How to Celebrate the Feast of St. Andrew (November 30)

The feast of St. Andrew, celebrated on November 30, is a special time to honor the apostle known for his faith, missionary work, and humble dedication to Christ. St. Andrew was the first disciple to follow Jesus and introduced his brother Peter to Him. Celebrating his feast day with your family is a wonderful way to bring this holy example into your home.

Here are some ideas to celebrate the Feast of St. Andrew with kids and families:

1. Start the St. Andrew Novena

One of the most beloved traditions associated with St. Andrew is the St. Andrew Christmas Novena or the “Christmas Anticipation Prayer.” This novena begins on his feast day, November 30, and is prayed 15 times a day until Christmas Eve. It is a beautiful way to prepare your heart for the coming of Christ. You can begin this devotion as a family, teaching children to focus on the true meaning of Christmas during Advent.

Here’s the prayer to get started:

Hail and blessed be the hour and moment
In which the Son of God was born
Of the most pure Virgin Mary,
At midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold.
In that hour vouchsafe, I beseech Thee,
O my God, to hear my prayer and grant my desires
(mention your request here),
Through the merits of Our Savior Jesus Christ
And of His Blessed Mother. Amen.

2. Enjoy Our Printable Activities

Make learning about St. Andrew engaging and hands-on with printable activities! Our St. Andrew Activity Bundle includes a coloring page and a fun colorful fish sorting activity to honor St. Andrew, who was a fisherman before following Jesus. These activities are perfect for young kids to learn more about this great saint and get creative.

3. Prepare a Special Feast

Since St. Andrew was a fisherman, enjoy a meal featuring fish! You could prepare a simple fish dish, such as baked fish filets or fish sticks for the little ones. You could also try making Scottish-inspired dishes in honor of his patronage of Scotland, such as Scottish oatcakes or shortbread cookies. Even simpler, eat some goldfish crackers for his feast day as a snack!

4. Learn About St. Andrew’s Cross

St. Andrew was martyred on an X-shaped cross, which became known as St. Andrew’s Cross. You can teach your kids about the significance of this cross, which also appears on the flag of Scotland. A fun activity would be to create St. Andrew’s Cross using popsicle sticks or construction paper, and then discuss how his bravery and love for Christ led him to his martyrdom.

Conclusion

Celebrating the Feast of St. Andrew is a wonderful opportunity to focus on faith, prayer, and preparing for the Advent season. Through special activities, family prayers like the St. Andrew Novena, and meals in honor of this saint, you can create a meaningful and memorable feast day celebration.