5 Catholic-Inspired Activities to Celebrate St. Valentine's Day

These fun family-friendly activities offer meaningful ways for everyone to show love, kindness and faith, while also creating a special celebration of St. Valentine.

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching — and it can be easy to forget the true meaning of the day and the Christian history behind what we as a society think of as a secular, romantic holiday. 

Surprisingly, many people do not realize that it’s actually St. Valentine’s Day — in remembrance of the saint’s sacred sacrifice and martyrdom. 

Since the saint lived in the early Church between the 200s and 300s, there is very little information about his life. 

However, according to legend, when he was imprisoned, he signed the phrase “from your Valentine” on a letter to his jailer’s daughter, whom he healed from blindness and befriended. Another legend claims that he skirted the emperor’s orders and secretly married couples in order to spare husbands from being conscripted to serve in wars. The saint, of course, is known as the patron of love (as well as beekeepers and those who have epilepsy).

Valentine’s Day originated with the idea of a lovers’ festival, which dates back to the 14th century. And the tradition of giving cards to others on Valentine’s Day began around the 18th century. 

To honor St. Valentine’s sacrifice and commitment to kindness and love, here are five faith-filled activities that you can do with the whole family.  

1. Share the story of St. Valentine and reflect on it. 

Gather your family together and read the story of St. Valentine’s life, while specifically focusing on his acts of kindness, love and Christlike charity. Then take some time to reflect upon his story and draw some lessons for your own life. Encourage family members to practice love and gratitude with others, just as St. Valentine did. 

2. Create a prayer jar. 

Take a jar or other container and create prayer affirmations on paper or cards to place in it. This is something that I did as a kid and still have fond memories of. After all the prayers are collected, go around the room and have each child (or adult) read aloud to share what was written: special intentions, an appreciated act of kindness and so on.

3. Serve others by doing acts of service.

Serving others is a great way to make an impact in your community and connect with others in Christian charity. Following St. Valentine’s example of kindness and compassion, consider volunteering at your local shelter, or make a meal for someone in need. Serving others by doing acts of service helps you draw closer to Christ as you follow in Valentine’s footsteps. 

4. Bake heart-shaped sweet treats for decorating and sharing. 

Bake heart-shaped Valentine’s treats (anything from cookies and cakes to muffins), and set up a decorating station filled with red or pink frosting, sprinkles and other festive toppings. Enjoy the sweet treats with friends and family while sharing stories of love and friendship. (Jane Austen, anyone?)

5. Make cards.

Get creative by creating DIY valentines for friends, family, neighbors or the elderly. Grab some colored paper, stickers, glue, crayons and other arts supplies and get to work to show appreciation and kindness for others.