St. John Vianney, also known as the Curé of Ars, is the patron saint of parish priests. Known for his humility, dedication to the confessional, and love for souls, his feast day on August 4 is a beautiful opportunity to show appreciation for our priests and teach kids about vocations, sacrifice, and the power of the sacraments.
Here are some simple, meaningful, and hands-on ways to celebrate at home!
Make a Spiritual Bouquet & Card for Your Priest
St. John Vianney had a deep love for his vocation and the Eucharist. What better way to honor his feast day than by showing your priest some love and encouragement?
Our Spiritual Bouquet & Card Printable makes it easy for kids to offer prayers and sacrifices for their priest. Simply print, fill it out, and gift it along with a note or drawing. For an extra treat, include a gift card or small present!
Encourage kids to offer: A decade of the Rosary, offer a Mass intention, a sacrifice (like giving up screen time!), a special prayer for vocations.
Build a Church with Blocks or LEGO
St. John Vianney devoted his life to the Church—literally and spiritually. Kids can use blocks or LEGO bricks to build their own little church, adding details like a cross, altar, or confessional.
As you build, talk about what makes a church holy and how priests help bring us closer to Jesus. You can even pretend-play a little Mass setup!
Enjoy French-Inspired Food (Or Ask Your Priest’s Favorite!)
Since St. John Vianney was from France, it’s a perfect time to enjoy some French-inspired dishes! Keep it simple or have fun with a themed dinner:
- Croissants with jam
- Quiche or French bread with cheese
- Crêpes or French-style hot chocolate
As a fun twist, ask your parish priest what his favorite food is and surprise him with a small meal, treat, or invitation to dinner. This feast day is a wonderful reminder to build community with those who care for our souls.
Want something easy for the kids? Oreos (black and white) can be a fun, symbolic treat representing the black and white cassock priests traditionally wear!
Color & Learn About St. John Vianney
Use our St. John Vianney coloring page to introduce kids to this holy priest’s life. As they color, share a short story of his faithfulness, his love for hearing confessions, and his nickname “the saint who could read hearts.”
Honor Your Priest and Pray for Vocations
End your celebration with a simple family prayer for your parish priest and for more holy vocations to the priesthood. St. John Vianney once said, “The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus.” Use this feast day to pass that love on.
