This is the first in a [hopefully] series of Holy Days at Home celebration templates to print off and implement at home. Scroll to the bottom to get your copy!  If you’re not sure you’re up for the task, go back to my first post in this series, Holy Days at Home: Joyful, Simple, Faithful, to get a dose of what this is all about!

St. Thomas the Apostle was one of the twelve Jesus called to follow him. After the resurrection all the apostle were gathered in the upper room when Jesus appeared to them there the first time. All except St. Thomas. St. Thomas would not, could not believe that the man who had appeared before the others was indeed the risen Lord unless he could see the wounds in his hands and touch the wound at his side. When Jesus appeared to his disciples again, St.Thomas had his chance. Jesus asked St. Thomas to see his wounds, to touch his side. St. Thomas cried out, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said,

“Because you have seen me, Thomas, you have believed; blessed are they who have not seen me and yet believe.” John 20:29

We did this one early so I could share what it looks like in our home. Enjoy!

We started the celebration by introducing St. Thomas. I read from The Golden Children’s Bible. If you don’t have that one you can use the story above, read from John 20 or find the story in your own children’s or picture book Bible. If you have very wee ones, tell them the story, look at the picture (above) together and then scurry right over to the craft.

We colored together while I read the story and then discussed it. The coloring page was a great way to keep our hands busy while hearing the story and having a bit of narration. “What do you remember about the story?” “What did Jesus say?” “Do you know what that means?”

Then the craft! The craft for this day is “I Believe!” Hand Print craft. So simple. I traced the kids hands on a sheet of paper. They colored them in. Then using one finger dipped in red paint they added the wounds of Christ to the hands. Then finished it off by writing “I Believe!”. Obviously for younger ones you’ll need to write it out.  

Then they couldn’t wait for the treat, so we quickly moved into our prayer time. Here’s what we said:

Almighty Father, we honor Thomas the apostle, let us always experience the help of his prayers. May we have eternal life by believing in Jesus, whom Thomas acknowledged as Lord, for he lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

(Liturgy of the Hours, prayer on the feast of St. Thomas the Apostle).

St Thomas the Apostle, pray for us!

And then….the treat!! Remember how I said in that first post that the treat could be simple? Behold! The food for St. Thomas the Apostle’s feast day…Shipley’s Donuts!

I could spend a few sentences on an ode to the deliciousness of this southern donut chain’s donuts, the old-school feel of their store fronts, the no frills style of service and advertising. But I won’t.

Why the donut? The hole in the donut represents the wound of Christ into which Thomas poked his unbelieving fingers. 

If you wanted to fancy it up a bit, make your own donuts. Get your favorite biscuit recipe (or can), cut holes in the center and fry them up on the stove. Sprinkle with sugar and voila! Or try something a little more hands-on like this or this. (Note: I have not tried either of those recipes…but I may…as soon as I’m off the Whole 30)

Now, I’ve made for you a nifty little printable to download. It includes each component of this celebration, including craft instructions and treat ideas.

Click Here for St. Thomas Printable

If you celebrate St. Thomas’ feast day at home. Snap a pic and share it on Instagram using the hashtag #hdahstthomas!