October Feasts on the Church Calendar
October offers the Church several special days to pause, reflect, and celebrate the faithful witness of Christ’s followers throughout history. These feasts remind us that holiness comes in many forms and encourage us to live our faith in daily life.
October 18 – St. Luke the Evangelist
Luke, the beloved physician and author of both the Gospel of Luke and Acts, highlights God’s care for the outsider, the sick, and the marginalized. His writings call us to bring healing, hope, and compassion to the world around us. St. Luke’s feast is a moment to give thanks for those who tend to the spiritual and physical well-being of others, and to ask how God might use us in similar ways.
October 23 – St. James of Jerusalem, Brother of Our Lord
James, often called “the Just,” was a leader of the early Church in Jerusalem. Known for his wisdom, prayerfulness, and steadfast faith, he helped guide the Church through difficult decisions and challenges. Celebrating St. James reminds us of the importance of faithful leadership, discernment, and the pursuit of unity within the Body of Christ. His life encourages us to live with integrity and devotion in our own communities.
October 28 – St. Simon and St. Jude, Apostles
Simon and Jude may be lesser-known among the apostles, but their faithful discipleship strengthened the early Church. Their feast invites us to honor quiet, steadfast service, showing that living faithfully often happens without recognition, yet remains vital to God’s work in the world. These apostles remind us that each person’s gifts contribute to the larger mission of Christ’s Church.
As we move through October, these feasts give us more than dates on a calendar—they offer stories of courage, faith, and dedication that continue to inspire us. May we see God’s work in the lives of others, and may we be encouraged to follow Christ with renewed hope, compassion, and devotion in our own lives.
