Remind children they're saints too
From the October 2011 issue
Dressing up as saints for All Saints’ Day was not popular when I was young. But I have had the challenge and joy of introducing this type of costumed adventure to those I taught. Mischievous Johnny was suddenly transformed into peace-filled St. Francis. Fidgety Kate became a calm Blessed Mother. Quiet Timmy changed into St. Peter. Then,
throughout the rest of the year when we’d discuss the saints, the children remembered the saint that they had become on that feast day in November.
Can studying the lives of saints and dressing up like them be such a powerful teaching tool for these young second-graders? I suppose it can. In fact when I think about it, a similar transformation happens to me when I read and contemplate the lives of these very human, but extraordinarily holy people. I feel a little more “saintly,” and I resolve to be kinder, to pray more, and to be closer to Jesus.
As catechists, we can remind each other and those we teach of the saint in all of us, and remember that we are all called to sainthood. When you pray together at the beginning and end of each class, remind the children that they are doing what saints do. When someone is kind or goes out of their way to help others, tell them they are acting saintly.
I don’t know about you, but it’s difficult for me to get a grip on angels, wings, and halos; but tell me to be more like St. Ann or St. Monica and I know exactly what you mean.
As saintly catechists, we pray for each other as we—you, me, and those we teach—share in the Body of Christ and the communion of saints. How do you teach children about the saints? Write to me at rcoffey@rtjscreativecatechist.com.
Saintly blessings,
Rosanne Coffey
Editor
rcoffey@rtjscreativecatechist.com
