Diocese of Nashville Catholic Committee on Scouting - Footsteps of American Saints

Diocese of Nashville Catholic Committee on Scouting - Footsteps of American Saints - St. John Neumann

Footsteps of American Saints - St. John Neumann

Overview

The Footsteps of American Saints Activity program is a religious activity program that encourages youth to learn about several individuals that have shaped the landscape of Catholicism in America.

The Saint Patch Series focuses those men and women who led heroic lives of faith. Their words, their deeds, and their devotion to prayer and to the sacraments, inspire all American Catholics. In the church calendar for the United States, some have the rank of "saint" and are venerated by the universal church. Some have the rank of "blessed" and are venerated by the local church. Some have the rank of "venerable" and, while on the way to becoming a "saint", may be venerated by Catholics. Most of these men and women lived and worked in North America in what is now the United States. Some others never set foot in America, however they had a huge impact on the Catholic American landscape. All of them sought to follow Jesus.

This is an opportunity for youth and adults to learn more about their faith. All youths and adults can work on this activity and earn the patch.

St.John Neumann Activity Flyer (See this flyer for answers to the requirements)

Requirements for St. John Neumann

All – Read about this saint. You can find the answers to these questions on www.catholic.org and www.allformary.org. Feel free to use other resources.

1st thru 5th Grades - Complete 5 requirements and 2 of the activities.

6th thru 12th Grades - Complete 6 requirements and 3 of the activities.

Requirements:

1) Where and when was he born?

2) Where was he ordained a priest and why here?

3) Did he prefer ministering in the city or countryside?

4) In what diocese did he become bishop?

5) What was one of the skills he brought to the people he ministered to?

6) What were some of his major accomplishments?

7) What was significant about his canonization to US history?

Activities:

1) Discuss with your family or counselor, some of the values that you admire most about St. John Neumann. What is he known for? How can you be more like him?

2) Draw a picture showing some of his accomplishments. Share this picture with your family.

3) On one occasion, St. John Neumann made a trip of 25 miles over mountain roads in order to administer the sacrament of reconciliation to a single child. Remember that transportation was a lot more difficult back in the 1850’s. Attend confession. Discuss with your parents or counselor about your experience.

4) Research a ministry in your parish. Create posters that are written in a language other than your primary language. Describe a ministry in your parish. Participate and encourage other to help out with this ministry.

5) St. John Neumann took seriously our Lord’s words, “Go and teach all nations.”. Meet with your religious coordinator at your church. Assist a catechism class or youth in grade K – 5th learn more about Jesus by sharing a craft activity (examples: weave a palm cross, make a rosary with them, read a story from the Bible).

Requirements for Adults

1) Assist the youth with this Footsteps of American Saints activity

2) Share your thoughts with the youth about this Saint.

3) Review the youth requirements after they have completed the activity.

4) Fill out the application for this activity and send it along with the fee to the NCCS.

For more information about this Saint, check out the websites below.

- www.Catholic.org
- www.AmericanCatholic.org
- www.NewAdvent.org
- www.AllForMary.org
- www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints

Note: The answers to the requirements can be found on the activity flyer.

Application Form

Click here to determine the application fee or for a printable application in either Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat.