During this series I am going to do my best to get the printable celebration plan up with some short explanations a couple of weeks in advance. That way you know it’s coming up! You can decide if you want to celebrate. You can prepare. You won’t be stressed out trying to pull it all together. You’ll be able to practice joyful, simple, faithful!

So here goes. The celebration plan and some things to keep in mind regarding St. Kateri of Tekakwitha! Scroll to the bottom to download yours!

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July 14th: St. Kateri Tekakwitha

Her story

St. Kateri was born in 1656 near the present day city of Albany, NY. She was born into a Mohawk family and tribe. As a young girl St. Kateri and many of her family members became sick with smallpox, and many of them died. St. Kateri survived through the prayers of her Aunt and Christian Mohawk squaw. St. Kateri grew up in her Aunt’s care after her parents died. The smallpox left her with poor eyesight and pock-marked skin.

As she grew, St. Kateri learned about Jesus through her Aunt and the visiting missionary preists. She longed to become a Christain, to be baptised and receive the Eucharist. After a long time waiting, her prayers were answered. She was baptised and became a member of the Holy Church!

Christians were not treated kindly by the Mohawk tribe. Even St. Kateri’s uncle wished her to live like a Mohawk and marry a Mohawk. But St. Kateri knew that God wanted her to serve him only, to live a life devoted to Jesus. So, with the help of the missionaries and Christian Native Americans, St. Kateri traveled by night in a boat all the way to a Christian mission village in Canada. There she lived her life in service to our Lord through prayer, fasting and performing works of mercy for her friends and neighbors. Her last words were, “Jesus, Mary, I love you!”

Her significance for us

St. Kateri Tekakwitha is one of the great American saints. Her name, Tekakwitha, means “the one who moves all things before her.” The name Kateri is considered to be another form of the name Catherine, one of long line of saints who bear that name.

St. Kateri exemplifies courage by her devotion to the faith even through familial persecution. This courage also came into play in her daring escape to Canada!

St. Kateri exemplifies devotion in her wish to live a chaste life in the service of Christ. Her kindness, works of mercy, and skill in her work for her community models to us all how to live our vocations in both great works and in everyday sanctity.

The Celebration

In keeping things joyful, simple and faithful I’ve prepared a celebration that (I hope!) will be just that.

Story and Scripture

I recommend getting a copy of one of the many children’s books on St. Kateri Tekakwitha. Here are a couple suggestions:

• Kateri of the Mohawks Storybook published by the National Kateri Center. It’s a bit wordy for littler ones, but a good read-aloud for the 1-5 grade levels. Or can be broken up and read over the course of the week.
• Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha: The Lily of the Mohawks by Father Lovasik, S.V.D. Published by St. Joseph Kids’ Books.
• Kateri Tekakwitha: Model of Bravery by Barbara Yoffie

There are truly just so many books on this amazing saint’s life!

Read or tell the story of her life. Talk about it together. For children a little older read Psalm 45:11-12 and talk about how the Psalm mirrors St. Kateri’s life events!

Craft

First the coloring page!

Then, the craft! This one is so simple. It’s free (or nearly!)

St. Kateri’s Twig Crosses

St. Kateri was know to fashion crosses out of twigs while on her walks to mark her way with Christ. (see coloring page!) This day’s craft is to make twig crosses out of sticks and string or twine.

This website has a good example of how to do it using twigs and grass. You can use grass or string, whatever you have available!

The Prayer

O God, who desired the Virgin St. Kateri Tekakwitha
to flower among Native Americans
in a life of innocence,
grant, through her intercession,
that when all are gathered into your Church
from every nation, tribe and tongue,
they may magnify you
in a single canticle of praise.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

From The Liturgy of the Hours on the feast of St. Kateri Tekakwitha

 St. Kateri Tekakwitha, patron saint of the environment, pray for us!

The Treat

Corn was a staple of the Mohawk diet. So for this day feast on some yummy corn treats!

-Popcorn: from a bag, stove, microwave or tin

-For the more hands-on, homemade inclined try one of these recipes (or your family’s favorite)

• Blueberry Maple Cornbread Muffins This recipe reminds me of some of the favorite flavors of upstate New York, St. Kateri’s birthplace
• Ina Garten’s Sour Cream Cornbread recipe is one of my all-time favorites. It’s delicious spread with butter and jam!

And now the moment you’ve all been waiting for. The downloadable plan! Print it out and get ready for this American saint’s feast day!

July 14th: St. Kateri Tekakwitha Plan

And check back on the 14th for a post on our family’s celebration. And link up your own! I’ll be on IG with the hashtag #hdahstkateri.