We have decided to start a Saint of the Month Club with some of our friends. Our first month is January and we chose St. Thomas Aquinas as our first saint. Our party will be tomorrow and here is what is on the docket! I will post an update tomorrow (hopefully with pictures) to show how it all went.
Both families will have read the chapter on St. Thomas Aquinas in "Once Upon a Time Saints" by Ethel Pochocki.
Food
We will serve some of St. Thomas's favorite foods:
Pickled Herring
Sandwiches shaped like books (symbolizing his love of academia and all the books he wrote)
Games
St. Thomas Rescue
St. Thomas was held against his will in the family's castle tower by his family so that he would not join the Dominican Order. I will make up some Rice Krispie treat batter and have the kids (in 2 groups) make a tower in which to lock up a St. Thomas Aquinas figurine. They will then have to make a basket out of Rice Krispie treats and string and "rescue" St. Thomas out of the tower.
Wheel of Fortune
We will play St. Thomas Aquinas Wheel of Fortune with some of his quotes:
How can we live in harmony? First we need
to know we are all madly in love with the same God.
There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true
friendship.
If the highest aim of a captain were to preserve his ship, he
would keep it in port forever.
It is requisite for the relaxation of the mind that we make
use, from time to time, of playful deeds and jokes.
Love takes up where knowledge leaves off.
The things that we love tell us what we are.
Wonder is the desire for knowledge.
To one who has faith, no
explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.
To love God is something
greater than to know Him.
Mystery Bag
St. Thomas loved touching and feeling things. We will fill a bag with random things from around the house and have the kids reach in a guess what they are. If they can symbolize St. Thomas, then even better!
Virtue Ball
The children will stand in a row. I will have a ball and throw it to each one of them, while at the same time saying a virtue or vice. The children should catch a ball only
when a virtue (truthfulness, kindness, accuracy) is said. In this case
the child who caught the ball should take one step forward. If
children catch on a vice (intolerance, greed, a
rage), they must take one step backwards.
The one who reaches me first wins. This person becomes leader and the game continues.
As You Go on Your Way
Smile Cards
Since St. Thomas Aquinas was known for his kindness, we will give each of the children 5 "smile" cards. These are cards that they leave with a person after performing a random act of kindness for them. The card states to pass the kindness and the card on to another person to keep the kindness going. Here is the website.
Prayer at the end of the party
"Grant me, O Lord my God,
a mind to know you, a heart to seek you, wisdom to find you, conduct pleasing
to you, faithful perseverance in waiting for you, and a hope of finally
embracing you."
