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

"A Woman of Faith" Prayer Celebration Notes

Focus		Asking God to help us to live the word faithfully following the example of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Materials Needed		Prayer table with Bible and candle, art materials for making posters, music
Suggested Reading		Matthew 13:10–17
Music		"All You Works of God," "Blest Are They," [instrumental], Blest Are We Music CD 4; "Bring Forth the Kingdom," Blest Are We Music CD 3; "Lead Me Lord," John D. Becker (OCP Publications), "Sing A Song to the Saints, Jack Louden (OCP Publications)
Preparation		Discuss the life of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton with your group. Work in smaller groups to make posters that illustrate ways to follow Jesus. Use these posters to decorate for the prayer celebration. Select a leader and a Scripture reader. Print out and photocopy the liturgy.
Adaptation		Invite suggestions on ways to follow Jesus on an average day. Have them write down their thoughts. These lists can be collected after the meditation in the prayer celebration.
Additional Materials		"All You Works of God," "Blest Are They," [instrumental] Blest Are We Music CD 4 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36655-7 "Bring Forth the Kingdom" Blest Are We Music CD 3 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