2022-23 November #1: All Saints
Welcome to the His Little Way blog!
Have you ever wanted your own cheering section? When we call upon our “big brothers and sisters” in Christ, the saints, we tap into the love and support of people in heaven encouraging us to get to heaven too! Our 1st booklet in November helps to introduce your littles how they can become saints too!
Check out below for some helpful resources to use with our November #1: All Saints booklet.
And as always, if you have any questions, suggestions, or anything to share – please email us!
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Maryvale Press may earn commissions from qualifying purchases in this blog from Amazon.com.
Tiny Treasures
Page 1:
We celebrate All Saints Day on November 1st. Our All Saints booklet will explain how we can become a saint and plant the seed of thinking how our special gifts will make us a unique saint too. This is also a perfect time to help foster new relationships with the saints for the littles in our lives.
Page 2:
Jesus told us that to become a saint you must do 2 things:
Love God with your whole heart, your soul and your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.
Have a classroom or family discussion about:
- How can we love God? How can we show Him that we love Him?
- What is a neighbor? How can we show our neighbors how much we love them?
Growing in the Virtue of Obedience
Remember a virtue is a good habit, you grow in virtue every time you practice one.
- Show respect to your teachers and parents
- Do what they tell you to do
- Listen when they are talking to you
- Respond when they ask you a question or greet you
- Take care of the small things God has placed in your life
- Make your bed
- Help to water the plants, feed your pet and take them for a walk
- Be a good caretaker for the earth by picking up trash or recycling
- Pick up your toys
Page 3:
Friends in the Corner: What is better than one saint? Two!
St. Ignatius was a soldier. During his one and only battle, he was struck by a cannonball in the leg. While in recovery, he read only two books-a life of Christ and a collection of saints’ lives. This led to his conversion and his zeal to win souls for God. He is known for the Spiritual Exercises taken from his journal. This is used today in many retreats. He is pictured in our booklet showing some of his teachings- Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam or All for the Greater Glory of God. St. Ignatius started the religious order-the Society of Jesus (also known as the Jesuits). Pope Francis is a Jesuit!
St. Francis was St. Ignatius’s school roommate! He became a priest and was in the religious order started by St. Ignatius-the Society of Jesus. He was sent as a missionary to the Indies and there, baptized thousands of people into the Catholic faith. He is pictured in our booklet with a shell (a symbol of baptism) and crucifix in tribute to his many baptisms. He is known as the patron saint of all missions.
Page 4:
Who are the Saints and What Type of Saint Will You Be?
All people in heaven are saints, but there are a select few who have been canonized who are Saints because of the miracles that have occurred from asking for their intercession.
God created all of us to become saints. It is not necessary to do big, outward signs of great virtue and love to become a saint. Being obedient to God’s Will, doing your everyday tasks with love and making small sacrifices will lead you on the road to sainthood.
Have a classroom of family discussion about how you can become a saint. Be sure to include how you can use your special gifts!
Social/Emotional Learning
- Make a list of people or groups to offer prayers for each day of the month.
- Keep a watchful eye for a “neighbor” who may need help.
- Hold a door open, pick up a fallen object, smile or wave at someone in the store who might look sad.
- Say your prayers or talk to God every day. Be sure and tell Him what you are thankful for and try to offer up a little sacrifice for Him.
- A small sacrifice could be, letting someone else have a toy first, giving up a tv show or video game, etc.
Days to Watch for
- Nov 1 – All Saints Day
- Dec 3 – Feast Day of St. Francis Xavier
Extras
- Purchase or make saint costumes so your littles can have fun pretending to be their favorite hero.
- Choose a special patron saint for your family or classroom. Have fun learning about their life, have a celebration on their feast day and encourage your littles to seek the intercession of their saintly friend.
- Practice the virtue of obedience in your classroom or home by playing, “Simon Says”.
- Our featured word for this booklet to indicate the page numbers is LOVE. We chose this because we must love God and our neighbor to become a saint and live in heaven.
Check out these books about how we can learn more about the saints below:
Saints Around the World by Meg Hunter-Kilmer
In this book, your littles will be introduced to over 100 saints from more than 60 countries! There are stories to help teach lessons about when life isn’t fair, when people are being unkind, struggles in school, etc.
I’m a Saint in the Making by Lisa M. Hendey
This book reminds our littles of their unique call from God to live mission and love. There is no one single way to live a life of sanctity. I’m a Saint in the Making offers simple but impactful suggestions for ways littles can offer acts of prayer, service and love.
Digital Resources
If you are a subscriber for the 2022-23 His Little Way booklets, visit our Subscribers page for access to your digital resources (including a digital version of all booklets)! Can’t remember your password? Email us!
Don’t forget to check out our Teacher’s Guide for more information on how to use your booklets in the classroom!
And in case you need it again… here’s our Prayer Table Starter Guide.
