Wednesday, July 07, 2010

Catholic Saints Research Projects

One of the most popular projects assigned in religious education programs is a research project on the saints. Confirmation candidates almost always have to do some research on their Confirmation saint and many Catholic school teachers find such research to be very valuable in supplementing the lessons of the year.

Consider the following resources to provide students with their research:

Note that these websites should only be starting points. Students should search their local or school library or diocesan media center for resources dedicated specifically to their saints.)

SQPN.com
http://saints.sqpn.com/
Excellent source of facts about each saint with some short life summaries. It is the best place to find information on patronage and important dates.

Catholic Online
www.catholic.org/saints
Short summaries of the lives of thousands of canonized saints and beati.

Catholic Saints
www.catholic-saints.info/
Another great source for basic information about the saints.

Catholic Saint Bios

https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/saints

More biographical information on many saints.

Pope Benedict XVI’s Wednesday Audiences
Since 2006, Pope Benedict XVI has dedicated his Wednesday Audiences to catecheses on the saints from the Apostles to the present day.

Peter to Timothy and Titus (2006): http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/audiences/2006/index_en.htm
Stephen to saints of 4th Century (2007): http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/audiences/2007/index_en.htm
4th to 6th centuries, with 20 catechesis dedicated to the year of Saint Paul (2008): http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/audiences/2008/index_en.htm
6th to 12th centuries (2009): http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/audiences/2009/index_en.htm
12th to 13th century and beyond (2010): http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/audiences/2010/index_en.htm

Suggested Project Formats

Essays/papers
Video biography
Decorated information cards/pages to post in the room
Presentation options:
- Role-play the saint
- Dress up like the saint
- PowerPoint slide presentation
Have students debate certain issues from the perspective of their saint.
Have students lead the class in a prayer written by their saint.

On what basis should their research projects be evaluated?

This will depend on the format that you are asking students to present their research. Make sure you have written rubrics and clear project descriptions for the students. If possible, provide sample “A” projects, “B” projects, etc. with explanations for their grades.