Saint Francis of Assisi, 1182–1226
October 4

Saint Francis was the son of a man who sold beautiful cloth. His father wanted Francis to work with him, but Francis wanted to tell people about Jesus. One day while he was praying, Jesus asked him to rebuild the Church. Francis knew that God was calling him to do this special work. Soon other people came to help Francis. He helped people see the beauty of the world. He preached the Good News of Jesus. He helped make the Church more holy. Saint Francis lived a simple life and was kind to all creatures.

Discuss: How can you be kind to God’s creatures?

Saint Francis followed Jesus’ example of trusting that God would provide for him. He was often seen begging for food, visiting the sick in hospitals, preaching messages of peace, and caring for those in need. Along with his own order, Francis helped form a religious community for women, called the Order of Saint Clare.

He is the patron Saint of animals, the environment, and Cub Scouts. Saint Francis had the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, on his hands and feet. He is often shown with his arms outstretched, preaching to birds and animals of the forest.

Activity
Rebuilding the Church
Verbal/Linguistic

Invite your child to help you come up with some ideas on how your family and/or parish might help rebuild the Church as Saint Francis did. The Church does not really need a physical "rebuilding," just a daily rethinking of ways to improve.

• Discuss with your child ways your family and the parish can work on the hospitality, physical needs, and participation needed at your church.
• Together, start a list of ways to make parish members and visitors feel more welcome. If the building needs maintenance or the landscaping needs work, list some of these things. If more people need to be in the choir, join groups, or volunteer in any capacity, list these things, too.
• Encourage your child to share this list with the rest of the family. Then, challenge your family members to pick one of these improvements that each of them can do, and do it.