Ways to Celebrate the Sacred Heart of Jesus with Your Children

The Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a beautiful occasion in the Catholic tradition that honors the compassionate and loving heart of Jesus Christ. Celebrated on the Friday following the second Sunday after Pentecost, this feast invites families to reflect on Jesus’ boundless love for all people.

For Montessori families, this day is an opportunity to combine faith, love, and hands-on learning — all cornerstones of Montessori education — to help children understand and experience the Sacred Heart in a meaningful, age-appropriate way.

Here are some gentle, joyful ways to celebrate the Sacred Heart of Jesus with your children:

1. Create a Sacred Heart Art Project

Montessori classrooms encourage creativity and symbolism through art. You can guide your children to make their own Sacred Heart of Jesus artwork using simple materials like colored paper, markers, and gold foil or glitter for the flames. This hands-on activity helps children visually connect with the symbolism of Jesus’ loving heart—often shown with a crown of thorns, a cross, and radiant flames.

Tip: Use this time to explain the meaning behind the symbols in simple terms: Jesus’ heart shows His love for everyone, the thorns remind us of His sacrifices, and the flames represent His burning love.

2. Read a Child-Friendly Story about Jesus’ Love

Storytelling is a powerful way to teach values and faith. Find a gentle children’s book or Bible story that focuses on Jesus’ love and compassion. After reading, invite your child to share how they think Jesus shows love in the world today. This encourages reflection and dialogue, reinforcing Montessori’s emphasis on respect and understanding.

3. Prayer and Reflection Time

Set aside a quiet moment for simple prayers focusing on the Sacred Heart. A short, heartfelt prayer such as:

“Jesus, Your heart is full of love. Help me to love others as You do.”

can be repeated together. Use Montessori prayer beads or a prayer table with a Sacred Heart image to make the moment tangible and respectful.

4. Acts of Kindness: Living the Sacred Heart

The heart of the Sacred Heart feast is love in action. Encourage your children to perform small acts of kindness to family members, friends, or neighbors. This could be helping with chores, sharing a toy, or making a thank-you card. Connect these actions to Jesus’ example of love and service.

5. Sacred Heart Nature Walk

Take a nature walk together and observe how love and care are shown in the natural world — from the way flowers open their petals to the way animals care for their young. Montessori education celebrates the beauty and harmony of nature as a reflection of God’s love. End the walk with a moment of gratitude for the Sacred Heart’s love shining through creation.

6. Sacred Heart Song or Hymn

Music is a joyful way to express faith. Teach your children a simple Sacred Heart hymn or song that you can sing together as a family. Singing nurtures the spirit and creates lasting memories around the feast.

The Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus invites families to celebrate love, compassion, and kindness. Through Montessori-inspired activities—creative, reflective, and rooted in nature and service—you can help your children experience the deep meaning of this special day in a way that touches their hearts and minds.

May this celebration deepen your family’s connection to Jesus’ love and inspire a lifelong journey of faith and compassion.