What better way to honor Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta’s legacy of service than by teaching children about her life and how we can emulate her love of Christ in our own lives?
On September 5th, we celebrate the feast day of Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, one of the most beloved saints of the modern era. Below are some simple, low and no-prep ideas for sharing her story with young children in the classroom.
Learn Facts About Her Life
Watch a video that introduces facts about Mother Teresa and her work with the poor. This brief YouTube video is a quick introduction to her life and mission to love like Christ.
Complete a printable activity booklet. This booklet includes St. Teresa’s story, a map to locate Calcutta, an introduction to the Works of Mercy, and several writing and drawing prompts to help children reflect on her life. It also includes a page on her patronage of World Youth Day!
Visit the Missionaries of Charity website to explore how the order Mother Teresa founded is serving others all around the world today.
https://missionariesofcharity.org/
Focus on Faith in Action with the Works of Mercy
Discuss with students how the saints help inspire us to live our own lives focused on Christ. We can follow Saint Teresa’s example specifically by looking to how she embodied the Christian Works of Mercy.
Spiritual
Consider praying a Rosary (even just a decade!) as a class together, asking for Saint Teresa’s intercession. Remind students that when holy men and women are recognized as saints, we know that they are in heaven with God our Father. We can ask them to pray for us and our intentions. Consider offering intentions for the people that are served by the Missionaries of Charity.
Corporal
Participate in a service project as a class. Perhaps have a donation drive for food, clothing, etc. Discuss the Corporal Works of Mercy and other ideas students may have. Another idea could be to collect monetary donations to send to the Missionaries of Charity or a local charity in your area.
For older students who may want to dive deeper into the Works of Mercy, check out the following printable activity packet:
