Five Catholic Activities for the Eve of All Saints

History, meaning and message

1. Idea one: discover an inspiring saint

Choose a saint or blessed person together. Read a short, trustworthy biography and ask how that person showed courage, kindness or faithfulness.

Children can draw a picture while adults explain the meaning of a patron saint. This need not become a competition for the most extraordinary miracle story.

2. Idea two: hold an evening of light

Light a candle safely and say a brief prayer of thanks. Its light can remind us of Christ, whom the saints tried to follow.

You might read the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1–12). This helps children see that holiness is rooted in everyday acts of mercy and faithfulness.

3. Idea three: enjoy a family saints quiz

Instead of frightening stories, ask questions such as: Which saint cared for the poor? Who travelled to share the Gospel? Who is our parish patron?

Younger children can guess from pictures and older children can help with the answers. Make discovery joyful rather than turning it into a test.

4. Idea four: do a small work of mercy

Write a card to somebody who lives alone, prepare a modest donation or plan a visit to a neighbour who rarely has company.

Remembering the saints should inspire us to imitate their love. Children often remember acts of kindness most clearly when they do them with adults.

5. Idea five: prepare for 1 and 2 November

Check the parish Mass times for All Saints. Explain the distinction between All Saints’ Day on 1 November and All Souls’ Day on 2 November, when we pray for the departed.

Make a family list of deceased relatives and friends for whom you wish to pray. Speak about death with gentleness and with sensitivity to each child’s age.