Celebrating Saints

Saint Augustine once observed that when we recount our true merits before God we are doing nothing more than enumerating God's gifts to us (Confessions, 9.13.34). God has given each of us gifts. We spend a lifetime discovering them, unwrapping them, learning to use them, perfecting them, and enjoying them. Being a saint means nothing more - and nothing less - than becoming what from all eternity God has destined us to be: people who use the gifts given us by God's Holy Spirit to reflect more and more the image of God's greatest gift to us, Jesus Christ.

		St. 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

"Giving Thanks for Others" Prayer Celebration Notes

Focus		Making a difference like St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Materials		Prayer table with Bible and candle, copies of certificates, music Click here to print certificates for the activity.
Reading		Matthew 28:19-20
Music		"We Are One," "Bring Forth the Kingdom," Blest Are We Music CD 3; "Jesus Loves the Little Children," Christopher Walker (OCP Publications); "Sing A Song to the Saints, Jack Louden (OCP Publications)
Preparation		Print out and copy certificates, and print each child's name on a copy. Place the certificates on the prayer table for use during the prayer celebration. Prepare your role as leader. Children do not need copies of the liturgy. You can write the response, "Thank you, Lord" on the chalkboard or have the children repeat it after you. Discuss the life of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton with them.
Adaptation		Work with children to make a banner about St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Hang the banner in the prayer space.
Additional Materials		For a full year of liturgies, from which this one was adapted, see: Prayer Celebrations, Primary Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-30567-1 / 9780382305672 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 / 9780382366543 Blest Are We Song Book for Grades 1-8 Words and melody for children; contains music for grades 1-8. Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36617-4 / 9780382366178 Blest Are We Accompaniment Book for Grades 1-8 Contains accompaniment music for grades 1-8 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36618-2 / 9780382366185