Lesson 2: Meet the Saints

This page is for SMA Family Faith Formation Catechists only. Content for this lesson is linked below.

Summary of Lesson

In our journey of faith, we have friends and companions in Heaven. They have lived holy lives on earth and have made it to Heaven. These we call the Saints. There are Saints from every corner of the earth and every walk of life. We can turn to them for inspiration and for help in time of need. We are all called to be Saints, and those who have made it to Heaven can help us get there! In November, we specifically remember the Saints that are special to us.

Meet the Saints Bullet Points:

Saints lived holy lives on earth and are now in Heaven.
Saints are our friends and companions along our faith journey.
There are Saints from across the globe and across history.
Saints are unique – they each have different stories, talents, personalities and hobbies. We can find Saints we relate to!
We can ask Saints to help us and inspire us.

Scripture Passage: “Running the Race” 2 Timothy 4: 7-8

I have fought the good fight, I have run the race, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Example Discussion Prompts/Questions:

Think of a time when a friend helped you out. This is similar to Saints, they can help us out when we are in need.
Think of a time when you had a good coach or a good teacher. What were they like? This is how the Saints are too, they want to help us along!
Are there any Saint stories you know and love?
Do you know if there is a Saint connected to your favorite sport or hobby or interest?
What does the Scripture passage make you think about?
How is our journey of faith similar to running a race?

Saint of the Month: Pope John Paul II (Feast Day: October 22nd)

Pope John Paul II was born in Poland. He had a hard life growing; his family died and he experienced the Second World War. Even though he faced suffering, he felt a call from God to be a priest. After he was ordained, he taught classes and helped many people. He became a great leader in the Church – he was ordained a Bishop and named a Cardinal and eventually became Pope, the head of the whole Church! He traveled all over the world and preached and taught. He helped spread the Church teaching that all people are called to be Saints. This is why he is the Saint for this class.

Songs & Videos

Activities

Maze of Life: Draw a maze on the whiteboard. Blindfold a student and have them try to solve the maze, using a dry erase marker. Have them do it alone first. Then, have someone give them clues and hints (stop, go up, etc.). Explain that the saints help us make it through the maze of life.
Saints Bingo: Pass out Bingo cards and some sort of “marker” to mark spaces. Shuffle Saints cards and call out names until someone gets “Bingo”.
Saints Matching Game: Lay out Saints Matching cards face down. Take turns flipping over cards to find matches.
Online Saints Matching Game: You can play the same matching game online here: https://puzzel.org/en/memory/play?p=-NFK1MaAZ6ie2UMh3uWR
Saints “Guess Who”: Divide into two teams. Either lay saints images out in front of each team, or tape them onto a posterboard/presentation board. Have each team take turns asking the other team a yes or no question about their Saint. Continue until one team correctly guesses the other teams’ Saint. Note: You may have to help the teams decipher the answers to some questions (like is the person a “nun” etc.).

Crafts/Coloring Pages

Litany of Saints Paper Chain
Litany of Saints Cards
Litany of Saints Stand Up Craft
“Saint in the Making” Worksheet (Have students draw themselves in the blank space
All Saints Coloring Page 1
All Saints Coloring Page 2