Ways to Celebrate June 29 – Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles (Solemnity) with Your Children

June 29 is a special day in the Catholic Church calendar known as the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. These two apostles played pivotal roles in the early Church — St. Peter, as the leader of the apostles and the “rock” on which Jesus built His Church, and St. Paul, as the passionate missionary who carried the Good News far and wide.

For families and educators following the Montessori philosophy, this day offers a wonderful opportunity to combine faith, history, and hands-on learning. Montessori education encourages children to learn through stories, exploration, and meaningful activity — and celebrating this feast day with your children can be a beautiful way to deepen their understanding of faith while nurturing their natural curiosity.

Below are several thoughtful and practical ways to celebrate June 29 with your children, infused with Montessori principles.

1. Share the Stories of Sts. Peter and Paul with Simple Storytelling

Montessori teaching honors the power of stories to captivate young minds and convey important lessons. Sit down with your children and tell the stories of St. Peter and St. Paul in an age-appropriate way. You can highlight:

• How St. Peter was one of Jesus’ closest friends and was entrusted with leading the Church. Share the story of him walking on water or being called “the rock.”

• How St. Paul, formerly known as Saul, experienced a profound conversion on the road to Damascus and dedicated his life to spreading the message of Jesus, traveling across the Mediterranean.

  
  

Use picture books, illustrated story cards, or even small figurines to make the stories come alive. This tactile and visual approach helps children remember and connect with the apostles.

2. Explore Symbols and Montessori-Inspired Hands-On Activities

Montessori education emphasizes learning through the senses and meaningful manipulation of objects. Use this day to explore the rich symbolism connected to Sts. Peter and Paul:

• Keys of St. Peter: Representing the “keys to the kingdom of Heaven,” you can create paper keys with your children. Let them decorate the keys and talk about the responsibility St. Peter had.

• Sword of St. Paul: Symbolizing his martyrdom and courage, you could craft a simple paper sword or a cutout and discuss bravery and standing up for one’s beliefs.

  
  

Montessori Activities to Try:

• Apostle Puppet Theater: Help your children make simple puppets representing the apostles using socks, paper, or felt. Encourage them to retell stories or even create little plays.

• Geography with Maps: Use Montessori puzzle maps or printed maps to trace St. Paul’s missionary journeys around the Mediterranean. This brings history and geography together in a concrete, visual way.

• Timeline Creation: Create a simple timeline of the apostles’ lives and major events. Use images or symbols to help children place events in order.

  
  

3. Encourage Acts of Service and Kindness

The lives of Sts. Peter and Paul remind us of the importance of loving and serving others. Montessori education deeply values the development of empathy and community spirit.

• Service Project: Choose a simple family service activity that children can participate in, such as making care packages for those in need, writing thank-you notes to community helpers, or helping clean up a local park.

• Reflect on Helping: Talk with your children about how the apostles helped spread kindness and the message of Jesus, encouraging them to think of ways they can help others in everyday life.

  
  

4. Celebrate Through Music, Prayer, and Reflection

In Montessori classrooms, prayer and quiet reflection are valued moments for children to connect with their inner selves and spirituality.

• Singing Hymns: Find traditional or simple hymns that honor Sts. Peter and Paul. Singing together is a joyful way to mark the day.

• Prayer Time: Light a candle and create a small prayer space or altar with images or statues of the apostles. Use simple prayers thanking St. Peter and St. Paul for their example.

• Quiet Reflection: Encourage children to sit quietly and think about the apostles’ courage and faith. For older children, you might introduce a short guided meditation or reflection question, such as “How can I be brave like St. Paul?”

  
  

5. Connect with Nature to Celebrate God’s Creation and the Apostles’ Journey

Montessori philosophy embraces the natural world as a classroom and a place to experience God’s presence.

• Nature Walk: Take a family walk in a nearby park or garden, reflecting on the apostles’ journeys and the beauty of God’s creation. Discuss how St. Peter was a fisherman and how nature was part of their everyday lives.

• Create a Nature Altar: Collect leaves, stones, flowers, or sticks to build a small altar at home in honor of the apostles. This can be a sacred space for prayer or quiet moments throughout the day.

• Story Stones: Paint simple images of St. Peter (keys, boat) and St. Paul (scroll, sword) on stones. Use them to tell the apostles’ stories outdoors.

  
  

6. Integrate Faith into Daily Life Through Montessori Practical Life Activities

Montessori’s Practical Life exercises develop independence and responsibility — qualities Sts. Peter and Paul showed in their leadership and dedication.

• Involve children in preparing a special meal or treat to celebrate the feast day. This could be something simple, like a “fisherman’s snack” (fish-shaped crackers or sandwiches) honoring St. Peter.

• Encourage children to set the table for a family prayer or meal, fostering mindfulness and respect.

• Use the day to emphasize gratitude for faith, family, and community during meal or bedtime prayers.

Celebrating the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul with your children can be a rich, multi-sensory experience that blends faith, learning, and family connection. Through storytelling, crafts, acts of service, prayer, and nature exploration, you help your children not only understand the significance of this day but also grow in empathy, courage, and spirituality — all within the gentle, respectful framework of Montessori education.

We wish you and your family a joyful and blessed June 29 filled with wonder, learning, and faith!