Catholic Family Devotions

Understanding the Day

Season

Octave Of Pentecost

Week

Week 1 of Octave Of Pentecost

Rank

Sunday or semidouble observance

Ember Saturday within the Octave of Pentecost is a day set in the week following Pentecost, when the Church continues to celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The season—Octave of Pentecost—means this day belongs to the eight-day period that intensifies reflection on Pentecost’s gift of the Spirit for the Church’s life and mission. The rank “Semidouble” is an older liturgical designation: in plain language it indicates a celebration of notable importance that keeps its proper prayers and readings, while still allowing certain higher-ranking observances and the octave’s character to shape the liturgy.

Introit (Daily Prayer)

Rom 5:5.
The charity of God is poured forth in our hearts, alleluia: by His Spirit dwelling in us, alleluia, alleluia.
Ps 102:1
Bless the Lord, O my soul; and, all my being, bless His holy Name.
Glory Be to the Father…

O God, You Who tempered the flames of fire for the three young men, mercifully grant that the flames of sin may not burn us, Your servants.
Through our Lord…

Weekly Prayer

Come, Holy Spirit

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful
and enkindle in them the fire of Thy love.

℣ Send forth Thy Spirit, and they shall be created.
℟ And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray.
O God, Who didst instruct the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise, and ever to rejoice in His consolation.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Weekly Formation

Commandment 5

The Ten Commandments

Thou shalt not kill.
The Fifth Commandment protects human life because every person is made by God and belongs ultimately to Him. It forbids unjust killing and deliberate injury, and it also condemns hatred, revenge, and conduct that recklessly endangers oneself or another.

Saint & Feast

Principal celebrationCalendar title

Ember Saturday within the Octave of Pentecost

A biography or feast reflection has not yet been prepared.

Commemoration

Felix I

St. Felix, Pope and Martyr

Pope and bishop of Rome from 269 to 274

Born: 0300-00-00 · Rome
Died: 0274-12-30 · Rome

Pope Felix I was the bishop of Rome from 5 January 269 to his death on 30 December 274. Born in Rome, he succeeded Pope Dionysius and is noted for his theological contributions, particularly a significant dogmatic letter addressing the unity of Christ’s person. During his papacy, Felix I confronted the heresy of Paul of Samosata, who denied the divinity of Christ. The intervention of Emperor Aurelian, prompted by Felix, led to Paul’s deposition from the bishopric of Antioch, reinforcing orthodox Christological doctrine.

Customs & Fasting

Traditional fast · Complete abstinence

Traditional Pentecost Ember Saturday fast and complete abstinence.

Today in Church History

Martyrdom of Joan of Arc
1431Martyrdom
Joan of Arc, a young peasant girl who led French forces to several victories during the Hundred Years' War, was burned at the stake in Rouen, France. She was later canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church.
Joan's unwavering faith and courage in the face of persecution inspire believers to trust in God's plan.

Catechism

Catechism of the Catholic Church

In the Catechism, we learn that the Church is the Body of Christ and the Temple of the Holy Spirit. The mission of Christ and the Holy Spirit is brought to completion in the Church, drawing Christ’s faithful into communion with the Father in the Holy Spirit. The Church does not simply add to Christ’s mission; in her whole being and members, she is sent to announce, bear witness to, make present, and spread the mystery of communion with the Holy Trinity. Through the Church’s sacraments, Christ gives his Holy and sanctifying Spirit to the members of his Body, bringing forth new life in Christ according to the Spirit. As we reflect together, we can give thanks that the Spirit helps us in our weakness, leads us to Christ, and draws us toward deeper communion with God.

¶ 740

These "mighty works of God," offered to believers in the sacraments of the Church, bear their fruit in the new life in Christ, according to the Spirit. (This will be the topic of Part Three.)

¶ 741

"The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes with sighs too deep for words." The Holy Spirit, the artisan of God's works, is the master of prayer. (This will be the topic of Part Four.)

Today's Mass Readings

Open the day's Sancta MissaDivinum Officium · Divino Afflatu - 1954View readings

Ember Saturday within the Octave of Pentecost

Understanding the Day

Introit (Daily Prayer)

Collect

Weekly Prayer

Come, Holy Spirit

Weekly Formation

Commandment 5

The Ten Commandments

Saint & Feast

Ember Saturday within the Octave of Pentecost

Felix I

Customs & Fasting

Today in Church History

Martyrdom of Joan of Arc

Catechism

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Today's Mass Readings

Baltimore Catechism No. 3