⛪ Liturgical Calendar Integration Guide¶
Location: Our Lady of the Prairie Catholic School · Belle Plaine, MN · Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
This guide helps you connect C-STREAM lessons to the Catholic liturgical year, deepening faith integration throughout the seasons.
🗓️ Overview¶
The Catholic liturgical year provides a natural rhythm for faith-integrated learning. This guide maps C-STREAM themes to liturgical seasons and suggests connections to saints' feast days relevant to science and learning.
| Liturgical Season | Typical Dates | C-STREAM Themes |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Time (Fall) | Sept - Nov | Wonder, Creation, Gratitude |
| Advent | Late Nov - Dec 24 | Light, Hope, Preparation, Waiting |
| Christmas | Dec 25 - Baptism of Lord | Stars, New Beginnings, Gifts |
| Ordinary Time (Winter) | Jan - Lent | Growth, Learning, Service |
| Lent | Ash Wed - Holy Thursday | Simplicity, Sacrifice, Helping Others |
| Easter Triduum | Holy Thurs - Easter | Transformation, New Life |
| Easter Season | Easter - Pentecost | New Life, Growth, Spirit |
| Ordinary Time (Summer) | Pentecost - Advent | Creation Care, Stewardship |
🍂 FALL: Ordinary Time (September - November)¶
Liturgical Themes¶
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Creation — God as Creator of all things
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Gratitude — Thanksgiving for God's gifts
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Saints — Cloud of witnesses who show us how to live
C-STREAM Connections¶
| Week | Liturgical Connection | STREAM Tie-In |
|---|---|---|
| Sept (Start of Year) | Guardian Angels (Oct 2) | Robots that help and protect |
| Sept/Oct | St. Francis of Assisi (Oct 4) | Environmental science, animal care |
| Oct | Respect Life Month | Engineering for accessibility, helping others |
| Oct | Mission Sunday | Technology that connects communities |
| Nov 1 | All Saints Day | Catholic scientists as "saints of science" |
| Nov | Thanksgiving | Gratitude coding projects, giving robots |
Featured Saints for Fall STREAM¶
| Saint | Feast Day | STREAM Connection |
|---|---|---|
| St. Albert the Great | Nov 15 | Patron of scientists; studied nature |
| St. Francis of Assisi | Oct 4 | Care for creation; environmental science |
| St. Isidore of Seville | Apr 4 (mention in fall) | Patron of internet/computers |
| Guardian Angels | Oct 2 | Robots as helpers; protection engineering |
Sample Faith Connections¶
For Engineering Projects:
"St. Francis saw God's love in all of creation. As we build today, how can our designs show love for God's world?"
For Coding/Technology:
"St. Isidore helped organize knowledge so others could learn. How does our program help share information?"
For Nature Exploration:
"St. Albert the Great studied plants, animals, and stars because he believed understanding creation brings us closer to God."
🕯️ ADVENT (Late November - December 24)¶
Liturgical Themes¶
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Light in Darkness — Christ as the Light of the World
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Waiting & Preparation — Patience, anticipation
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Hope — Expectation of good things to come
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Mary — Openness to God's plan
C-STREAM Connections¶
| Week | Liturgical Connection | STREAM Tie-In |
|---|---|---|
| Advent 1 | Hope, Waiting | Engineering patience; iterative design |
| Advent 2 | Preparation | Planning and designing |
| Advent 3 (Gaudete) | Joy | Celebration, sharing projects |
| Advent 4 | Mary's Yes | Being open to new ideas |
| Dec 12 | Our Lady of Guadalupe | Light, images, technology |
Light & Optics Unit (Perfect for Advent!)¶
Week 1: Light in Darkness
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Explore light sources and shadows
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Faith: "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12)
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Build: Lanterns, light-up Advent wreaths
Week 2: Reflection & Mirrors
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How light bounces
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Faith: We reflect Christ's light to others
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Build: Periscopes, kaleidoscopes
Week 3: Colors of Light
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Prisms and rainbows
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Faith: God's promises; beauty in creation
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Build: Stained glass window designs
Advent Wonder Questions¶
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"Why do we light candles in the darkness?"
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"How does light help us see? How does Jesus help us 'see'?"
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"What are you waiting for? How does waiting make things special?"
Advent Prayer for STREAM¶
"Lord, as we wait for Your coming, help us see Your light in everything we learn. May our projects bring hope and joy to others. Amen."
⭐ CHRISTMAS SEASON (December 25 - Baptism of the Lord)¶
Liturgical Themes¶
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Star of Bethlehem — Astronomy, navigation
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Gift-Giving — Generosity, using talents for others
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New Beginnings — Fresh starts, new creations
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Incarnation — God enters the physical world (science!)
C-STREAM Connections¶
| Event | Liturgical Connection | STREAM Tie-In |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas | Birth of Jesus | New creations, beginnings |
| Holy Family | Family working together | Collaboration, teamwork |
| Epiphany | Magi follow the star | Astronomy, navigation, programming paths |
| Baptism of the Lord | Water, new life | Water properties, baptism science |
Star of Wonder Unit (Perfect for Epiphany!)¶
Activities:
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Study constellations and star patterns
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Program robots to follow a "star" (light sensor)
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Build a star projector
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Calculate distances like the Magi traveled
Faith Connection:
"The Magi were scientists of their time—astronomers who studied the stars. Their knowledge led them to Jesus. What is your knowledge leading you toward?"
❄️ ORDINARY TIME - WINTER (January - Lent)¶
Liturgical Themes¶
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New Year — Goals, growth, fresh starts
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Catholic Schools Week (last week of January) — Celebrating Catholic education
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Unity — Working together in Christ
C-STREAM Connections¶
| Week | Liturgical Connection | STREAM Tie-In |
|---|---|---|
| New Year | Resolutions, Goals | SMART goals, growth mindset |
| Jan 28 | St. Thomas Aquinas | Faith and reason; philosophy of science |
| CSW | Catholic Schools Week | Showcase projects, celebrate learning |
| Feb 2 | Presentation/Candlemas | Light experiments (continued) |
| Feb 11 | Our Lady of Lourdes | Water, healing, Bernadette as observer |
| Feb 14 | St. Valentine | Engineering cards, machines of love |
Catholic Schools Week STREAM Showcase¶
Ideas:
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Display student projects from the year so far
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Invite parents to a "STREAM demonstration"
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Student presentations on Catholic scientists
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"Faith & Science Fair" mini-exhibits
Featured Saints for Winter STREAM¶
| Saint | Feast Day | STREAM Connection |
|---|---|---|
| St. Thomas Aquinas | Jan 28 | Faith and reason harmony; logic |
| St. Blaise | Feb 3 | Blessing of throats; sound/vibration |
| Sts. Cyril & Methodius | Feb 14 | Created alphabet; coding as language |
🟣 LENT (Ash Wednesday - Holy Thursday)¶
Liturgical Themes¶
-
Simplicity — Using less, being resourceful
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Sacrifice — Giving up for others
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Service — Hands and feet of Christ
-
Transformation — Preparing our hearts
C-STREAM Connections¶
| Week | Liturgical Connection | STREAM Tie-In |
|---|---|---|
| Ash Wednesday | From dust, to dust | Earth science, life cycles |
| Lent 1 | Temptation in desert | Problem-solving challenges |
| Lent 2-4 | Transformation journey | Engineering design iterations |
| Lent 5 | Preparing for Easter | Culminating projects |
| Holy Week | Service and sacrifice | Service-oriented design |
Lenten Engineering Constraints¶
Add these "Lenten limits" to engineering challenges:
| Constraint | Connection | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Limited materials | Simplicity | "Build with only 5 items" |
| Helping others | Service | "Design something for someone in need" |
| No waste | Sacrifice | "Use only recycled materials" |
| Silent building time | Prayer/Reflection | "Build in silence for 5 minutes" |
Service-Oriented STREAM Projects for Lent¶
- Design for Others — Create assistive devices
- Environmental Stewardship — Recycling solutions
- Care Packages — Engineer protective packaging
- Community Helpers — Robots that serve
- Card-Making Machines — For nursing home residents
Lenten Prayer for STREAM¶
"Lord, help us use our talents to serve others, not just ourselves. As we build and create, may we think of those in need. Amen."
🐣 EASTER SEASON (Easter Sunday - Pentecost)¶
Liturgical Themes¶
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New Life — Resurrection, transformation
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Growth — Spring, seeds, development
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Joy — Celebration, Alleluia!
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Holy Spirit — Power, creativity, gifts
C-STREAM Connections¶
| Week | Liturgical Connection | STREAM Tie-In |
|---|---|---|
| Easter Week | Resurrection | Transformation, butterflies, life cycles |
| Divine Mercy | Second chances | Iteration, improving designs |
| Good Shepherd | Care and guidance | Robotics following, animal behavior |
| Earth Day (Apr 22) | Care for creation | Environmental engineering |
| May | Mary's month | Gardens, flowers, growth |
| Ascension | Jesus returns to heaven | Rockets, flight, aerospace |
| Pentecost | Holy Spirit, gifts | Using our gifts, creativity |
Easter/Spring Life Cycles Unit¶
Connections:
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Butterfly metamorphosis → Resurrection transformation
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Seed germination → New life from "death"
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Egg development → Easter eggs, new beginnings
Activities:
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Grow plants from seeds (patience, care)
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Observe butterfly life cycle
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Engineer egg protection devices (egg drop)
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Build bird houses (caring for creation)
Pentecost: Gifts of the Spirit¶
Connect the 7 gifts to STREAM skills:
| Gift | STREAM Connection |
|---|---|
| Wisdom | Making good design decisions |
| Understanding | Grasping scientific concepts |
| Counsel | Giving and receiving feedback |
| Fortitude | Persevering through failures |
| Knowledge | Learning about God's creation |
| Piety | Respecting creation and others |
| Fear of the Lord | Wonder and awe at creation |
🌿 ORDINARY TIME - SUMMER/FALL (Pentecost - Advent)¶
End-of-Year Themes¶
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Celebration — Showcasing learning
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Stewardship — Caring for what we've learned
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Mission — Taking learning into the world
C-STREAM Connections¶
| Event | Liturgical Connection | STREAM Tie-In |
|---|---|---|
| End of Year | Sending forth | STREAM Expo/Showcase |
| Summer | Rest and growth | Independent exploration |
👨🔬 STEM Saints Calendar¶
Quick Reference by Month¶
| Month | Saint | Feast | STREAM Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | St. Thomas Aquinas | Jan 28 | Faith & reason, logic |
| February | Bl. Fra Angelico | Feb 18 | Art & faith, beauty |
| March | St. Joseph | Mar 19 | Engineering, carpentry |
| April | St. Isidore of Seville | Apr 4 | Patron of internet |
| May | St. Brendan | May 16 | Navigation, exploration |
| June | Bl. Nicolas Steno | Dec 5* | Geology, anatomy |
| July | Bl. Stanley Rother | Jul 28 | Agricultural science |
| August | St. Monica | Aug 27 | Patience (like science!) |
| September | St. Jerome | Sep 30 | Translation, languages |
| October | St. Francis of Assisi | Oct 4 | Ecology, animals |
| November | St. Albert the Great | Nov 15 | Patron of scientists |
| December | Bl. Nicolas Steno | Dec 5 | Geology, anatomy |
Famous Catholic Scientists (Any Time!)¶
| Scientist | Field | Catholic Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Gregor Mendel | Genetics | Augustinian friar |
| Georges Lemaître | Big Bang Theory | Catholic priest |
| Louis Pasteur | Microbiology | Devout Catholic |
| Nicolaus Copernicus | Astronomy | Catholic canon |
| Blaise Pascal | Math/Physics | Catholic philosopher |
| Jerome Lejeune | Genetics | Cause for canonization |
📅 Sample Liturgical Year Integration Calendar¶
September¶
| Week | STREAM Focus | Liturgical Connection |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Welcome, Wonder | Creation - God made all things |
| 2-3 | Robotics intro | Guardian Angels (Oct 2 prep) |
| 4 | Nature walk | St. Francis of Assisi (Oct 4) |
October¶
| Week | STREAM Focus | Liturgical Connection |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Environmental engineering | Respect Life / St. Francis |
| 2-3 | Building & structures | Engineers help others |
| 4 | Catholic scientists | All Saints preparation |
November¶
| Week | STREAM Focus | Liturgical Connection |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Catholic scientists deep dive | All Saints / St. Albert (Nov 15) |
| 2-3 | Thanksgiving projects | Gratitude, service |
| 4 | Light intro | Advent preparation |
December¶
| Week | STREAM Focus | Liturgical Connection |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Light & optics | Advent light |
| 3 | Star of Wonder | Preparing for Christmas |
January¶
| Week | STREAM Focus | Liturgical Connection |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Year goals | Fresh starts |
| 2-3 | Coding/programming | St. Thomas Aquinas (logic) |
| 4 | Catholic Schools Week | Celebration showcase |
February-March¶
| Week | STREAM Focus | Liturgical Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Feb | Winter science | Ordinary Time |
| Mar (Lent) | Service projects | Lenten simplicity/service |
April-May¶
| Week | STREAM Focus | Liturgical Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Apr | Life cycles, growth | Easter new life |
| May | Environmental/gardens | Mary's month, Earth care |
| End | STREAM Expo | Celebration, Pentecost gifts |
🙏 Liturgical Prayers for STREAM¶
Opening Prayer (General)¶
"Loving God, You created all things with wisdom and love. Open our minds to discover the wonders of Your creation. Help us use what we learn to serve others and give You glory. Amen."
Advent STREAM Prayer¶
"Lord Jesus, Light of the World, as we wait for Your coming, help us see Your presence in all we learn and create. May our work bring hope to others. Amen."
Lenten STREAM Prayer¶
"Merciful God, as we journey toward Easter, help us use our gifts to serve those in need. May we build with simplicity, create with purpose, and share with generosity. Amen."
Easter STREAM Prayer¶
"Risen Lord, You make all things new! As we explore Your creation, fill us with the joy of Easter. Help us see new life and new possibilities in everything we do. Alleluia! Amen."
End-of-Year STREAM Prayer¶
"Holy Spirit, thank You for the gifts of wonder, creativity, and learning. As we finish this year, help us carry what we've learned into the world, serving others with the talents You've given us. Amen."
📚 Additional Resources¶
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USCCB Liturgical Calendar: usccb.org/calendar
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Catholic Scientists Heritage: In this framework
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Saints for STEM (blog search): Search "patron saints of science"
Last updated: December 2025