We remember that holy people have lived lives based on the values of the Gospel. 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.

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.

		Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton
		•	lived 1774–1821
		•	born Episcopalian, converted as an adult
		•	wife, mother of five, widow, religious sister
		•	opened first free Catholic school in America in 1808
		•	founder of Sisters of Charity
		•	first American-born saint, canonized in 1975
		•	Feast day—January 4

"Gifts and Talents" Prayer Celebration Notes

Focus		Using our God-given gifts as St. Elizabeth Ann Seton did
Materials Needed		Prayer table with Bible and candle, copies of liturgy and talents page, scissors, crayons or markers, mural paper, double-sided tape, music Click here to print the talents activity page.
Reading		1 Corinthians 12:4–7, 11; Psalm 134:1–3
Music		"We Are One," "Bring Forth the Kingdom," Blest Are We CD School Edition, Grade 3; "Jesus Loves the Little Children," Christopher Walker (OCP Publications), "Sing A Song to the Saints, Jack Louden (OCP Publications)
Preparation		Print out and photocopy the "Gifts and Talents" liturgy, and the talents page. Provide children an opportunity to select the symbol or talent that interests them most at this time. They are to put their names on the symbol chosen. On a sheet of mural paper, draw a simple outline of your church. Place pieces of double-sided tape on or near the drawing so that there is one piece of tape for each child. Prepare for your role as leader of the prayer celebration. Tell the children about St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and emphasize that she used the talent God gave her to teach children.
Adaptation		Distribute paper to children and have them make and cut out hand patterns. Label the finished hand patterns with children’s names. During the prayer celebration, have them attach their hand patterns to the mural of their church. As they do so, invite them to tell others in the group about a gift or talent which they have.
Additional Materials		"We Are One," "Bring forth the Kingdom" Blest Are We Music CD 3 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36654-9 Blest Are We Song Book Words and melody for children; contains music for levels 1-8 ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36617-4 Blest Are We Accompaniment Book Contains accompaniment music for levels 1-8 ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36618-2