Why April is the best month in the Catholic calendar

The month of April is a wonderful time of year. Not only is spring very much in the air -- with the trees blossoming, winter coats stored away, and lighter evenings -- it’s also a time of great celebrations in the Catholic Church. While some are grand, others are more simple, but they come with a touch of grace.

Although Easter often takes center stage, there’s so much more to celebrate in April. So here’s a little guide to the best Catholic moments this month, with some ideas on how to make the most of them:

Obviously the list has to start with Easter. However, while the world often focuses on Easter as a day to snaffle copious amounts of chocolate, Catholics know the truth — Easter isn’t just a day; it’s a whole season! The 50 days of Eastertide stretch all the way to Pentecost, meaning we have plenty of time to bask in the Resurrection’s joy. So go ahead, eat that extra Cadbury egg, keep the Alleluias coming, and remind everyone that the Easter lilies on the altar are still very much in season.

St. Faustina Kowalska’s vision of Jesus led to the institution of Divine Mercy Sunday — a day dedicated to embracing God’s infinite mercy. It’s a perfect time to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, go to confession, and maybe even extend some mercy to that one family member who always takes the last slice of cake. (Yes, even them.)

April is packed with incredible saints, including:

St. Gemma Galgani (April 11) – The patron saint of students and pharmacists, she was a mystic who had an incredible devotion to Christ’s Passion. If you’ve got exams coming up, she’s your go-to intercessor.

St. Bernadette Soubirous (April 16) – The visionary of Lourdes, reminding us of the beauty of faith, perseverance, and the power of Our Lady’s intercession.

St. George (April 23) – Famous for slaying a dragon (metaphorically or not, it’s still pretty impressive), St. George inspires us to face our own dragons — whether they’re fear, doubt, or a mountain of laundry.

St. Mark the Evangelist (April 25) – The Gospel writer who reminds us that sharing the Good News is a job for all of us. Maybe take a moment to share an uplifting Bible verse on social media instead of your latest vacation pic, or delicious dessert.

While May is the traditional month of Mary, April gives us a great chance to warm up our Marian devotion. Why not start incorporating the Angelus (substituting the Regina Caeli during Eastertide!) or the Rosary into your daily routine? Bonus points if you do it outside among the fresh spring blooms.

April also brings Earth Day, a perfect reminder that stewardship of the earth is part of our Catholic call. Plant a tree, clean up a park, or simply take a moment to thank God for the beauty of nature. (Of course, as it is spring, you might find even greater joy in caring for your garden, or giving your indoor plants a little extra love.)

April, with its themes of renewal and mercy, is a great time for a little spiritual spring cleaning. Go to confession, let go of grudges, and refresh your prayer life. And if you happen to declutter your home in the process, well, consider it an added grace.

So there you have it — a month full of faith, joy, and opportunities for renewal. Whether you’re celebrating Eastertide, calling on your favorite saint, or simply embracing God’s mercy, there’s something special about April in the Catholic Church. Enjoy it, and don’t forget — those Easter chocolates are just an added bonus.

Note: Of course the whole Church year is one to celebrate, but April has some extra special moments that are a real treat for Catholics. But, if you've got a favorite time in the liturgical year, we'd love to hear about it in the comments section.