Second grade students at Christ Cathedral Academy (CCA) received a special assignment leading up to All Saints’ Day. They were to choose a saint and research their life. Then on Nov. 1, they were to come to school dressed as their chosen saint and make an in-class presentation before their peers.
The special project given by co-teachers Miss Mallory Susank and Mrs. Jessica Villanueva was part of the students’ sacramental preparation for First Penance and First Communion.
The young students were part of the entrance procession into morning Mass and then afterwards they made their presentations back in their classroom.
“There was an array of unique projects from paintings to videos, music, bingo games and so much more great creativity,” said Susank, who is in her first year teaching at CCA.
Susank said that she Villanueva compiled a list of saints via SignUp Genius. From there, students and their parents signed up for the saint they would like to research. This way, the children got to learn about different saints – 26 in total.
“Today was an amazing day for my second graders,” said Villanueva. “They have been preparing for today for the past month and seeing their projec ts come to life was heartwarming and a testament to their faith.”
Saints represented included: St. Dominic de Guzman, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Joseph, St. Matthew, St. Luke, St. John Bosco, St. Tarcisius, St. Nicholas, St. Michael the Archangel, St. Gabriel the Archangel, St. Blaise, St. Patrick, St. Valentine, St. Jude, St. Joan of Arc, St. Lucia, St. T herese Lisieux, St. Teresa Calcutta, St. Catherine of Sienna, St. Elizabeth, St. Lucy, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Rose of Lima, St. Agnes, St. Angela Merici, St. Mary Magdalene, St. Kateri, St. Philomena, St. Cecilia, St. Brigid of Ireland.
Susank said she plans on making the special All Saints’ Day project and annual event.
“One of my favorite parts was witnessing families work together to produce these projects,” she said. “It was a great day!”