During the 4rd week of October, we use the upcoming Feast of All Saints day to learn about the Communion of Saints. We discuss the power and gift of intercessory prayer, and the inspiration that the Saints offer us. Each student selects a particular saint to “research”. They then prepare a brief 3 x 5 card introduction of them, either in “trading card” format, or an interview-type presentation.
Each student introduces their saint to the class, along with the time period in which they lived, what they are the patron saint of, and why they chose this particular saint. After all presentations are complete, students spend one class period making cross-shaped sun-catchers purchased through a craft store. After the sun-catcher paint has dried, students take 2- 2”x3” pieces of cardstock. They put their name on one, and their saint the other. One name in then glued or taped to one arm of the sun-catcher cross, and the other name to the opposite side.
Using suction cup hooks, the crosses are displayed on the classroom windows, and now become “Son-catchers” as they remind the students each day to invite the Communion of Saints to pray for them – by name. The light of the Son shines through all of these and makes a beautiful display. Students take the crosses home at the end of the school year.