Short explanations of Roman Catholic and secular holidays in the United States and Canada are accompanied by information, prayers, and various recommended activities. In the lesson for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Catholics are encouraged to attend the church of another denomination as well as their own, to "lead to a better understanding of how Christians share faith in the same Father, Son, and Holy Spirit." Activities include recipes, craft ideas, and reproducible pages of puzzles and craft templates. Related websites are also identified. On Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, Catholics between the ages of 14 and 60 years old abstain from meat. Many receive ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross. The recommended activity is to make a palm cross. For Canada Day (July 1) and Independence Day (July 4), the activity is a windsock. For July 31, the feast day for Saint Ignatius of Loyola who wrote "Spiritual Exercises," Arbogast includes a meditation with a list of five exercises for growing closer to God. Saint Vincent de Paul, also recognized in this book, founded many charities that provide food, shelter, financial relief, and counseling to help people through difficult times. Part of the "Living and Celebrating Our Catholic Customs and Traditions" series. Catholic school and Sunday school teachers will enjoy these ideas for celebrating the holidays. Reviewer: Carlee Hallman
