Five Catholic Activities for the Eve of All Saints
31 October can be a time to remember the saints, enjoy family life and prepare for prayer.
What are we marking on 31 October?
In Britain, Halloween decorations appear in schools and shops well before the end of October. Parents may wonder how to discuss them with children while keeping a positive sense of Catholic identity.
The name “Halloween” derives from All Hallows’ Eve, the evening before All Saints’ Day. Modern customs have several different roots and are not all religious. A Christian response can be creative: help children discover what the Church celebrates on 1 November.
History, meaning and message
1. Idea one: discover an inspiring saint
Choose a saint or blessed person together. Read a short, trustworthy biography and ask how that person showed courage, kindness or faithfulness.
Children can draw a picture while adults explain the meaning of a patron saint. This need not become a competition for the most extraordinary miracle story.
2. Idea two: hold an evening of light
Light a candle safely and say a brief prayer of thanks. Its light can remind us of Christ, whom the saints tried to follow.
You might read the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1–12). This helps children see that holiness is rooted in everyday acts of mercy and faithfulness.
3. Idea three: enjoy a family saints quiz
Instead of frightening stories, ask questions such as: Which saint cared for the poor? Who travelled to share the Gospel? Who is our parish patron?
Younger children can guess from pictures and older children can help with the answers. Make discovery joyful rather than turning it into a test.
4. Idea four: do a small work of mercy
Write a card to somebody who lives alone, prepare a modest donation or plan a visit to a neighbour who rarely has company.
Remembering the saints should inspire us to imitate their love. Children often remember acts of kindness most clearly when they do them with adults.
5. Idea five: prepare for 1 and 2 November
Check the parish Mass times for All Saints. Explain the distinction between All Saints’ Day on 1 November and All Souls’ Day on 2 November, when we pray for the departed.
Make a family list of deceased relatives and friends for whom you wish to pray. Speak about death with gentleness and with sensitivity to each child’s age.
Did you know?
“Halloween” comes from “All Hallows’ Eve”, the evening preceding the celebration of All Saints.
A thought for today
The best preparation for All Saints is learning from people whose lives pointed to the Gospel.
Put it into practice
Choose one of the five ideas and make a plan to do it together before 1 November.
Continue the journey
Do our family traditions help children understand the Christian hope of eternal life?
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the saints who show us the way to you. Help us imitate their love, kindness and faith. Amen.
