In a society where heroes don’t always turn out to be the kind of models we had hoped for, we look to the saints to be paragons of the Christian lifestyle for our children and ourselves. The Feast of All Saints reminds us that these holy people have lived lives based on the values of the Gospel, and by imitating their lives, we too can live as holy followers of Jesus. Knowing that we can turn to the lives of the saints for encouragement and example can help us remain faithful to our baptismal promises.

The saints, especially those of modern times, can be role models for our children. In looking at how the saints lived the Christian life, children can discover their own unique way of living out the Gospel in their lives.

The Feast of All Saints is our feast day as well. We belong to the Communion of Saints through Baptism, together with the saints who have gone before us. When we pray, the entire Communion of Saints in heaven prays with us. We are connected to all the holy people who now enjoy the perfect love of God in heaven, as well as to all holy people who struggle in their daily lives.

Family Activity

	Read aloud to the children some biographies of the saints, such as Saints and Other Holy People (Primary K–2, Silver Burdett Ginn, 1997).

	•		After reading selected stories, discuss different saints and what they are remembered for. Provide the children with drawing paper and crayons or markers. Invite the children to draw pictures of what they heard about one or more of the saints.
	•		Add the name of the saint being illustrated.
	•		Be sure all family members will receive cards.
	•		Display the completed artwork where everyone can see it.

See the Liturgical Calendar on this site for additional information.
See also Catechist—Lent or Teacher—Lent for Liturgy.