GodFamilyCrafts

I write a column for a regional newspaper.  It was not surprise when the editor asked columnists to dress our column for Halloween. I listed local events as requested, but since my column is to reflect my personality, I included even more.  This is what I had to say for the issue that will be published a few days before Halloween:

The cultural holiday of Halloween started out as All Hallow’s Eve – the night before All Saints Day. In our everyday observation of the cultural, we sometimes downplay the religious connections for many (if not most) of our holidays. We all know plenty about our current observance of Halloween, but for a moment let me make the other connection.

            The Catholic Church and other Christian churches recognize that the “faithful departed”, those who lived a life of love with God, are now with God in heaven. All Saints day is a day to celebrate the life and afterlife of these heroes of faith. We remember all who are in heaven – those named specifically through canonization, and others whose name we may not know.

            In some circles, celebrations of this day are filled with costumes of the saints and stories of their lives. If you are interested in finding a local All Saint’s celebration, call your local Catholic church.

            Okay, your religion lesson is over for the day.

Since in is a secular newspaper, I chose to give a little background on the All Saints Day aspect of All Hallow’s Eve.  I can’t change the world, but I can witness in my own little way.

Peace to all.

You know those little photo albums at the dollar store and the crafts store?  Those are the perfect starting place for this project.  A nice picture on the front is good, but you may choose to follow the instructions below and change the picture inside the front cover .

What is the point of a Family Album of Saints?  Here’s the theological faith explanation….

• We are all part of the Family of God, if we are baptized. 
• God is our father, Jesus is our brother.
• Mary is our mother.
• The Communion of Saints is our Family.
• Just as we keep photo albums of our earthly family, so should we be reminded of our spiritual family.

Very basic.  Now for the album — purchase, cut out or print out pictures (Image Gallery of Saints)  of saints that are familiar to the children.  Children can also draw the saint pictures. Try to include their patron saint.  Jesus should go on the first page and Mary should be in the album prominently. 

As you arrange the saints in the album include a slip of paper with the Saint’s name and other information.  Depending on the age of the child, you could use the facing page for an index card with even more information.

Don’t stop with canonized saints!  Include your loved ones who have gone before us, the Pope, and other Holy people. We are all the Communion of Saints -

• Church Triumphant in Heaven,
• Church Suffering in Purgatory,
• Church Militant on Earth.

This Family Album of Saints can be an on-going project. Start slowly and add saints as their feast day comes along, or according to the Liturgical Seasons.  St. Joseph, for example, does not have a feast day until March, but he figures prominently in the Advent and Christmas Seasons. Include him.

Special saints to include: Our Lady of Guadalupe - Patroness of the Americas and the Unborn; the saint for whom your parish is named; your various family patron saints and confirmation saints; saints that come from you ancestral home, eg St. Martin is from France.

Talk about and note why these people are saints. First and foremost, they love God.  Their actions and lives reflect this love of God.

To change picture inside front cover:  Open the album to the inside of the front cover.  Using an ex-acto knife or other sharp cutter, lightly score along the vinyl inside the front cover close to the center binding.  Once you have cut through in one spot, you should be able to gently split the score line to remove the picture in front and insert your own.  The same can be done with the back cover.

Encourage children to share their Family Album of Saints with visitors, friends and relatives.  It is a witness to those who have gone before us faithfully and in whose footsteps we want to follow