How to Celebrate Pentecost Sunday

How to Celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost Sunday with Children

Pentecost is a major feast in the Church calendar—often called the birthday of the Church! It celebrates the moment when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles in tongues of fire, empowering them to proclaim the Gospel boldly. Pentecost takes place 50 days after Easter Sunday and marks the end of the Easter season.

It’s a beautiful feast to celebrate with children, helping them understand the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Here are some fun, faithful, and memorable ways to bring Pentecost alive at home!

Use Our Pentecost Printables

Our printables for Pentecost makes it easy for families to dive into the meaning of this feast. Here’s what’s included:

Pentecost Coloring Page
Fruits of the Holy Spirit Matching Game – A hands-on way to learn Galatians 5:22–23
Gifts of the Holy Spirit Matching Game – Help kids recognize and name the seven gifts
Pentecost Banner and Cake Topper – Add a festive touch to your home or party table! The cake topper can be used on cupcakes, a birthday cake for the Church, a plate of donuts, or even a fruit platter.

Make It a Feast!

Pentecost is a great time to celebrate with food that reflects the fire and joy of the Holy Spirit. Try some of these festive food ideas:

Birthday Cake or Cupcakes – Pentecost is often considered the birthday of the Church, so a cake is perfectly appropriate! Let the kids help decorate it with red and yellow frosting, red and yellow sprinkles, or even a Holy Spirit dove topper. Be sure to sing Happy Birthday to Holy Mother Church.
Spicy Snacks – Foods with a little “fire” are a fun nod to the tongues of flame. Try: Hot Cheetos or Takis, Red Hots candy or cinnamon gummies, Spicy tacos or chili
Red Fruits and Veggies – Cherry tomatoes, strawberries, raspberries, or red bell peppers make great healthy side options that fit the theme.

Pray and Sing to the Holy Spirit

Pentecost is a powerful time to call on the Holy Spirit in prayer. One beautiful and traditional prayer is the Veni Creator Spiritus, a chant that’s been sung for centuries on this feast day. You can sing it as a family before dinner or during night prayer time. Listen to a recorded version and follow along (Gregorian chant or modern arrangements)

Around the world, different cultures celebrate Pentecost in unique ways. In Italy, rose petals are sometimes dropped from the ceiling of churches to represent the tongues of fire. In France, trumpets are blown after the Gospel reading. Explore how Pentecost is celebrated in different countries and incorporate a few global traditions into your day!

Decorate Your Space

Bring the colors of Pentecost—red, orange, and yellow—into your home or prayer table. Here are a few ideas:

Hang our Pentecost banner across your mantel or window
Fold origami cranes (to represent swans) and use fishing wire to create a chandelier
Place a candle at the center of the table to represent the fire of the Spirit
Display a piece of sacred art portraying the first Pentecost. One of my favorite pieces is Pentecost by Fray Juan Bautista Maíno.