Saint Francis of Assisi

St. Francis of Assisi, born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, was an Italian Catholic friar, deacon, mystic, and preacher who founded the Franciscan Order. He is one of the most venerated religious figures in Roman Catholic history, known for his devotion to poverty, his love for nature, and his work in reforming the church.

“All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” -St. Francis of Assisi

What do you think made St. Francis give up his wealth and live a simple life?
(Follow-up: Would you be willing to give something up for your faith or for someone in need?)
St. Francis is known for loving animals and nature. How can we take better care of God's creation in our daily lives?
(Follow-up: Can we make a small change this week to help the Earth?)
St. Francis prayed, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.” What do you think it means to be a peacemaker today—in our home, school, or community?
Why do you think St. Francis is so loved, even hundreds of years after he lived?
(Follow-up: What do you think his life teaches us about what’s really important?)
If St. Francis came to visit our family today, what do you think he would say about how we live?
(Follow-up: What might he encourage us to keep doing—and what might he challenge us to change?)

Build a Church out of Graham Crackers: It is said that St Francis of Assisi rebuilt a Catholic Church after he felt God was asking him to rebuild His Church. So how fun would it be to actually build a church out of graham crackers and frosting?
Have a Scavenger Hunt in the Wilderness: St Francis of Assisi is known for his love for being outside in the wilderness, so what could be more fun than having a scavenger hunt with the kids?! Just make sure they have different items on each child’s list. Free Printable HERE
Make a Bird Feeder: It is said that birds and animals would flock to St Francis…birds would even land on his shoulder! So how great would it be to make a super easy bird feeder! All you need is an apple, peanut butter, bird seed, and ribbon. First cut your apple in thick slices (about 1/2 inch), then core the middle of the apple (cut out the seeds), put peanut butter on the bottom, and dip the peanut butter side in the seed. Next cut a long piece of ribbon or string (about 2 feet) then loop the ribbon through the apple core and tie it around a tree branch. So easy and the kids will love bird watching!
Have a Dance Party: What makes a celebration so much more fun? Great music! And dancing of course. St Francis was known for his love of dancing, so what better way then to celebrate this great saint then with a dance party!
Go to the Zoo or a Farm Sanctuary: Since St Francis loved animals and they loved him so much, so go spend time with them! (Ideas: Hidden Horseshoe Farm & Sanctuary or Sweet Farm)
Paint Animal Rocks: A fun project for children is painting, and if you can find little round rocks, you can paint them into cute little animals. You could then place them around your house, in your flower beds, or maybe even make a little rock garden out of them.