All Saints Day Parade by Children of St Ann’s
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All Saints Day Parade by Children of St Ann’s

All Saints Day Parade by Children of St Ann’s on 10th November 2024 during 10.30 am mass

Parade of Saints – Celebrate Halloween the Catholic Way!

Halloween may be popular in the secular world, but its roots are actually in Catholic tradition. The word “Halloween” comes from “All Hallow’s Eve (All Saints Eve)” – the night before All Saints’ Day, when we remember those who have entered our heavenly home.

To celebrate this beautiful tradition, on Sunday, 10th November 2024 during the 10:30 am Mass, we’re excited to host our first Parade of Saints!

We invite all children to join the fun by dressing as your favourite saint. Whether it’s St. Lucy, St. Mother Teresa, St. Joan of Arc, St. Lawrence, Mother Mary, St Joseph or any saint you admire, we’d love to see you bring these holy men and women to life!

Those dressed as saints will be invited to join the Procession during offertory of Mass and walk out at the end in a joyful recessional. It’s a perfect chance for families to talk about the saints, maybe even choosing one you’re named after or someone who inspires you.

After Mass, children will be awarded a medal and a surprise prize for their participation! Let’s make this a fun, faith-filled celebration for all.

St. Lucy, St. Mother Teresa, St. Joan of Arc, St. Sebastian, and all holy men and women, pray for us!

Join us at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Kingston Hill

– Fr. James Raj


Why Celebrate Halloween as Catholics?

While Halloween today may seem like just costumes and candy, its origins are deeply tied to our Catholic faith. “All Hallow’s Eve” is the night before All Saints’ Day, a time when we honor all the saints who have gone before us, known and unknown. It’s a beautiful way to remember our heavenly friends, the saints, and be inspired by their lives of faith and courage.


What is the Parade of Saints?

This year, we’re celebrating Halloween with a special twist: our Parade of Saints! Children are invited to dress as their favourite saint and walk in the opening procession of Mass on 3rd November at 10:30 am. We’ll honour the saints and learn more about the holy men and women who inspire us to follow Jesus. It’s a fun and meaningful way to connect with our faith!


How to Pick a Saint:

Here are some fun ideas for choosing a saint:

  • Saint You’re Named After: Many of us are named after a saint! Research the life of your namesake and honor them by dressing up as that saint.
  • Patron Saint: Choose a saint who is the patron of something you love – sports, animals, music, or a specific cause.
  • Saints Who Inspire You: Whether it’s St. Francis’ love for nature, St. Joan of Arc’s bravery, or St. Teresa’s kindness, pick a saint whose life speaks to your heart.

Popular Saints to Consider:

  • St. Francis of Assisi: Patron of animals and the environment.
  • St. Joan of Arc: A courageous young warrior and leader.
  • St. Sebastian: Patron saint of athletes and soldiers.
  • St. Cecilia: Patron of music and musicians.
  • St. Mother Teresa: Known for her incredible love and care for the poor.
  • St. Joseph: A model of fatherhood and protector of the Holy Family.
  • St. Thérèse of Lisieux: Known as “The Little Flower,” she believed in doing small things with great love.

Saints Prayer

“Dear God, we thank you for the examples of the saints, who show us how to live in faith and love. May we always strive to follow their footsteps in serving others and loving you. St. Lucy, St. Joan of Arc, St. Francis, and all holy men and women, pray for us!”


What to Expect at the Parade of Saints:

  • All children and adults dressed as saints will join the opening Procession at Mass and recess out at the end.
  • After Mass, children will receive a special medal and a surprise prize for participating!
  • It’s our first Parade of Saints, so come with joy and enthusiasm, and let’s make this a tradition of faith and fun!

Saints to Consider for the Parade:

St. John the Apostle

  • Role: One of Jesus’ closest disciples, often referred to as “the beloved disciple.”
  • Dress: Simple tunic and sandals, holding a small book or scroll to symbolize his Gospel writings.

St. Catherine of Siena

  • Role: Doctor of the Church, known for her wisdom and deep spirituality.
  • Dress: White robe with a black veil, symbolizing her role as a Dominican nun, and holding a small cross.

St. Dominic Savio

  • Role: Young saint known for his piety, innocence, and devotion to God.
  • Dress: Simple student clothing with a rosary or prayer book.

St. Gianna Molla

  • Role: A modern saint, doctor, and mother who gave her life for her unborn child.
  • Dress: Simple, professional clothing to reflect her role as a doctor, with a stethoscope as a prop.

St. Vincent de Paul

  • Role: Patron saint of charitable societies, known for his work with the poor.
  • Dress: Black priestly attire, holding a bag of bread or a basket to symbolize his service to the needy.

St. Kateri Tekakwitha

  • Role: The first Native American saint, known for her deep devotion and love for Christ.
  • Dress: Traditional Native American attire (modest and respectful) with a small cross.

St. Benedict

  • Role: Founder of Western monasticism, known for his rule of life for monks.
  • Dress: Simple black robe with a hood, holding a book (representing the Rule of St. Benedict) and a walking staff.

St. Scholastica

  • Role: Twin sister of St. Benedict, known for her holiness and devotion to prayer.
  • Dress: Simple nun’s habit with a small crucifix or rosary in hand.

St. Thomas Aquinas

  • Role: Doctor of the Church, famous theologian and philosopher.
  • Dress: Black and white Dominican habit, holding a book to symbolize his writings (like the Summa Theologica).

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

  • Role: The first American-born saint, known for founding Catholic schools in the U.S.
  • Dress: Simple black dress and bonnet, with a book or cross to represent her work in education.

St. Jerome

  • Role: Doctor of the Church, known for translating the Bible into Latin (the Vulgate).
  • Dress: Simple tunic with a scroll or Bible to represent his translation work.

St. Teresa of Avila

  • Role: Mystic, Doctor of the Church, and reformer of the Carmelite Order.
  • Dress: Brown Carmelite habit with a white veil, holding a small book or heart symbolizing her deep spiritual writings.

St. Martin de Porres

  • Role: Patron saint of mixed-race people, barbers, and public health workers, known for his charity.
  • Dress: Simple black robe with a broom or basket, symbolizing his humble service.

St. John Bosco

  • Role: Patron saint of youth and educators, founder of the Salesians.
  • Dress: Simple black priest attire, holding a small ball or toy to symbolize his work with children.

St. Agnes

  • Role: Martyr and patron saint of chastity, often depicted with a lamb.
  • Dress: White dress, carrying a small lamb or a palm branch to symbolize her martyrdom.

St. Anthony the Great

  • Role: Father of Christian monasticism, known for his life of prayer in the desert.
  • Dress: Simple brown robe, holding a walking staff or a small bell (representing the hermit lifestyle).

Fun Ideas to Enhance Costumes:

  • Props: Simple items like books, crosses, lilies, or small bags of bread can make the saint’s story come to life.
  • Clothing: Use basic robes or tunics as a base for most costumes, with accessories like veils, capes, or hats to match the saint’s traditional attire.
  • Symbols: Incorporate the saint’s attributes, like St. Lucy’s eyes on a dish, St. Joseph’s carpenter’s tools, or St. Michael’s sword, to add meaning to each costume.
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