Saint Moses the Black, Fourth Century

August 28

Saint Moses was a robber when he was a young man. Many people were frightened of him because he was very tall and very mean and he became unhappy with his life. A monk told Moses about God and God’s love for him. Moses was baptized and learned to love Jesus. Later he became a priest. He taught others about God’s love and encouraged them to be baptized.

Discuss: Have you been at a Baptism? What did you see?

When he was a young man, Saint Moses was a robber. Many people were frightened of him because he was very tall and very mean. Moses was unhappy with his life, so he began to search for God. His life changed when he spent some time in hiding with monks in the Egyptian desert. One of the monks told Moses about God and God’s love for him. Moses was baptized and learned to love Jesus. Later he became a priest. He taught others about God’s love and encouraged them to be baptized.

When a band of robbers attacked Moses and the other monks, Moses took them to a chapel, where they repented and were converted to Christianity. Soon after, those men joined the monks’ community as well!

Saint Moses is the patron Saint of Africa, and of African Americans. He was one of the most respected hermits and spiritual leaders of his time in Egypt.

Activity

My Baptism Bookmark
Visual/Spatial

Explain to the child that Saint Moses the Black encouraged people who loved Jesus to be baptized. It is important to remember our own Baptisms.

• Place around the room symbols of Baptism: a cross, white vestments, Sacred Chrism, water, Baptism Candle, photos.
• Provide a bookmark-size piece of poster board to the child. Have them draw symbols that will remind them of their own Baptism. Invite them to color their drawing.
• Provide laminate paper for the child to place over his or her bookmark. Provide safety scissors for trimming.
• Encourage them to use their bookmark in their student books or student Bible to keep the memory of their Baptism fresh.