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Ever feel like you were just going through the motions at Mass? In this true story, a priest stands at the altar, but in a crisis. Every time he says the words of consecration in the liturgy (like Mass), it just looks like bread and wine. He’s praying for help with his doubt, and nothing seems to change. Then, one morning in Lanciano, Italy, something happens that no one in the church will ever forget. In this episode, I tell the story of the Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano, one of the oldest and most studied Eucharistic miracles, and one of St. Carlo Acutis’s favorites. Along the way, we’ll talk about why Jesus chooses to come to us in something as small and humble as a piece of bread, and what Carlo meant when he wished we’d flock to Jesus in the Eucharist like a rock concert. This is a story and prayer for your whole family to enjoy together, with good conversation and a short closing prayer, perfect for car rides, bedtime, or family prayer time. It’s about 12 minutes, and good for kids from about 7 through teens, and for the parents listening along. Talk about it together: What’s the funniest or most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you at Mass, maybe when you were bored, or your mind wandered? (Parents, you go first!) If you had been the priest and the miracle happened right in front of you, what would your first thought have been? What would you have said to everyone when you turned around? Coming up: Next week’s episode comes out early, on Sunday, for the feast of St. Isaac Jogues, St. John de Brébeuf, and their companions. And in January 2027, season two begins: The One Year Catholic Family Story Bible! Pray with your family more than 50 times in 2027. Thank you for praying with my family and me. To stay in the loop and sometimes receive bonus stories, please make sure you visit me here and drop your email! www.catholicstoriesforkids.com Here is a picture of the miracle: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Miracolo_Eucaristico_di_Lanciano_-_foto_dal_vivo.JPG St. Carlo, pray for us!

What would a teenager who loved soccer, computers, and the Eucharist teach us about becoming a saint? In this episode, we jump into the remarkable true story of St. Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint. Carlo wasn't a perfect kid. He struggled with math, got in trouble, and made mistakes. But he had an extraordinary ability to notice people others overlooked, or who were bullied... and to do something about it. Come with me as we follow Carlo from the hallways of his school to his love for Jesus and the Eucharist, through his final illness, and into the remarkable first miracle officially attributed to Carlo's heavenly intercession. This is a story about compassion, friendship, the Eucharist, and becoming a saint right in the middle of ordinary life. Discussion Questions Do you think Carlo scaring the math teacher deserved to have the principal called on him? Does being excellent always mean being perfect at everything, or getting everything right? What is the difference? What do you think Carlo would tell us to do to become saints? For more stories: www.catholicstoriesforkids.com

Happy Feast Day, St. Francis of Assisi—and happy 800th anniversary! Gather your family, and in this story, follow Francis as he faces a ferocious wolf, crosses enemy lines to preach the Gospel to the Sultan of Egypt, celebrates the birth of Jesus with a living nativity scene, and endures great suffering, including the stigmata. What does it mean to be a lamb among wolves? How did St. Francis win the battle to remain loving and faithful, even through suffering? Come discover the courage, joy, and deep love of Jesus that shaped the life of this remarkable saint. For more great family stories, visit my website and drop your email address: www.catholicstoriesforkids.com. If you have time together tonight, share with each other: If you could have any wild animal as a pet, what would you choose, and what ridiculous trouble do you think it would cause in your house? What do you think the Sultan admired about Francis? What do you admire about him? St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!!

🛡️ Happy Feast of the Archangels (Michaelmas)! Gather your kids and hear the incredible story of St. Michael the Archangel and his three apparitions on Mount Gargano in Italy. It begins with a mysterious bull, a strange arrow that turns around in midair, and a hidden cave high on a mountain. Then things get even more astonishing: an invading army, three days of fasting and prayer, a miraculous victory, and a mysterious footprint in the stone. But this isn't just an exciting ancient story. Along the way, we'll discover who St. Michael is, what his name means, why Catholics ask for his help in spiritual battle, and how this story connects to the St. Michael the Archangel prayer and the tradition of praying it after Mass. It's the story behind Monte Sant'Angelo, the famous cave church of St. Michael, and it's perfect for September 29. Some fun questions for you and the kids afterward: 🐂 If the bull could speak, what do you think it would have said to Gargano after the arrow landed in his foot? There's only one rule: you have to say it in your best bull voice! 🙏 Why do we sometimes put things off, even when we know it's something God wants us to do? Want more Catholic Bible stories and saint stories to enjoy with your family? Visit catholicstoriesforkids.com and drop your email!

Want more Catholic stories and prayers for your family? Visit my website: www.catholicstoriesforkids.com How could someone go from being beaten up, robbed, and living on other people's leftovers to singing praises with the birds? In this Catholic saint story for kids, Francis is jumped by thieves, thrown into a snowy ditch, begs for scraps, rebuilds churches by hand, gives away his possessions, travels to Rome, and even gets mistaken for a beggar by Pope Innocent III! And then, Francis encounters a gathering of birds and preaches to them about praising their Creator. Through all of this, Francis discovers something he wants us to discover too: everything is a gift from God. And without gratitude, we don't see the gifts. Some great family chat questions for after: What are you thankful for? What makes it easy for us to forget that everything is a gift? What are we like when we forget that everything is a gift? This St. Francis of Assisi story is perfect for Catholic families, bedtime, family prayer, the drive to school or home from sports, Catholic schools, or anytime you want to help your children grow in faith. St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Francis is giving everything away - his money, his horse, even the clothes off his back. But in a crumbling old church, a voice speaks to him from the crucifix, and Francis realizes God is asking for something more... This week's Catholic family story and reflection follows young Francis of Assisi through mockery, a locked cellar, and a public stand against his own father, all the way to the moment he decides, once and for all, which house he truly belongs to. Perfect for Catholic families looking for a bedtime story or prayer, a car-ride podcast for kids, or a short faith formation moment together. 🕯️ Part of our St. Francis of Assisi series for kids, leading up to his Feast Day on October 4th! 🙏 Includes a family reflection and discussion questions for parents and kids. For more, visit me, at www.catholicstoriesforkids.com

Before he was a saint, Francis of Assisi was a rich merchant’s son who wanted to be a knight—funny, restless, and chasing glory. But God had a different kind of battle in mind for him. In this family prayer episode, follow young Francis from the battlefield to a single, unforgettable moment on a dusty road that changes everything. A story of courage, mercy, and learning to hear God’s quiet voice—perfect for bedtime prayer, car rides, or family time with kids, especially ages 7–14. 🕯️ Part of our St. Francis of Assisi series leading up to his Feast Day (October 4th) on his 800th Anniversary! 🙏 Includes a short reflection and discussion questions for the whole family. For more Catholic Bible and saint stories, bonus episodes, and family prayers from Dave: visit the website and leave your email! www.catholicstoriesforkids.com

Pharaoh’s army is coming—and Moses and hundreds of thousands of Israelites are trapped against the Red Sea. ...didn't God lead them here?! And why isn't he answering Moses' prayer?... Join Moses for one of the most exciting and dramatic moments in the Bible: the parting of the Red Sea. As Egyptian chariots thunder toward them, Moses and Israel must learn to trust God, even when they cannot see a way forward. But there is another important lesson in this incredible story. Sometimes we pray and God doesn't seem to answer as quickly as we want. What do we do then? A fun, suspenseful, and meaningful Catholic Bible story for kids and families, filled with Pharaoh, Egyptian chariots, the pillar of fire, the parting of the Red Sea, and a bald old man in desperate need of a hat. If you have a moment together afterward, share with each other: If you were bald, what would you have used as a hat in the desert—a basket, a pair of clean undies, or something else? How does God helping Israel in the desert remind you of a shepherd? In what ways do you feel He may be helping and guiding you today? For more Catholic Bible and saint stories for kids and families, plus bonus stories and reflections, visit the website and leave your email address to stay connected: www.catholicstoriesforkids.com

Pharaoh still refuses to let God’s people go—and Egypt is about to face a series of astonishing plagues. Frogs invade Pharaoh’s palace, locusts darken the sky, hail tears through the land, and even the darkness seems to swallow Egypt. But as Moses watches Pharaoh’s stubbornness, he begins to recognize something closer to home: his own stubbornness and lack of trust in God. Then comes the first Passover. Moses gathers with his family around a lamb, and in the darkness of that unforgettable night, he begins to understand God’s plan of mercy. Discover how the Passover lamb points forward to Jesus, the Lamb of God, and how God’s mercy doesn't simply forgive us—it helps heal us and grow in holiness. A Catholic Bible story for kids and families about Moses, the Ten Plagues, Passover, God's mercy, the Eucharist, trust, and overcoming stubbornness. Family Discussion Questions: How would you have seasoned your locusts? How are the Passover Lamb and Jesus similar? What was the difference between Pharaoh’s stubbornness and Moses’ stubbornness? For more stories and bonus family content, visit me and drop your email at www.catholicstoriesforkids.com

Moses has spent forty years as a shepherd in the wilderness. But one day, while tending his sheep near Mount Sinai, he sees something impossible: a bush blazing with fire—but it isn't burning up. Then Moses hears a voice. God has heard the cries of His people in Egypt, and He has chosen Moses to lead them to freedom. But Moses is afraid. He has questions, doubts, and plenty of reasons why he thinks God has chosen the wrong man. Join me for this dramatic Bible story from Exodus, as Moses encounters God in the burning bush and learns that courage doesn't mean having no fear—it means trusting God and moving forward anyway. When we pray with them, our kids can encounter their Heavenly Father in this place as well, and entrust Him with their fears. For more, please visit me at www.catholicstoriesforkids.com

Moses has grown up as the adopted grandson of Pharaoh, surrounded by wealth and power. But when he witnesses the suffering of his own Hebrew people, everything changes. One courageous decision forces him to flee across the desert, leaving behind his home, his family, and the riches of Egypt. Join me as we continue our journey through Exodus with a story of courage, sacrifice, and trusting God when the future seems uncertain. Perfect for Catholic families, bedtime listening, car rides, homeschool, classrooms, family prayer time, and anyone who loves great Bible stories brought to life. And join me on my website for more great stories! www.catholicstoriesforkids.com

Travel back to ancient Egypt and meet baby Moses! In this unforgettable Bible story for kids and families, discover how God watched over a helpless Hebrew baby through the courage of his mother, Jochebed, and his brave sister, Miriam. Together, we'll hide from Pharaoh's terrible decree, float on the mighty Nile River in a basket of reeds, and witness one of the most beautiful moments in all of Scripture—when God begins preparing Moses for the incredible mission that lies ahead. Along the way, we'll learn that courage isn't always loud. Sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is quietly trust God, hold our tongue, and remain faithful in the little things. Perfect for Catholic families, bedtime listening, family prayer, homeschool, and children ages 7–14. For more, visit me at www.catholicstoriesforkids.com

Looking for a simple Catholic family prayer you can pray together tonight? Here, we'll pray a guided Catholic Examen inspired by St. Ignatius of Loyola—a beautiful way for children and parents to reflect on their day, thank God for His blessings, ask forgiveness, and prepare to love a little better tomorrow. This week's Examen focuses on the virtue of love (charity) through the example of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati. Together we'll: • Thank God for today's blessings • Ask forgiveness for moments when we failed to love well • Choose one simple way to grow in love tomorrow • Ask God for the grace to begin again Whether you're gathered for family night, praying before bed, riding in the car, or simply looking for a quiet moment with God, I hope this prayer helps your family grow closer to Christ, and to each other. Plus, don't miss this week's bonus email story! Sign up on our website to receive the remarkable account of the 2017 healing of a California seminarian—the second miracle approved for St. Pier Giorgio Frassati's canonization. Thank you for letting me be a small part of your family's week. If this prayer blesses your family, please consider sharing it with another family so together we can help more children encounter Jesus through Scripture, the saints, and prayer. St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, pray for us!

The inspiring conclusion to our three-part story of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati. As sickness suddenly overtakes the joyful young man, Pier Giorgio continues to think of everyone but himself. He comforts his family, worries about the poor, keeps his sense of humor, and never stops loving—even in his final hours. Discover the moving true story behind the famous pawn ticket, the thousands who filled the streets at his funeral, and why Pier Giorgio's life continues to inspire Catholics around the world. In this episode, children and families will discover that real charity isn't just helping others when it's easy. Sometimes love means sacrifice. Sometimes it even means suffering. And with Jesus at the center, that kind of love can change the world. In this episode: • The final days of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati • His unwavering love for the poor • The true story of the pawn ticket • A family reflection, prayer, and discussion questions Perfect for Catholic families, classrooms, bedtime, car rides, and anyone seeking inspiring stories of faith, hope, and love.

Last time we met little Giorgio and watched God begin teaching him how to love. In Part 2, that love continues to grow. Walk beside St. Pier Giorgio Frassati as a young man through the streets of Turin, the poor neighborhoods he faithfully served, the friendships he cherished, and the mountains he loved to climb. Discover how daily Mass, prayer, Confession, and the Eucharist transformed an ordinary young man into one of the Church's most beloved modern saints. Pier Giorgio's famous motto, Verso l'Alto—"To the Heights!"—wasn't just about climbing mountains. It was about taking one faithful step at a time toward Jesus. In this episode, children and families will discover that we don't become saints overnight. We grow one faithful step at a time, with Jesus at the center. In this episode: • The true story of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati • Verso l'Alto—"To the Heights!" • Daily Mass, prayer, and the Eucharist • Friendship, charity, and perseverance • A family reflection, prayer, and discussion questions Perfect for Catholic families, classrooms, bedtime, car rides, and anyone who wants to learn how ordinary faithfulness leads to extraordinary holiness.