WHAT IS MY CHILD LEARNING THIS MONTH?
This month, your child learned about the saints—what does it mean to be a saint, what qualities saints have, and the fact that saints were not perfect people, but imperfect sinners who loved God and strove to follow His teachings. We went over some saints throughout history who, through their own unique circumstances, took up the mantle of virtue and became saints. We spoke of the universal call to holiness of all Christians—that the vocation to holiness is meant not for a privileged few but for all people. Living our lives in pursuit of holiness doesn’t mean we will never fail—that is untrue and unrealistic—but rather, we recognize our need and reliance on God and surrender to His will in order as a first step in becoming holy.
BRINGING THIS SESSION HOME
This month, we are asking parents to review the following video at home with their children.
Raise Your Expectations: How Saints Live Differently
- Share with your child a time in your life where you were a "beacon of hope" for someone in need.
- Ask your child to share with you an example from their own lives where they or someone they knew was a "light" or a "beacon".
- Discuss with your child how, as Catholics, we are called to live out these actions each day and strive to be holy, like the Saints.
PRAYING TOGETHER
Together as a family, choose a patron saint that will watch over and intercede for your family. This is a great way to have your Catholic faith remain at the center of your family, and to encourage your children to pray, to cultivate a relationship with God, and to continue to ask God for his help in their lives.
Heavenly Father,
You created each of us with love and call us to be holy. Thank You for the gift of the saints, who show us how to follow Jesus with courage, kindness, and faith.
Lord Jesus, help us to grow closer to You each day. Teach us to love others as You love us, to forgive when it is difficult, to speak the truth with kindness, and to serve those in need with joyful hearts.
Holy Spirit, guide our thoughts, words, and actions so that we may become the people You created us to be. Give us the strength to choose what is right, even when it is not easy, and the courage to live our faith in our homes, schools, and communities.
Through the example and prayers of all the saints, inspire us to follow Christ with generous hearts. May we remember that sainthood is not about being perfect, but about trusting in God's mercy and striving to love Him more each day.
We ask that one day we may join all the saints in the joy of Your heavenly kingdom, praising You forever.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
