How to Celebrate the Feast of St. Matthias the Apostle (May 14)

How to Celebrate the Feast of St. Matthias with Children

St. Matthias was chosen to replace Judas as one of the Twelve Apostles after Jesus’ Ascension. His story reminds us that God calls people to important roles, even through something as simple as drawing lots! Celebrating his feast day is a great way to talk about vocation, prayer, and being part of God’s plan.

Here are some easy and engaging ways to honor St. Matthias with your family:

Color and Cast Lots

Use our St. Matthias Coloring Page to introduce your kids to this lesser-known but very special apostle. Then, make our Apostle Dice Craft—a fun hands-on activity to help children understand how the apostles cast lots to choose Matthias.

You can tell the story from Acts 1:15–26 while they color or roll the dice and emphasize how prayer was an important part of the process.

Make a “Twelve” Snack Tray

Celebrate St. Matthias as the 12th apostle with a snack tray that features twelve of each item. This makes a great lunchtime or afternoon activity your kids can help prepare!

Here are a few easy ideas:

• 12 cheese cubes
• 12 pretzel sticks or crackers
• 12 slices of apple or orange
• 12 grapes or strawberries
• 12 pieces of salami or turkey
• Even 12 mini marshmallows or chocolate chips for dessert!
  

Draw Names and Pray

Since St. Matthias was chosen by drawing lots, you can imitate this in a meaningful way by drawing names from a bowl within your family. Kind of like a Secret Santa name drawing, whoever’s name you draw, you pray for them throughout the week.

You can encourage kids to:

• Offer their daily prayers for that person
• Do a small act of kindness for them
• Make a card or drawing for them during the week