AdobeStock_By BillionPhotos.com
In the Catholic Church, April is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Eucharist. This is especially fitting, as April so often holds the heart of the Paschal Mystery—the Holy Triduum and the Easter season—when we remember in a profound way the gift Jesus gave us at the Last Supper on Holy Thursday. Out of his deep love and desire to remain with us, Christ gave us his very body and blood in the Eucharist, along with the gift of the priesthood, so that this sacrament could be present to us always.
Throughout April, the Church invites us to grow in gratitude, reverence and devotion to Jesus truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. It is a beautiful time to reflect more intentionally on the Mass, receive our Lord in the Eucharist with renewed love and reverence, spend time in eucharistic adoration, and remember that we are never alone—he remains with us. What a gift the Eucharist is to us.
April: Easter, Divine Mercy and holy saints
- April 5 – Easter Sunday
What we celebrate
Easter Sunday is the greatest and most glorious feast of the entire Christian life. Jesus Christ has risen from the dead. The tomb is empty. Death has been conquered.
The Resurrection is the victory that makes eternal life possible.
Easter is the foundation of our faith. It is the day the Church has been preparing us for throughout Lent: the day of triumph, renewal and new life. And in her wisdom, the Church celebrates not just one day, but 50, inviting us to live as Easter people.
How to live it LITurgically
Dress in your Sunday best for Mass—this is the feast of feasts!
Celebrate the Easter octave, eight days of feasting and celebrating.
Begin intentionally living the full 50 days of Easter.
Greet one another with joy: “He is risen!”
- April 12 – Divine Mercy Sunday
What we celebrate
Divine Mercy Sunday reveals the depth of Christ’s love poured out for the world. Flowing from the heart of the risen Jesus is an endless outpouring of mercy—forgiveness, healing and restoration.
Through St. Faustina, Jesus reminded us that his mercy is greater than any sin, and that he longs for us to trust him.
How to live it LITurgically
Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet or prayer at 3 p.m. Make it a habit by setting a daily alarm. “Jesus we trust in you!”
Display a Divine Mercy image in your home.
Enjoy Divine Mercy (ice cream) sundaes for dessert (think red and blue sprinkles or strawberries and blueberries).
Talk about forgiveness and fresh starts as a family.
Practice intentional acts of mercy toward others.
- April 25 – St. Mark the Evangelist
What we celebrate
St. Mark, one of the four Evangelists, helped bring the story of Jesus to the early Church and to the world. His symbol is a lion. Through his writing, generations have come to know the life, miracles and saving mission of Jesus.
This feast reminds us that the Good News was meant to be proclaimed, and that we, too, are part of that mission.
How to live it LITurgically
Read a passage from the Gospel of Mark together and throughout the month.
Share Jesus in everyday life.
Encourage children to be brave in their faith.
Pray for courage to live and speak truth with love.
Major Rogation Days also traditionally start on this feast day. These days are dedicated to fasting, prayer and processions for blessings on crops and the land.
Rogation Days are a beautiful tradition of the Church, inviting us to pray in a special way for the land, for favorable weather and for all farmers and ranchers who work in close partnership with the Creator. As planting season begins, we lift up those who tend the soil and care for God’s creation, asking the Lord to bless their labor and bring forth a fruitful harvest.
- April 28 – St. Gianna Molla
What we celebrate
St. Gianna Molla is a modern saint, a wife, mother and physician who lived a beautiful witness to sacrificial love. When faced with a serious medical situation during pregnancy, she chose the life of her child over her own, entrusting herself completely to God.
Her story is a powerful reflection of Christ-like love. She shows us that holiness is lived in the ordinary: in family life, in caring for others and in choosing love even when it is costly.
St. Gianna reminds us that sanctity is possible in the middle of daily responsibilities, motherhood, marriage and work.
How to live it LITurgically
Pray for mothers, expectant mothers and those facing difficult pregnancies.
Talk about the beauty and dignity of life.
Support a pro-life ministry; donate baby items to a pregnancy center.
Listen to the Living LIT podcast “Being a Pro-Life Family” (livinglit.org).
Lift up vocations to marriage, motherhood and family life.
- April 29 – St. Catherine of Siena
What we celebrate
St. Catherine of Siena, a Doctor of the Church, was a woman deeply united to Christ and fiercely devoted to his Church. Though she lived as a laywoman, her deep prayer life shaped her into a bold and courageous voice during a time of great need.
She loved Jesus intimately and served him fearlessly, calling others to holiness, unity and truth.
Her life reminds us that great spiritual strength can come from a heart rooted in prayer.
How to live it LITurgically
Reflect on her famous words: “Be who God created you to be and you will set the world on fire.”
Perform an act of bold faith, such as speaking up for truth or encouraging someone spiritually.
Write prayer intentions and ask for her intercession.
Talk with children about using their voices for good and for God.
Enjoy Italian food in her honor.
Check out the Living LIT podcast episode “The Gift of Living Out Your Charism.”
For more inspiration and simple, practical ideas to help you live the faith in your home, visit the Living LIT website (livinglit.org) and explore resources to help you bring the light of Christ into the little church you call home.
Living LITurgically through the 50 days of Easter
Ways to keep the joy of Easter alive
Leave up Easter decorations the entire season (all 50 days).
Make an Easter candle and have it blessed to use in your home.
Keep fresh flowers on the table (even simple grocery store bouquets).
Decorate a small resurrection corner/prayer space.
Display a Divine Mercy image.
Switch prayer table linens to white/gold (the liturgical colors of the Easter season).
Make or print an “ALLELUIA” banner to hang up and keep it up during the Easter season.
Create a resurrection garden (how to video on LivingLIT.org).
