Living Saints in Our Midst: How St. Ann’s 5th Graders Bring Faith to Life

Every November, gratitude becomes a theme we naturally lean into — gratitude for family, for school, for community, and for the people whose lives inspire us to live with faith and courage. At St. Ann School, one of the most meaningful traditions of the season is the Living Saints Museum, a month-long 5th grade project that blends academics, creativity, and spiritual growth in the most beautiful way.

This year, as we approach Thanksgiving, the Living Saints Museum reminds us that we are part of a long, remarkable story of people who chose goodness, generosity, and courage — even in ordinary moments. Our students don’t just learn about these saints. For one day, they become them.

5th grade teacher Mrs. Sarah Gates shared her insights as to why this project is so powerful for students, how it strengthens their faith, and how it connects so naturally to the spirit of Thanksgiving.

What Is the Living Saints Museum?

Each fall, the 5th graders spend about a month researching a saint of their choice. They study their saint’s life, write about their virtues, prepare a presentation, and create a costume that helps younger students instantly recognize who they are portraying.

“It’s a project that integrates research skills, supports writing skills, builds confidence in public speaking, and nurtures the students’ spiritual development,” Mrs. Gates explains. “They spend a great deal of time looking at images of their saint — what they wear, what they’re known for, what they carry.”

From St. Cecilia with her musical instrument to Padre Pio with his brown fingerless gloves, the detail and creativity the students put into their costumes are truly impressive.

Ordinary People Who Lived Extraordinary Lives

When asked what she hopes students take away from the project, Mrs. Gates said something beautiful:

“I hope the students learn that these saints were ordinary people who lived extraordinary lives of faith. They impacted their communities by focusing on God.”

This message feels especially meaningful at Thanksgiving.
As we pause to reflect on our blessings, the saints remind us that we all have something to offer — kindness, generosity, courage, compassion — even in small, everyday ways.

For many students, the saint they choose in 5th grade becomes their Confirmation Saint years later. That connection stays with them.

The Most Loved Part? The Costumes!

“The students love creating their costumes,” Mrs. Gates shares.
And it shows.
When the class finally gathers dressed as their saints, the excitement is contagious.

“You could feel the energy as they went down to Healy Hall to get ready to present,” she says. “They became their saint in that moment. You could see the transformation.”

The 4K–8th graders who attend the museum are always amazed — and inspired.

Leadership, Confidence, and Faith in Action

Public speaking can be intimidating, but every year Mrs. Gates watches her students rise to the challenge.

“I couldn’t be prouder,” she says. “They feel a personal connection to their saint, and their confidence grows. Many of them tell me afterward that it got easier every time they presented.”

(And yes — more than one student has mentioned how thirsty they were after talking so much!)

This project helps students understand that faith isn’t abstract.
It’s lived.
It’s practiced.
It’s expressed in courage, service, and love. 

Saints That Inspire Us Today

While students choose their own saints, the whole class also connects to one important figure: Blessed Carlo Acutis, their classroom patron.

“Even though no one researched Carlo Acutis, the students really connect with him,” Mrs. Gates says. “He was a young Catholic just like them. They relate to his love of soccer, video games, and his faith.”

His message — to be yourself, to use your gifts for God, and to let faith shine through everyday life — resonates deeply with students.

Living With Gratitude and Purpose

One of the project’s central questions is:
How did your saint serve God and others — and how can you live like them?

As students explore this, they often discover something surprising:

“Many saints were ordinary people who loved and trusted God,” Mrs. Gates shares.
“To watch students take this project seriously and embrace Catholic role models — it’s beautiful.”

On Thanksgiving week, this feels like the perfect reminder:We are called to give thanks not only for our blessings, but also for the examples of those who came before us — people who lived with courage, humility, faith, and love.

Mrs. Gates shares one of her favorite quotes with the class each year:

“Be who God meant you to be, and you’ll set the world on fire.”
— St. Catherine of Siena

At St. Ann School, we are grateful for the opportunity to help our students grow into the people God created them to be — one story, one lesson, and one inspiring project at a time.