Saints
In our parish we have tried to focus on saints that are meaningful to young people and who have a message that resonates with them. On their feast day we try to hold a related activity.
St Anne and St Joachim,
Grandparents of Jesus and parents of the Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus.
St Louis and Zelie Martin ,
canonized by Pope Francis in October 2015 as the parents of Therese, the Little Flower.
Zélie and Louis are an inspiration to the families of today. Each owned a small business and worked hard while raising a large family. In the 19th century this two-career couple faced the challenges we face in the 21st: finding good child care; achieving professional excellence; operating a profitable business; caring for aging parents; educating a special-needs child; forming their children in the faith; finding time to pray and to be active in their parish. Devout Catholics, they saw Christ in the poor and worked for a just society.
Carpenter, stepfather of Jesus, took his family to Egypt to save them from Herod, he taught Jesus how to be a carpenter and work with his hands.
Saint Patrick converted the pagans in Ireland to Christianity. Used the shamrock to explain the mystery of the Blessed Trinity: Three persons in the one Godhead, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: three parts make up one whole.
Saint Francis of Assisi came from a wealthy merchant family but gave it all up to follow Christ; has many followers even today; His prayer is well known: "Lord, Make me an instrument of your peace.." It is still important in today's troubled times. He loved animals and many parishes will hold a blessing for the pets on his feast day, October 4th.
Saint Nicholas: the original Santa Claus. A bishop in the early church he was noted for his generosity to the poor .
Blessed Teresa of Calcutta: ministered faithfully to the poorest of the poor. Started an order which now has many houses all over the world
Pope John Paul II: suffered much hardship under Communist rule but eventually helped to bring down communism.
St Anthony of Padua: known for being a famous orator. Even the fish came to the river bank to listen to his preaching. He is also known for finding lost articles.