Free printable St Valentine activities, lesson plans, coloring pages for Valentines Day

The story of St. Valentine has nothing to do with flowers and candy or Valentine's Day as we celebrate it on Feb. 14. Except in one way (we'll get to that). It has nothing in common with romance as we know it. But Valentine's story is spiritually romantic. Valentinius was a Roman Christian priest. In those days, this was not popular. In fact, it was downright illegal.

Then-Emperor Claudius II decided he'd make marriage illegal too--so men would give up women go fight his battles. Not exactly an even quid pro quo. But Claudius wasn't the most savvy guy. Anyway, Valentine understood human nature better. He performed underground marriages so people could keep sanctified romances and holy love. Valentine was jailed for his pains.

So, being a helpful and proactive kind of guy, Valentine wrote notes of encouragement to his fellow incarcerated. He signed them "Your Valentine." There grew the card-sending tradition--the only part of the real meaning of Valentine's Day that is practiced today. Valentine was martyred on Feb. 14. It became a holy day--holiday--in the Catholic church.

Predictably, the spiritual bits of the story are ignored for the commercial. True, Valentine's story is based on legend, but most stories of antiquity are oral tradition. Anyway, it seems a more fitting expression of the holiday than just flowers and candy. If you do too, here are free printable Catholic St. Valentine activities and lessons.

Catholic Inspired has free printable St. Valentine activities. You can print St. Valentine worksheets, games and crafts from Catholic Icing. ABC Teach has printable lesson plans based on the Legend ofSt. Valentine. Busy Teacher has over 100 free printable Valentine's Day activities. Some are the secular hearts and candy valentine crafts. But there are some Catholic history-based printables too. Lastly, Catholic Greetings has free printable Christian valentines to share.

Children might be encouraged to print valentines and send to lonely old people and shut-ins. That would be very loving. Here's how the dear saint ended his "valentines" "Be of good cheer. Don't lose hope. Your Valentine (sign name)" (very loosely translated from the Latin). So how about you? Do you celebrate Valentine's Day? Or is it just too gimmicky? Let us know in comments below.

Free printable Catholic Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary coloring pages, activities, worksheets

August 15 is the Catholic Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Catholic honor Mary the Mother of God when she was assumed into heaven. This day is one of the Church's six holy days of obligation. Here are free printable Catholic Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary coloring pages and activities. Print crafts, coloring pages, lessons, games, puzzles, prayers and devotions. Orthodox Christians honor the Virgin Mary too and might use these printables.

Catholic Mom is devoted to helping Catholic parents learn more about their faith and teach children about theirs. Here are free printable Feast of the Assumption lesson plans. There are Sunday mass readings, coloring pages, worksheets, craft projects, lessons and more.

Family Holiday has dozens of free printable Assumption of Mary coloring pages plus coloring pages from the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. There are coloring pages in different designs, showing her in different apparitions and images. Some look like stained glass. Have children color these as the holiday draws near. This will help them understand who the Virgin Mary is and how she intercedes for us.

Catholic Playground has free printable Catholic lesson plans and activities pages. There are puzzles, worksheets, lessons, games, prayers, Bible readings and other activities for children to enjoy.

Create a homeschool unit on the Blessed Virgin Mary for Catholic education. Or use in parochial schools or CCD. These lessons will work for other Marian feast days like the Feast of the Immaculate Conception or Solemnity of Mary.