Saints

There are many legends about St. Christopher (c. third century), but there is very little historical evidence of him.

Hidden in the midst of March and surrounded by the purple of Lent is the feast of another Joe—St. Joseph. There is very little about St. Joseph in the Gospels. He is important to the Infancy Narratives—obviously. But much of the lore of St. Joseph comes from apocryphal writings and legend. We all have seen the statues and holy cards representing Joseph as an old man carrying a staff with lilies blooming from its top.

Prepare your prayer space with a table display that includes a Bible; a small flag of your country; a parish bulletin; a picture of St. Joseph or a hammer or other tool; a picture of the Holy Family; and a lighted candle. Divide your group into two. Group One will read the summary from Scripture, and Group Two will reflect on it. All will respond "St. Joseph, pray for us."

Picking a patron saint for your classroom can be a great way to engage students in learning and praying with the saints.

Use this activity to teach children about the lives of saints.

PATRICIA MATHSON Catherine Kasper lived in a village in Germany. She was often sick as a child and missed school. But even as a...

BY PATRICIA MATHSON FEAST DAY: JANUARY 24 Francis de Sales lived in France and came from a large family. He had 12 brothers and sisters....

PATRICIA MATHSON Genevieve lived in a village in France a long time ago. Even as a child, she knew that she wanted to devote her...

If you'd like a patron saint for when you're slacking off, look no further than the newly canonized Franciscan sister of Syracuse, New York: St. Marianne Cope (1838-1918; canonized October 21, 2012; feast day, January 23). She is famous for nursing lepers in Hawaii after St. Damien caught the disease, but there's much more. Sister Marianne's stamina and dedication were remarkable. And she was a catechist--one who believed that the gospel in action speaks louder than words.

CONNIE CLARK  Have you ever been to a family reunion? You might play games, eat delicious food, and meet relatives you’ve only seen in pictures....