In November, we celebrated All Saints Day. One of those saints, St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, was known as the Little Flower, because she compared herself to a small wildflower, growing and giving glory to God. She is known for her “Little Way” of living a holy life by doing small things with great love, and by drawing closer to Jesus through prayer and the sacraments.
For the November Junior Saints, students were invited to draw a picture and write about how they can draw closer to Jesus by their own “Little Way” of doing a small thing with great love at home or at school or in their community, or by praying or going to Mass.
St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“Doing chores takes some things off my mom’s plate, which gives her time to focus on work. Another thing I do is show her love, so she won’t go crazy. These are my little ways to get close to God and help out.” – Artwork and writing by Micah Powers, sixth grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill, Maryland
“I have several little ways to connect with God, including going to Mass with family, reading the Bible with my classmates and praying throughout the day. We all have our own little ways to connect with God, and like St. Thérèse, I hope my faith will keep growing.” – Drawing of St. Thérèse and writing by Gemma Soriano, seventh grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“My little way of doing small things (to draw closer to Jesus) is by praying at night each day at home, and by showing kindness to other people and by helping students.” – Artwork and writing by Aden Cunningham, eighth grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“My little way is by praying the rosary at least every morning, praying every night, reading Scripture, and helping in church with the choir, by reading at Mass and being an altar server, and by being a gift bearer.” – Artwork and writing by Lynna Cunningham, eighth grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“My little way of getting closer to God is by taking my time to pray and communicate with God to see what He is preparing me for.” – Artwork and writing by Sophia Bennett-Amaya, eighth grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“I have many simple ways to feel close to God. These help me remember and stay connected to God. One way is by going to church on Sundays and singing in the choir. I also try to help at home by cleaning the house, making my bed, and throwing away my trash. This makes things easier for my parents and shows that I listen to them and love them. I sometimes help my classmates in a little way, too. … The Carmelite sisters at St. Columba Church help us learn to follow the example of St. Thérèse.” – Artwork and writing by Lorris Pangilinan, seventh grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“I can draw closer to God by spending time with him every day through prayer, reading the Bible and living out his teaching. Talking to God about anything helps build a relationship with him. Reading Scripture allows you to learn more about God’s love…” – Artwork and writing by Bella Stanton, seventh grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“My Little Way of praying and connecting to God is by praying and talking to God in a straightforward way. I also like to donate to charity and play Christian and Catholic music on my saxophone. Sometimes I even pray the rosary with the help of my prayer cards.” – Artwork and writing by Ynigo Santos, sixth grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“Things I do in my little way (to draw closer to Jesus) include going to church every week, and praying in the car and before eating and when I’m going to sleep.” – Artwork and writing by Kaleaab Fesseha, seventh grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“Praying the rosary is my own way of getting closer to Jesus. When I pray, I feel peaceful and loved. Each bead helps me think about Jesus and all the good things He has done. The rosary helps me remember to be kind, thankful and to trust God. I like praying it because it makes me feel calm and reminds me that Jesus is always with me.” – Artwork and writing by Karla Osorio, seventh grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
St. Bartholomew School, Bethesda
“I love singing, especially when it’s the word of Jesus and when I am growing closer to him. It could be singing by myself, with my class, or in the after-school choir. I love spreading my faith and the Good News of Jesus through my voice, and most importantly to grow a closer relationship with Jesus.” – Artwork and writing by Reagan Perraut, seventh grade, St. Bartholomew School, Bethesda, Maryland
“I can be like St. Thérèse of Lisieux by being an altar server and helping in church.” – Artwork and writing by Elena Millan Obregon, seventh grade, St. Bartholomew School, Bethesda
“Following the way of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, I can donate my belongings which I don’t need or use anymore to the less fortunate.” – Artwork and writing by Sarah Juzbasic, seventh grade, St. Bartholomew School, Bethesda
“Last summer, I had the amazing opportunity to work at a food pantry. While it was hard sometimes because of the amount of suffering we have in the D.C. area, I was able to appreciate my life and opportunities more. I worked with the Mulholland Foundation and was able to make friends at the churches I worked at. Overall, it made me appreciate everything and everyone around me. People who work at food pantries are certainly angels.” –Siena Auzoux, seventh grade, St. Bartholomew School, Bethesda
Holy Redeemer School, Kensington
Artwork and writing by Reagan Speck, seventh grade, Holy Redeemer Catholic School, Kensington
Artwork by Dixie Walsh, seventh grade, Holy Redeemer Catholic School, Kensington
“I can be more like St. Thérèse of Lisieux by going to Mass regularly, trusting in God’s mercy, receiving the sacraments and focusing on God’s love.” – Artwork and writing by Sophia Jackson, eighth grade, Holy Redeemer Catholic School, Kensington
“We can be more like St. Thérèse of Lisieux by showing everyone love. My ‘Little Way’ of growing close to Jesus is to do everything with love.” – Frances Cannon, eighth grade, Holy Redeemer School, Kensington
St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
Drawing and writing by Cora Reuter, second grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
“Ways that I can be more like St. Thérèse of Lisieux are just doing small things with great kindness, like loving everybody and praying.” – Everleigh Stoehr, third grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
“We should pray because it strengthens our relationship with God. It could be a small prayer, or it could be a long conversation. Either way, it is a little way to show we love and appreciate God.” – Cayla McMahon, eighth grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
Drawing and writing by Isla Howells, second grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
“St. Thérèse of Lisieux was a very faithful woman. She had a great passion for Jesus and never gave up. I can be like her by being more passionate about my faith. I can also live more for Jesus. Praying for people is one of the things she did, and that is what I want to do, too.” – Gabby Payne, eighth grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
“I can be like St. Thérèse of Lisieux by being kinder, closer with God and pray for others.” – Derek Baden, third grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
“St. Thérèse of Lisieux was a nun known as ‘the Little Flower.’ She did small, little things out of acts of love. St. Thérèse reminds me of flowers like the daffodil, lilac, and seeds, because those small flowers can create an ecosystem. When we do small acts of kindness, we stay humble and don’t brag, and God will eventually bless us. So today make a small act of kindness as little as picking up a pencil someone dropped or leaving a sticky note to somebody. And one ‘hello’ can lead us on the path to Heaven!” – Artwork and writing by Taylor Dent, sixth grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
“I can be like St. Thérèse of Lisieux by praying to God with the rosary. Praying can help me become closer to God. I hope that one day I can live my life like St. Thérèse of Lisieux. She is amazing, and I’m so grateful that she’s a saint. I am becoming closer to Jesus by doing a small thing with great love.” – Audrey Moore, fourth grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
Drawing and writing by Fiona Newcomb, first grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
“I can be like St. Thérèse of Lisieux by praying a decade of the rosary every day at school. I will dedicate it to people in need, especially family members and friends. I am becoming closer to Jesus by doing a small thing with great love.” – Bradley Smith, fourth grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
“I can make an effort to be like St. Thérèse of Lisieux by helping out the school. Every Wednesday when we go to church, we take our prayer partners with us. I think that small act of kindness helps us grow our faith.” – Lina McGhee, sixth grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
Little Flower School, Great Mills, Maryland
“One way that I, and everyone else, can follow in St. Thérèse’s footsteps is to be small. To be humble. Just praying is enough. Some people think that the only way to change the world is to be big, to make sure everyone knows who you are, and what you are doing. But St. Thérèse was not big. She did all she could to make herself smaller so Christ could be bigger. She changed the world for the better. And she compared herself to the smallest flower.” – Artwork and writing by Hadley Day, seventh grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“Saint Thérèse shows that saints are not just people who perform Jesus-like miracles. We can be like her in our everyday life. Little ways of kindness and by helping people can make a big difference in the world around you. One person’s ways cannot change the world, but a lot of people’s ways can. By you constantly doing your little way, it influences others to do that just like Jesus. Your little way works wonders with Jesus even if it does not make a huge change in the world. Do it for you and Jesus.” – Artwork and writing by Gracie Cervantes, eighth grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills, Maryland
“For my little way of growing closer to Jesus, I will do more Bible study and try to read all of it. I drew a Bible and everything that comes to my mind when I think of my faith. St. Thérèse is a role model to me because she read the Bible a lot. I want to be like her and use her as an inspiration. I would love to learn more about my faith. St. Thérèse had a strong relationship with God and Jesus, and I want to as well. When I read the Bible, it helps me gain wisdom and grow closer to Jesus. The Bible can help me with my faith and teach me about Jesus.” – Artwork and writing by Isla Finbow, eighth grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus chose to do all her little things in her life with love; she inspires me to do the same. When reading the Bible, I learn more and more about it, which helps me build my relationship with God. I can enjoy reading all of the books, and reading outside can help you enjoy God’s creation. Picking up trash and spreading the Word of God can grow you closer to Jesus, and many other things like praying (can also help you get closer to Jesus). But what matters most is that you do it with love like all the saints, especially St. Thérèse.” –Artwork and writing by Madelynn Beall, eighth grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“I can grow closer to Jesus in my ‘Little Way’ by doing helpful things around my school, home and community, and by going to Mass. At school, I could sit or talk to a friend who is sad or alone. I could also not complain when given an assignment to do. At home, I could do chores without being asked to or by being the responsible one by turning off the TV or telling us when to pray. In my community, I could support fundraisers, or volunteer at a service or a camp. Lastly, at Mass, I could also pray more and learn more about my faith. Doing all these acts will get me closer to God, and He will give graces for all that I do. It will also bring others closer to God with my example both physically and spiritually. This is how I can become closer to God with small deeds.” – Zachary Phan, eighth grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“We can act like St. Thérèse doing little ways to holiness, and we can help someone help the poor or anyone who needs help. It does not matter if it is your bully, we can still help him if he needs help. It can be anyone, we just need to think of St. Thérèse and do little things like her. Even if we see a can of soda (on the ground), we can pick it up and put it in the recycling bin…” – Artwork and writing by David Campos, seventh grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“In November, I can follow St. Thérèse’s little way by doing acts of kindness, such as sitting with people who are alone, helping with homework, including more people, and making sure everyone around me always feels loved and cared for. Just like St. Thérèse, I will also pray a lot and attend Mass frequently. Along with this, I can volunteer to help my church with events. I might also be able to help animals at the shelter, or make dinner. I take care of both of my dogs all the time as well. I will also help the little kids in my school, and my younger cousins. In conclusion, I just generally want to help my community grow and learn.” – Artwork and writing by Stella Holiday, seventh grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“I drew a rose for St. Thérèse because she is the Little Flower. Also, the ways I can follow her way is by doing small things like cleaning my brother’s room while he is in college. Also, just smiling at a stranger. Then by doing my chores without my mom and dad asking me to. Not all acts of kindness have to be big… the small acts of kindness can be like a wave or a smile or just being a good friend. Honestly, that is all that matters to me; small acts of kindness are great. They can make you feel good.” – Artwork and writing by Maelle Johnson, sixth grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“St. Thérèse showed us to live our lives with God and love. I will try to make the little things count by helping out a friend or just by praying more. If I help out a friend, it will make me feel good as well as the person I am helping. If I pray more, I will grow closer to God and the kingdom of Heaven. God helps me so much, and I would like to pray to say thanks. When I first came to Little Flower, I was welcomed by my classmates, and I want to help them out in return for their kindness and generosity. In school we have been praying a decade of the rosary, and I have been praying. God guides all of us here to our best lives so we can go to Heaven.” – Artwork and writing by Leo Henson, sixth grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“Over the last couple of months, I have drifted away from God. I just always thought it was that I did not have time because of sports and other activities. No, the truth is I don’t make the time. I do have time for Jesus, I just act like I don’t. Throughout November, I’m going to pray once when I wake up and once before I go to bed. I am going to read the Bible every day, too. I am going to give up electronics. I am also going to continue this throughout my life as well. My goal is to get closer to God and Jesus like I once was and pray to stay close to God and Jesus.” – Sarah Nelson, sixth grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
St. Augustine School, Washington
“I can act as St. Thérèse through big and small ways, like saying ‘thank you’ or showing politeness in home and school, as in holding doors, helping teachers and tutoring students. Through these actions, I will grow personally, spiritually and mentally.” – Artwork and writing by Eliana Abiy, eighth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington
“I will be kind to others.” – Abigail Mulu, third grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington
Artwork and writing by Arthur Dempsey, fifth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington
“Cheer up the people that are sad.” – Sofonias Tesfaye, third grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington
“How I can be like St. Thérèse is I can help with chores around the house and help my classmates with anything they need like homework or class work and also help my school with fundraisers.” – Artwork and writing by Laila Abdul-Rahim, eighth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington
“For my good deed, I am going to church to pray for my family and friends.” – Ricardo Ferguson, fifth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington
Artwork by Kailynn Holmes, third grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington
“I will pray for people to love God.” – Solyana Nebyat, third grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington
Artwork and writing by Yeamanuel Ashenafi, third grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington
“St. Thérèse of Lisieux was a kind and faithful person. Even when she was suffering from an illness, she still stayed strong and continued to love God. She even called her illness a distraction. With this love for God, she continues to live a holy life with God.” – Chinecherem Joseph, eighth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington
“How I can follow the way of St. Thérèse at home is by helping my parents with chores without being told to do so. I can follow the way of St. Thérèse at school by helping my classmates if they are struggling with work. I can follow the way of St. Thérèse in my community by giving out food at a food bank.” – Artwork and writing by Gabriella Manuel, eighth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington
“I will and can pray for people who are sick.” – Makda Gebru, third grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington
“I will clean up my mess without being asked.” – Artwork and writing by Lydia Williams, fifth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington
“I can cheer up people if their feelings are hurt.” – Yordanos Assefa, third grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington
“I can follow St. Thérèse’s Little Way be recognizing my mistakes, apologizing for the things I did which weren’t following God and repenting. When I repent, I will make sure I will never do the thing again.” – Artwork and writing by Nathanya Kidane, eighth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington
Artwork and writing by Efrata Teketel, third grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington
“My act of kindness is giving food to the homeless.” – Artwork and writing by Nylah Sanders, fifth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington
“I can live the Little Way of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus by showing gratitude to those who do right, praying for and correcting those who do wrong, doing my responsibilities without having to be asked or reminded, saying sorry and asking for forgiveness when I do wrong by someone, and being an example for those who do not know better.” – Traivus Freddie, eighth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington
Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“…Nothing is small in the eyes of God. Do all that you do with love.” – Artwork and writing by Valentina Cruceta, seventh grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons, Maryland
“I can be like St. Thérèse of Lisieux by following her ‘Little Way,’ which means doing small things with great love. At home, I can help my family without being asked. I can clean up after dinner or help my little sister with her math homework. Most importantly, I would do these things with kindness instead of complaining. At school, I can show love by being patient with classmates and treating everyone with respect, even when they’re difficult. In my community, I can volunteer or simply smile and say ‘hello’ to people who seem lonely. I can also grow closer to Jesus by praying each morning and thanking Him for the blessings in my life. When I go to Mass, I can listen carefully and offer my prayers for others who need help. St. Thérèse teaches me that even the smallest act of love can make a big difference if it’s done for God.” – Tyler Wingenter, seventh grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“I can draw closer to Jesus by helping the poor. I can donate clothes to the poor. I can go to the store with my mom to buy food for the poor. I can donate money to the poor in the poor box at church.” – Artwork and writing by Maverick McCoy, third grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“St. Thérèse of Lisieux is a saint who emphasized common everyday virtues as a way to grow in trust with God. By saying something friendly to someone, by holding the door open or complimenting someone you don’t usually talk to, you can show humility and love of God. Small actions such as picking up trash and setting an example for younger kids can go a long way. Think about the ocean, if you throw a pebble into the water, it makes ripples and creates a chain reaction. No matter how big or small the pebble is, it still creates ripples. By doing these easy small acts of love, patience and kindness every day in our life, we can grow in love, trust and holiness with God, just like St. Thérèse of Lisieux did by setting an example for us.” – Charlie DiBonaventuro, sixth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
Artwork by Abigail Thomas, seventh grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“I can show my little ways of drawing closer to God. I could read the Bible every morning before I go to school and after I get home. I love being close with God, and I trust that He has a plan for my life. Every day, we should praise God for His love and kindness, and reading the Bible is a great thing to do to be closer to God.
“ I love writing, so I think that writing can help me grow a lot closer to God. When I write, I can reflect about all the things that God helps me with throughout the day. I try to write at least once a day, and it is a good habit to start. Some people do not like to write, and that is fine. We can grow closer to God with a simple prayer telling God about our day.
“Another way we can get closer to God is to be kind. Being kind can just be helping a friend out or just being a friend to somebody when they are sad. I know I would like it if a friend came over and talked with me if I was sad. Everybody can be kind and show love. It is not that hard, and we should all do it. It is a great way to grow closer to God and make a new friend.
“My final way we can grow closer to God is by following directions. We can follow directions when our parents tell us to do things, when our teachers ask us to help them, or when God tells you to do something. Sometimes I can hear God speaking to me and telling me to do something. He will often correct me when I’m about to do something wrong. He guides me. I love the Lord, and I will listen to Him even if it is a hard thing that He’s telling me to do. I trust in Him and what He will tell me to do.” – Emery Hughes, seventh grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
Artwork by Emily Groat, third grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“My little way I can draw closer to Jesus is by praying a decade of the rosary. I can pray the rosary with my family and (help with) cooking a nice dinner for them. I will clean up the house to get money, so when I go to church, I can put money in the poor box.” –Liam Callis, third grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“I can do many small things with great love anywhere. Like if I’m taking a walk and an elder is about to walk into the store, I can hold the door for her. Even if I don’t have money, I can give my toys to the poor or (give them) a smile. Or I could just pray for someone who is sick, hurt or is in some need of help. I can pray the rosary every day.” –Elli Hummer, fifth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
St. Elizabeth School, Rockville
“As a Girl Scout, something I could do as my own version of the ‘Little Way,’ I can help with the younger Girl Scouts by leading a meeting to teach them about the Little Way. This can help the children to do good things to help more people, making many more people happy. I know Jesus would want this, because it is helping people and making them happy.” – Artwork and writing by Lucy Zaudtke, St. Elizabeth School, Rockville
“I can draw closer to Jesus by helping out with the Greg Gannon Food Drive. For the food drive, I buy cans of food, which are then put into brown bags that I bring to school. The bags get collected, put into the back of the cars and are given out to those in need. This is one way I can live the ‘Little Way.’” – Leah Turcios, eighth grade, St. Elizabeth School, Rockville
“St. Thérèse used the ‘Little Way’ to grow closer to God. To follow her Little Way, I can be kind and help others. If someone drops their books in the hallway, I can stop what I’m doing to help pick them up. It is embarrassing and humiliating to drop everything in the hallway, so I can help make them feel better and bring them closer to God. Jesus cared for others just like St. Thérèse of Lisieux, so I can carry on their legacy by being kind and helpful.” – Artwork and writing by Milly Abdo, seventh grade, St. Elizabeth School, Rockville
“I can grow closer to Jesus by donating to food banks, organizing food drives, helping start a giving tree program for kids and families in need, and praying for the poor. Helping the people around us is very important. If we have old toys, books, clothes and other things, we should give them to the people who have less than we do.” – Artwork and writing by Emily Javor, seventh grade, St. Elizabeth School, Rockville
“My ‘Little Way’ is offering someone a smile or a kind word, because just doing that can make someone’s day better. When someone does something nice to you, you will automatically want to do the same to someone else, causing a ripple effect as it continues on to more and more people. These ripple effects could be started by a smile, a ‘how are you?’, a hug or just a nice conversation with a friend or classmate. One little thing can make a difference, because you never know if someone is going through a hard time and needs a friend. By doing this, I can draw closer to Jesus Christ, because he taught the same thing while he was on Earth.” – Artwork and writing by Julia Toumi, eighth grade, St. Elizabeth School, Rockville
“I can show love at home and at school in many ways, but most come from the smallest acts. One of these small things is simply doing things for people without them asking. I can also do small things at school like holding doors for people, or even helping someone when they drop something. Just by doing these small things, I can spread kindness and come closer to Jesus.” – Evan Wiley, eighth grade, St. Elizabeth School, Rockville
“I can draw closer to Jesus by helping and comforting others. By doing this, not only do I get closer to Jesus, but others do, too. I never like it when people feel left out or think they’re useless. That’s why I comfort them and try to cheer them up. It just goes to show that Jesus is in everyone, and we should treat people like Jesus is inside and with them.” – Artwork and writing by Alina Ray, sixth grade, St. Elizabeth School, Rockville
“I can do small acts of kindness like letting a classmate borrow a pencil sharpener. These small acts of kindness can help me draw closer to Jesus, because if someone asked for help, Jesus would give it to them. Doing small acts of kindness is a good and easy way to do the ‘Little Way.’” – Artwork and writing by Samantha Lin, sixth grade, St. Elizabeth School, Rockville
“St. Thérèse of Lisieux waited for a great act of spirituality to come to her. When nothing happened for a long time, she decided that she would help God in any way possible. She called this the ‘Little Way.’ I can be like her when I make coffee for my parents, help take out the trash, and generally be kind to people. While these are not major or important, they help me grow in my faith and get closer to God, and in turn, Jesus.” – Mac Enos, seventh grade, St. Elizabeth School, Rockville
“The ‘Little Way’ is a path we can all follow that encourages us to show small acts of kindness to bring ourselves and others closer to God. Our number one job in life is to get others and ourselves to heaven, and one way we can get there is by doing these small acts. One way my school does this is by donating every year to the Greg Gannon Food Drive and other charities. This not only helps one person, but can change lives through small acts of generosity. When we do this, Jesus grows closer to us every day.” – Artwork and writing by Saoirse Payne, seventh grade, St. Elizabeth School, Rockville
Blessed Sacrament School, Washington
Artwork by Georgia Cleary, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington
“In November we celebrate All Saints Day. Some things I can do to become a saint are helping out at the community center or holding the door for an elderly person you’ve never met. Some things you can do at home are saying grace before eating meals or praying when you wake up and praying when you go to bed. Some things you can say and do at school are helping somebody with their homework, or when somebody’s being mean, tell them to stop. There are many things you can do to become a saint, but one thing that matters that you might not realize is that you might change somebody’s life forever.” – Maddie Burke, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington
“Some ways you can be a saint include being respectful to everyone. You can also participate and go to Mass every Sunday. Another way is to listen to your parents and do what they say. At school, you should try to listen and be respectful to your teacher. Sometimes being a saint means doing good things quietly and silently even when others aren’t looking. You can help a friend when they fall, or shake the other team’s hands after you lose. It’s those small acts of kindness that make you closer to Jesus and closer to becoming a saint.” – Peter Brown, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington
“What I can do to be a saint is to choose to stay on the path of God. We learned from the Bible how Adam and Eve got tricked by Satan. They chose the path of greed or the path of Satan. There are times when there is a fork in the road. In those situations, you can choose either God’s path or Satan’s path, and it’s up to you to choose which path to follow. If you follow Satan’s path, you will feel guilt and sadness. Take a moment to reflect on a time when you choose the wrong path, and pray to God for him to forgive you.” – Mariana Mendez, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington
Artwork by Ella Meuwissen, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington
“A saint is an ordinary person who does good deeds, even when no one is watching. You can act like a saint by helping an elder cross the street, listening in class, helping with chores around the house, feeding the less fortunate, donating to a community, praying to God, complimenting someone and making them smile, not complaining, helping your sibling build a Lego structure, helping your friend with a math problem, helping fold your family’s laundry, raking your neighbor’s yard, and by doing many more acts of kindness. Remember, anyone can do good deeds, and anyone can be kind.” – Penelope Patten, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington
“I can be a saint by listening to my teachers and parents. I can respect my elders and be a good kid. I can be nice to everyone and do the right thing even when other people aren’t watching. Saints would sacrifice their lives, so maybe I can sacrifice TV and do chores… I can also go to church every Sunday.” – Jackson Behr, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington
“I can be a saint by doing many things, including being kind to others and helping them when they ask for it. Also I could do kind things without complaining, bragging or asking for a reward. This would bring me closer to Jesus, because he says that when we do something for the least of his people, we do it for him, and that everyone is my neighbor, so we should all be kind. Jesus teaches us to treat everyone as we would like to be treated, too.” – Julian Misztal, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington
Artwork by Emma McKenzie, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington
“I can be a saint in many ways! I can participate in donations and food drives, such as the Greg Gannon Food Drive. I can pray before meals and at night. I will really think about what the priest is saying during Mass… I can pay attention during class and be respectful to my teachers. I will obey my parents and do what my parents ask of me the first time. When I see someone sad, I can cheer them up. I will also stand up for people who need help or are being bullied. Finally, I will be kind to everyone who is around me and try my best not to be disrespectful.” – Juliet Murray, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington
“I think that I can be a saint by being kind and forgiving to everyone. Some ways I can do this are by being polite to everyone, helping other people when they need help, and comforting people who are sad. I can get closer to Christ by doing these things and being a saint. I believe that if you really try to be kind to everyone and try to be a saint as much as you can, you will come closer to God…” – Nico Angelo, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington
“Some of the things I could do to be more saintly are maybe to go to church more often. Doing nice and amazing things without needing a reward can make you more saintly, because those types of things should be normalized. Doing things more saintly is good, nice, and a good way to help others. You could do fundraisers, you could feed the homeless, you could pray for others. You could love others. Doing that can inspire others, children and adults. Pray, love and care for people in need, because that can make you more saintly. Being saintly and doing all of these things can get you closer to Jesus. Love Jesus, because he loves you.” – BitAnia Bereket, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington
“I can be a saint by helping others with their homework. I can also go to church and pray for the people who have died in my lifetime. I can also help if someone falls down, I can bring them back up. If I saw someone getting bullied, I would stand up for them and cheer them up. I would do a lemonade stand to help people in need…” – Sean Connolly, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington
Cardinal Hickey Academy, Owings
“I will help a friend to grow closer to Jesus.” – Artwork and writing by Remy-Mae Jenkins, first grade, Cardinal Hickey Academy, Owings, Maryland
“I will go to Mass on Sunday to grow closer to Jesus.” – Jack Root, first grade, Cardinal Hickey Academy, Owings
“I will go to church to sing to God.” – Samantha O'Neil, first grade, Cardinal Hickey Academy, Owings
“My little way of showing great love is helping friends.” – June Busse, first grade, Cardinal Hickey Academy, Owings
“When I pick up trash or donate clothes, I help the needy and let God’s creation thrive. When I altar serve, I help the community. When I am kind, I make others feel good. All of these ways make me feel closer to God.” – Artwork and writing by Blake Jubb, sixth grade, Cardinal Hickey Academy, Owings
“My little way brings me closer to God because I do little things. An example is picking up trash in a park or volunteering to help out at a soup kitchen. I can also help young kids learn how to pray. There are so many small things to do that bring you closer to God, and these are what I can do.” – Giorgio Dipietri, sixth grade, Cardinal Hickey Academy, Owings
“My little way could be helping my mom clean the house or taking care of the garden. There are a lot of things I could do to help and get closer to Jesus. If I help pick up trash or clean my backyard that would be taking care of God’s planet. I could just clean my room or do the dishes. These tiny things might seem small, but Jesus appreciates it all! He sees everything I do and say. I can just do little things, and He will see me do it. I can do little things like St. Therese of the Little Flower. Here’s the best part, you can too!” –Raelynn Griffin, sixth grade, Cardinal Hickey Academy, Owings
St. Bernadette School, Silver Spring
“I can draw closer to Jesus by throwing the football to someone who doesn’t normally get it.” – Artwork and writing by Tim Marconi, fifth grade, St. Bernadette School, Silver Spring, Maryland
“I can draw closer to Jesus by kneeling and praying the rosary. I am praising God for the amazing life He gave me and for waking me up in the morning.” – Artwork and writing by Claire O’Neill, fifth grade, St. Bernadette School, Silver Spring, Maryland
Father Andrew White, S.J. School, Leonardtown
“I can draw closer to Jesus by praying more often and reading the Bible to understand more. I can have my own ‘Little Way’ and help those in need by donating blankets, pillows, and other necessities. During school I can greet someone with a smile to make their day. I can go to Confession more often so I have a clean soul when receiving the Eucharist. I can be kinder to my siblings and visit an elderly friend. This is my ‘Little Way.’” – Emma Bocian, fifth grade, Father Andrew White, S.J. School, Leonardtown
“I can draw closer to Jesus by praying every morning and night. I can also draw closer by helping the poor and needy. I think praying the rosary is great because you pray a bunch of great prayers. I love getting closer to God. I believe God is powerful.” – Emma Guy, fifth grade, Father Andrew White, S.J. School, Leonardtown
“I can draw closer to Jesus by praying every day when I wake up in the morning and before bed. I can also do little acts of kindness throughout the day like helping a friend or even smiling at someone. I can also read the Bible every day and be nice to my siblings. Helping my parents is also a way I can be helpful and grow closer to Jesus. This is my ‘Little Way.’” –Noelle Roy, fifth grade, Father Andrew White, S.J. School, Leonardtown
The next Junior Saints
In December, we celebrate Christmas. For the next Junior Saints, students are invited to draw a picture of a scene from the first Christmas, and write about what Christmas means to them. The drawings and writings should be emailed to ZimmermannM@adw.org by Tuesday Dec. 9, 2025 to Mark Zimmermann, the Catholic Standard’s editor, and they should include the name, grade and school or parish of the student printed clearly.
Due to time constraints involved with reviewing the volume of submitted work, it is requested that schools or parish religious education programs limit their entries to 10 drawings and 10 writings from their students. The best formats to send are jpegs for artwork and word documents or pdfs for writing, if possible. Please no long essays. Thank you!
