Monthly Overview:

• Monthly Devotion: The Most Holy Rosary

• October 1: St. Thérèse of Lisieux

• October 4: St. Francis of Assisi

• October 13th: Our Lady of Fatima

• October 27: St. Elesbaan

• October 28: St. Jude Thaddeus

• October 28: St. Simon the Zealot

St. Thérèse of Lisieux

Feast Day: October 1
Fun Facts:

• St. Thérèse is often called "The Little Flower."

• She became a Carmelite nun at the young age of 15.

• Her "Little Way" teaches us to do small things with great love.

Ways to Celebrate:

• Pick some flowers and talk about how they remind us of St. Thérèse.

• Write a love note to someone in your family, showing love in small ways.

• Read a story from her autobiography, Story of a Soul.

• Create a "Little Way" jar, where you can add kind actions to do each day.

• Say a prayer to ask St. Thérèse to help you love God in the little things.

About the Saint:

St. Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as "The Little Flower," was a French Carmelite nun who lived a short but impactful life. She believed that small actions, done with great love, could lead to holiness. Her writings have inspired many, and she is now a Doctor of the Church, known for her simple yet profound spirituality.

St. Francis of Assisi

Feast Day: October 4
Fun Facts:

• St. Francis is the patron saint of animals and the environment.

• He gave up his wealth to live a life of poverty and simplicity.

• He started the Franciscan Order.

Ways to Celebrate:

• Spend time outside, enjoying God’s creation.

• Take care of a pet or feed birds in honor of St. Francis.

• Make a simple bird feeder or nature craft.

• Read the Prayer of St. Francis and discuss its meaning.

• Say a prayer to thank God for animals and nature.

About the Saint:

St. Francis of Assisi was born into a wealthy family but chose to live a life of poverty after hearing God's call. He founded the Franciscan Order and is known for his love of nature and animals. St. Francis believed that all of creation reflected the glory of God and lived his life caring for the poor, animals, and the environment.

Our Lady of Fatima

Anniversary of the 1st Apparition: October 13
Fun Facts:

• Our Lady appeared to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917.

• She asked them to pray the Rosary for peace and the conversion of sinners.

• The Miracle of the Sun, witnessed by thousands, occurred during one of her apparitions.

Ways to Celebrate:

• Pray a decade of the Rosary as a family, just as Our Lady requested.

• Make a craft of a sun to remember the Miracle of the Sun.

• Read the story of the three children, Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta.

• Have a special snack shaped like the sun, such as cookies or fruit slices.

• Say a prayer to Our Lady, asking for peace in the world.

About Our Lady of Fatima:

Our Lady of Fatima appeared to three children in 1917, delivering messages of prayer, repentance, and peace. She urged the children—and all of us—to pray the Rosary and make sacrifices for the conversion of sinners. One of the most famous events surrounding these apparitions was the Miracle of the Sun, where thousands witnessed the sun "dancing" in the sky, a sign of God's power. Her message reminds us of the importance of prayer and trust in God.

St. Elesbaan

Feast Day: October 27

Fun Facts:

• St. Elesbaan was a king of Ethiopia.

• He is also known as "King Caleb" in some traditions.

• He is remembered for defending Christianity in his kingdom.

Ways to Celebrate:

• Draw or make a crown to represent King Elesbaan.

• Learn about Ethiopia and its Christian heritage.

• Read a story about how St. Elesbaan defended his faith.

• Make a shield craft to remind us of his bravery.

• Pray for courage like St. Elesbaan had in defending his faith.

About the Saint:

St. Elesbaan was a king in Ethiopia who defended Christianity against invaders who threatened his people and faith. After his reign, he gave up his crown to live as a monk, devoting his life to prayer and humility. His life teaches us the importance of standing firm in faith and protecting those in need.

St. Jude Thaddeus

Feast Day: October 28

Fun Facts:

• St. Jude is the patron saint of hopeless causes.

• He was one of Jesus' twelve apostles.

• His symbol is often a club or an image of Jesus.

Ways to Celebrate:

• Read a Bible story about St. Jude and his work as an apostle.

• Make a “hope jar,” where you can write down prayers for difficult situations.

• Draw a picture of St. Jude’s symbol and learn about its meaning.

• Practice helping others who are feeling down, just as St. Jude brings hope.

• Say a prayer asking for St. Jude’s intercession in challenging times.

About the Saint:

St. Jude Thaddeus was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles and is known for preaching the Gospel far and wide. He is especially honored as the patron of desperate situations, offering hope to those in seemingly impossible circumstances. Many turn to St. Jude in prayer when they face challenges that seem insurmountable.

St. Simon the Zealot

Feast Day: September 28

Fun Facts:

1. St. Simon was called "the Zealot" because he was very passionate about his beliefs.

2. He was one of Jesus' twelve apostles.

3. Simon traveled to many places to tell people about Jesus.

Ways to Celebrate:

1. Make a map of the places Simon might have traveled.

2. Learn what "zealot" means and think about what you're passionate about.

3. Say a prayer for people who travel to teach about Jesus.

4. Draw a picture of Simon preaching to people.

5. Do something you're passionate about, like Simon was passionate about his faith.

About the Saint:

St. Simon the Zealot was one of Jesus' twelve apostles. Before following Jesus, he was part of a group called the Zealots who were very passionate about their Jewish faith. After meeting Jesus, Simon used his passion to tell others about God's love.