The American Saint Series honors men and women who led heroic lives of faith that have greatly influenced American Catholics. Their words, their deeds, and their devotion to prayer and the sacraments, inspire all American Catholics. See the names of these men and women honored in the American Saint Series below. Some of these men and women are canonized as “Saints” and are venerated by the Universal Church. Some are beatified as “Blessed” and are venerated by the Local Church. Some are honored as “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.
The goal of each activity in this series is to share the lives of these great men and women so that young people might relate to what they have done and look to them as role models.
Eligibility
All young people and adults—Scouts or non-Scouts, Catholic or non-Catholic—can work on the activities in this series and earn a patch for each activity they complete. The activities in this series can be worked on individually or as a group.
Activity Requirements
Young people must fulfill the requirements for their grade level to complete this activity. Adults must fulfill the adult requirements to complete this activity.
Completion of the Activity
After a young person completes the requirements, a parent, guardian or Scout leader will review the Scout’s work to confirm accuracy and understanding. Then, the parent, guardian or Scout leader will order the patch from the NCCS Online Store. Detailed documentation of fulfillment of activity requirements does not need to be sent to NCCS.
Presentation of the Patch
Patches can be presented to those who earned them in a formal Awards Mass, Scout meeting, by family members, etc. The key is to make the presentation special, so young people understand why they have earned this patch. Also, the presentation should be done in a timely manner so young people are recognized shortly after completing the activity.
Choose an activity below to see more information about each activity.
Would you willingly go to an island to care for people who have an incurable and contagious disease like Saint Damien of Moloka’i did? His example of selfless care for others also provides a lesson in trusting God’s unfailing love.
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Grieving the death of her husband, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton found the Catholic Faith and discovered God’s will. Following God’s will led her to establish a religious order for women, a Catholic school and the foundation for Catholic education in America. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton sets an example of relying on her faith to persevere despite many obstacles and do things never done before in service of others and to the glory of God.
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Frank Parater was a dedicated Scout and a dedicated Catholic. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout and was studying for the priesthood when he passed away. Learn about his deep faith and his Rule of Life.
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Do you know who the first televised Catholic Evangelist was? Fulton Sheen was ordained a priest in the Diocese of Peoria in 1919 and became an eloquent preacher and shared his thoughts on radio beginning in the 1930’s and added television beginning in the 1950’s.
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Saint George never set foot in America. Instead he lived in the 3rd and 4th centuries AD in what is now Turkey. Did St. George really slay a dragon? Why is he the patron saint of Scouts? How can you be like St George?
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Passion and Love. These are two virtues that Saint Isaac Jogues exemplified. He loved God so much that he wanted to share the Good News with Indigenous people in what is now Canada. His passion for evangelizing Indigenous people brought him back to them even after he had already been severely injured and faced likely death by continuing his missionary work.
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Passion of Christ Strengthen Me. This was the motto of the Saint John Neumann, who provides an example of how we can each use our special gifts from God in service of others and the Church. This Redemptorist priest used his linguistic skills to learn many languages to serve immigrants and utilized his love of learning to establish a diocesan structure for Catholic schools that allowed them to later flourish around the country.
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Do you listen well? Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin did as he was on his way to Mass. He heard birds chirping but there were no birds. It was Our Lady! He not only heard Our Lady, he did her bidding. He convinced his Bishop to build a shrine where he saw her. His tilma that held the roses Our Lady gave him is still displayed in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin teaches us that even though we may think we are small and have no power, we can do great things if we have faith.
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Saint Junipero Serra sought to save the souls of the Indigenous people he evangelized, from what is now central Mexico to northern California. Today, our Church calls us to a New Evangelization, not in places far away from where we live but among our friends and family who have fallen away from the faith.
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Saint Kateri Tekakwitha lived life with her eyes on God and didn’t let the disapproval of friends and family dissuade her. We can learn from her to hold fast to the faith, even when our culture pushes us in another direction.
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How many heirs to fabulous fortunes can you name who gave away their riches to take care of others? Saint Katharine Drexel did just that. We can learn from her example of putting service to others above wealth and social status.
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Decades ahead of his time, Blessed Michael McGivney had a keen sense of the laity’s unique vocation, needs and potential contributions, and he drew his congregation into the life and activities of the parish. He founded the Knights of Columbus and is called an Apostle of Spiritual Brotherhood. His example of Christian solidarity and fraternal assistance inspires us to ask how we can come together to serve others in our parish and in our communities.
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“Viva Christo Rey”! These were the words exclaimed by Blessed Miguel Pro prior to being executed by the Mexican government. His bravery in carrying out his priestly ministry and when facing his executioners inspired Mexican Catholics during years of persecution. Blessed Miguel Pro’s example of courage can inspire us today in defending the faith against the many societal pressures against it.
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He is called the patron of persecuted Christians in the Americas and El Salvador because of his martyrdom in service of the Church and the people of El Salvador.
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Venerable Pierre Toussaint provides a vivid example of someone who overcame nearly insurmountable obstacles to provide service to others and live a life dedicated to God. A former enslaved person, he later worked as a hairdresser, sharing his love for God with his customers and leading many people to the Catholic faith. We can do God’s work no matter what our profession!
Watch recording of virtual lesson about Venerable Pierre Toussaint
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Blessed Solanus Casey struggled in school and he was not allowed to preach or hear confessions, but he touched the hearts of many people and healed many who sought out the blessings of this humble “doorkeeper”. We can follow the example of Blessed Solanus Casey by showing kindness and understanding to others, no matter our education or status.
Download a PDF with information about how to earn this Religious Activity patch