Happy Friday, friends! 

This week we get to celebrate one of the Church's newest and most relatable saints — a teenager who loved video games, soccer, and his friends, just like any other kid. But more than anything, he loved Jesus, especially in the Eucharist. His name was Carlo Acutis, and he was canonized just last year, in 2025.

If your family has ever wondered whether holiness is really possible in the middle of ordinary, modern life - screens, sports, school pickup lines and all - Carlo's story is a wonderful, very current "yes."

“Every minute that passes in vain is a missed opportunity to become more holy.” - St. Carlo Acutis

Monday, October 12 — Memorial of St. Carlo Acutis

Carlo was born in London in 1991 and grew up in Milan. By all accounts, he was a completely normal kid! He loved computers, soccer, and spending time with friends. But he also went to daily Mass from a young age and spent time in prayer before the Eucharist whenever he could. Using his gift for computer programming, he built a website cataloging Eucharistic miracles from around the world, wanting others to know Jesus was truly present there. Carlo died of leukemia at just 15 years old, offering his suffering for the Pope and the Church. He's often called the "patron of the internet" and was canonized in 2025.

What to tell a preschooler: "There was a boy named Carlo who loved playing games and being with his friends, just like you! But most of all, he loved spending time with Jesus, especially at Mass. He even used his computer to help people learn about Jesus. Carlo reminds us that God made each of us special, and we can love Jesus in our own ordinary, everyday lives too."

Virtue to Notice: Being Your One-of-a-Kind Self

Carlo believed every person is made unique by God - he famously said we're each born "originals," not meant to just copy everyone else. This week, notice and celebrate what makes each person in your family unique: a particular laugh, a special interest, a way of helping that's all their own.

A Simple Faith Practice: Spend one quiet minute with Jesus.

This week, at Mass or even just at home in front of a simple picture or cross, invite your child to sit quietly for one minute and think about how much Jesus loves them — the same kind of quiet time Carlo loved so much. Afterward, you might pray together:

"Jesus, thank you for loving us. Help us love you in our own special, everyday way, just like Carlo did."

The All Saints Creativity Kit includes 350 Crafts + 140 Coloring Pages! 70 beloved saints with 5 crafts & 2 coloring pages each! Perfect for All Saints day and also year round liturgical living with the saints.