Evangelizing Students About the Saints and Writing
This week I’m in the throes of preparing for my youngest’s advancement to double digits! I’m mourning that there aren’t any kids in the house any more, just teens and tweens growing up so stinkin’ quickly! We have some out of town guests and special events planned for the weekend, and everyone’s excited to celebrate.
School Visits
In October, I had the privilege of visiting 5 Catholic schools during my fall book tour. I shared my award-winning Catholic chapter book series, Adventures with the Saints, with kids in kindergarten thru 8th grade and in groups as small as 16 in a classroom to several hundred in an auditorium.
Regardless of the age or group size, my message is always the same: every single person is called to be a saint (this means you, too!). I share with students that God created each of us uniquely, and He gave us each special talents, interests, and experiences that factor into how God wants us to become a saint.
For me, this includes being a writer. I’ve always loved reading and writing, and God has called me to use my skills and passion for writing to share these amazing saints with young people. I always tell the students that my calling does not include art. I have very little artistic skills, and that’s why someone else creates the illustrations for my books. These illustrations are part of her unique call to sainthood.
No matter what you love to do and what you become, that is how God wants you to be a saint. If you’re a teacher, you become a saint through nurturing and educating young people. If you’re a doctor, you become a saint through caring for and curing patients. If you’re a professional sports player, yep, you guessed it, that’s how God wants you to be a saint.
The JOY of Being an Author
I’m not sure exactly what I thought being an author would feel like, but most days I don’t even think about it. I stay busy caring for my family, hitting the grocery store, and relaxing with a great book someone else wrote.
When I get to do school visits, though, my heart swells with a joy that can only be felt when you’re living your God-given vocation. Nothing makes me happier than having the opportunity to get kids excited about books and the saints. Before, during, and after my presentations I feel energized and I know without a doubt that I am doing what God created me for. There is nothing quite like that feeling.
The cherry on top is when a student raises his or her hand and says, “When I grow up I want to be an author like you.”
Perfect Christmas Presents
I know it’s barely November, but it’s not too early to be thinking about Christmas presents. Adventures with the Saints are perfect gifts for your kids and grandkids in kindergarten-3rd grade.
If you have Catholic school teachers on your list, consider giving them a set of books to stock their classroom! Books are the gift that keeps giving because they can be enjoyed over and over. And please pass on to any teachers that I love doing in-person or virtual classroom visits to keep kids excited about their unique call to be a saint!
Copyright 2024 Maria Riley
Images: Canva, Maria Riley
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