As a mom, one of my favorite times of the day is bedtime, even though sometimes it is one of the most difficult times. When the mood is right we get the opportunity to wind down and connect as a family, but it also offers a chance to instill in them the richness of our Catholic faith. Bedtime stories aren’t just about fun adventures or soothing tales; they are also a wonderful opportunity to teach our kids about God, the saints, and the beautiful traditions of our Church.
Over the years, I’ve discovered a handful of books that have helped me create a Catholic culture in our home, nurturing my children’s hearts and minds with stories that deepen their love for God and His Church. If you’re looking for faith-filled books to read at bedtime with your little ones, here are some of my favorites:
1. Light of the Sacraments
One of the most important aspects of our Catholic faith is the sacraments. They are encounters with Christ that nourish our spiritual lives and draw us closer to Him. Light of the Sacraments is a beautifully illustrated book that introduces children to the seven sacraments in a simple, approachable way. It helps little ones understand how the sacraments are special gifts from God that bring grace and blessings into our lives. This book is perfect for teaching children about Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Marriage, Holy Orders, and Anointing of the Sick.
Reading Light of the Sacraments at bedtime has helped my kids grasp the importance of these sacred rites and the deep love that God has for us. It’s a great resource for laying the foundation of a Catholic life centered around the sacraments.
2. Light of the Saints
The saints are our models of holiness, and their lives are filled with stories of courage, kindness, faith, and devotion. Light of the Saints introduces young children to a variety of saints from different times and places, giving them a glimpse into the lives of those who have gone before us and lived out their faith in heroic ways.
From St. Therese of Lisieux to St. Francis of Assisi, each saint’s story is told in a way that is easy for children to understand, inspiring them to become more like these holy men and women. This book is perfect for bedtime because it not only teaches about the saints but also encourages children to ask for their intercession and follow their examples of holiness. It has helped my children understand that sainthood isn’t just for grown-ups—it’s something they can aspire to, no matter how young they are.
3. Mary, Mother of All
One of the most beautiful aspects of our Catholic faith is our devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary, Mother of All is a wonderful way to introduce children to Mary’s life and her important role in God’s plan of salvation. This book tells the story of Mary from her childhood to her role as the Mother of Jesus, focusing on her loving heart, obedience to God, and care for all of us as our spiritual mother.
The soft, gentle language and beautiful illustrations make this book perfect for bedtime, as it helps children develop a deep love and reverence for Mary. My children have often asked to read this book before bed, and it’s a wonderful way to end the day by entrusting our thoughts and prayers to our Heavenly Mother.
4. Bless the Lord
One of the best ways to help children understand how to pray and give thanks to God is through the Psalms. Bless the Lord is a child-friendly collection of psalms that focus on praising God for His goodness and creation. It’s a simple yet profound way to introduce children to the beauty of scripture and the importance of prayer.
Each page of Bless the Lord focuses on a different psalm, offering a short, rhyming version that children can easily grasp and repeat. My kids love reciting these prayers before bed, and it’s become a beloved part of our nighttime routine. Through these psalms, they learn how to thank God for their blessings, offer their prayers, and reflect on His greatness. It’s a beautiful way to teach them about gratitude and praise from a young age.
5. Saints from Around the World
The Church is universal, and the saints are a beautiful reflection of the diversity and richness of the Catholic faith worldwide. Saints from Around the World takes children on a journey to different countries, sharing the lives of saints from various cultures and backgrounds. From St. Kateri Tekakwitha of North America to St. Martin de Porres of Peru, this book helps children understand that the Church is made up of people from all walks of life.
Through this book, my kids have been able to see how people from all over the world have answered God’s call to holiness. It’s also been a great way to introduce them to the idea of mission work and to emphasize the importance of kindness, love, and service to others—no matter where they come from.
Why Bedtime Stories Matter
Bedtime stories are more than just a way to end the day. They are an opportunity to create a sacred space in our homes, a moment of quiet to reflect on the beauty of our faith and the love of God. By reading books like Light of the Sacraments, Bless the Lord, or Saints from Around the World, we help our children grow in faith, cultivate a love for prayer, and learn about the lives of the saints who inspire us.
These books have helped to create a Catholic culture in our home, one that is rooted in love for God, reverence for the sacraments, and a desire to follow the example of the saints. I encourage you to make bedtime a special time for faith, and to explore these beautiful books with your own children. You might be surprised at how much they can learn—and how much you can learn too!
What are some of your favorite Catholic books to read with your kids at bedtime? I’d love to hear about them in the comments!