Catholic school in America (and was the first native-born American to be canonized a saint)!  She raised 10 children and is the patron saint of in-law problems, and she converted her father, husband, and several sisters during a life of joyful sacrifice.

For elementary school kids, the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Glory Story and Coloring Book Set will explain her heroic life and extraordinary virtue.  We have heard that many consider this one of the very best Glory Stories (we made it at the request of the Seton Shrine in Emmitsburg, MD, which is a beautiful and inspiring pilgrimage).

And the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Tiny Saint charm is perfect for all ages, from grown-up teachers to little girls!

January 5th – St. John Neumann

John Neumann was one of the first bishops of Philadelphia, and helped bring Catholic education to the United States.  

Speaking of school, graduation season is not too far away!  For kids in college (or kids about to go to college), consider getting a Holy Water Flask for their keychain!   

Books like Discernment Do’s and Dont’s, Living the Good Life, or Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence will help guide them and answer tough questions in this crucial stage of life.  

Finally, the Official Catholic Scripture Bible is the perfect gift for any graduating high-schooler…give the gift of God’s Word as they head out into the world!  We give this out as our traditional Confirmation gift here.

P.S. You can check out our checklist for Catholic college visits here.

January 22nd – Day of Prayer for the Unborn

Teach your kids the importance of defending life (from conception to natural death) through our FREE Spiritual Adoption Prayer Adventure.  It’s a 9 month-long adventure that teaches your child about the stages of the baby’s development and guides them through prayers for the unborn.  It’s easy on mom, fun for all ages, and (like all our Adventures) it’s 100% free.

Our 10-Week Baby Charm, Baby Boy and Girl at 12 Weeks Models, Precious Feet Pins, and Angel in the Waters book further educate and remind kids of the preciousness of life!

January 28th – St. Thomas Aquinas

Once called the “Dumb Ox” by his classmates, St. Thomas Aquinas would go on to become a Dominican monk (and one of the greatest minds the world has ever seen)!

In honor of this famous Doctor of the Church, how about brushing up on your knowledge of the Church’s teachings and miraculous events? Our Guadalupe Mysteries and Fatima Mysteries books (and all the books in the Mysteries series) are filled with colorful images and mind-blowing facts; they’re perfect for teens and adults who want to learn more about these apparitions!  

For parents, Raising Chaste Catholic Men will help mom and dad understand and explain Catholic teachings on sexuality and other hot-button topics. Written by a Catholic mom with 6 boys, she knows what you’re facing. (Oh: here’s her advice for talking to children of all ages about the current aggressive cultural attacks: Made This Way: How to Prepare Kids to Face Today’s Tough Moral Issues.)

Finally, consider getting our Beginning Apologetics set for your whole family (it’s never too late to start learning more about our beautiful faith)!  

January 31st – St. John Bosco

Always one for magic tricks and playful fun, St. John Bosco helped lead young Italian boys to greater holiness and excellence.  

In the spirit of this fun-loving saint, consider getting a game or two for your family or classroom!  We have Holy Heroes Playing Cards, Holy Heroes Matching Game, Holy Heroes Works of Mercy Card Game, and more!  

Speaking of games, Christmas may be over, but we still have some copies of Road to Bethlehem left in stock!  Truthfully, the game has such an emphasis on angels, it can be played all year long.  Read our review of the game here.  

Here’s another great idea for kids 7-12: get a subscription to Saint Mary’s Messenger! It is a quarterly magazine which will be mailed to your children–think of it as a Catholic Highlights magazine. New subscriptions are only available for a limited time, so subscribe right away, and we’ll also send you a fun “Welcome Package” jam-packed with fun Catholic stuff!

Browse our full collection at www.holyheroes.com!

May God Bless you!