October

Celebrating Saint Feast Days in October
Studying the lives of the Saints helps build family faith. Although we celebrate the Saints all year long, there are several Feast Days in October which make it a special month for celebrating the Saints.
These include:
- the Feast of  St. Theresa on Oct. 1
- the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi/Blessing of the Animals on Oct. 4
- the Feast of All Saints Eve (Halloween) on Oct. 31 

What is a saint?
A saint is a person who puts God first, is a model for us in holiness and goodness, and prays for us in heaven.  In the Catholic Church we also have Saints with a capital “S.”  A Saint is someone honored by the whole Church in a special way after they have died for all that he or she has done to bring God’s love into the world.  For example, St. Theresa believed and taught that we could show God’s love to others in small ways.   
When we say the Apostles Creed we say we believe in the “communion of saints” and this refers to all the people of God baptized in Jesus name both in heaven and on earth (not just canonized saints).  This is saints with a lowercase “s.”  Talk to your child[ren] about someone you know who provides an example of discipleship and strong faith.  Share photos from your child’s baptism and tell them that this is when they joined the “communion of saints.”
There are wonderful resources to teach your children about Saints with a capital “S.” Buy some “Lives of Saints” pictures books or coloring books for your “mass bag.” Feast days are also a great time to learn about a particular Saint and their example of holiness and there are websites and apps: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day.  
You can also do small things such as pointing out stained glass windows or statues of Saints in our church and praying the Hail Mary with your child each night and reminding them that Mary who enfolds us in her mantle very gently while we sleep is the Queen of all the Saints!

Saint Jeopardy: 
Who: Rejected his inheritance and choose to lead a simple life of poverty and service.  He loved all of God's creation and is thus the Patron Saint of Ecology.  He received the stigmata on his deathbed?
Answer: St. Francis
Who: Was a deacon in the early church; oversaw almsgiving; Was stoned to death by Jews and his blood was the seeds of the Church? 
Answer: St. Stephen 
Who: Is the patron saint of lost causes; was clubbed to death? 
Answer: St. Jude
Who: Is one of the patron saints of Ireland; relics lie next to St. Patrick's ; Protector of Dairy workers? 
Answer: St. Brigid
Who: is one of the patron saints of France; sign is Fleur de lis;  led French forces into victory over the British; was burned at stake? 
Answer: St. Joan of Arc
Who:  converted to Catholicism after the death of her husband, founded a school and the Sisters of Charity; first American canonized saint? 
Answer: Elizabeth Ann Seton
Who: is so beautiful that her father who is pagan locks her up in a tower; secretly she converts to Christianity and when she refuses to obey her father and renounce her faith, is killed  at his hand; at that very moment he is struck by lightening?
Answer: St. Barbara
Who: name means one who is like God; is an archangel; in the Old Testament is called the helper of the chosen people; holds the keys to the kingdom of heaven?
Answer: St. Michael
Who: was born without original sin; was the sister of Elizabeth and is the patron saint of Mothers? 
Answer: Mary Mother of Jesus
Who: Was a young soldier who met a poor beggar on a snowy day and upon seeing the poor beggar he took off his own cape and ripped it in half in order to cover the beggar.  The following night this saint  had a dream in which he saw Christ wearing his cape and Christ told him, "what you have done unto the least of your brothers you have done to me." Inspired by his vision, this saint left the army and devoted his life to helping the poor.  Today he is considered the patron saint of beggars and outcasts and in many European countries, his feast is celebrated with lanterns, symbolizing the light of generosity that illuminates the darkness of lack.  We celebrate it in our home by cleaning out our closets (toys especially for Christmas is on the way).  
Answer: St. Martin
Who: Was an indian who reported an apparition of the Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Guadalupe in 1531. He had a significant impact on the spread of the Catholic faith within Mex., N & S America.  He is the first indigenous American saint. 
Answer: St. Juan Diego (just a few blocks from here on Shepherd, there is a shelter called Casa Juan Diego which helps immigrants who come to this country and st. Theresas supports this ministry).
Who: is queen of the saints?  
Answer: Mary 

Song - Oh When the Saints Come Marching in
March in a circle, stay in place, or sing with egg shakers and scarves
When the Saints Go Marching In
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Lord, how I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in.