Jeff Albrecht

Saints are real-life heroes and heroines of faith who inspire us by their virtues to become more like Christ. In this series of beautifully illustrated early reader books, real stories of saints come to life and connect with today's children, ages 4 to 9. As a young woman in Rome more than 200 years after Christ's resurrection, Cecilia was promised in marriage to Valerian, a non-Christian. On her wedding day, she sang a love song not to her husband, but to the Lord. From that love came the strength to remain faithful in the midst of challenges. She converted Valerian and many others, but the couple was martyred for their faith. Cecilia's feast day is November 22 and she is the patron of church music, musicians, and singers.

Saints are real-life heroes and heroines of faith who inspire us by their virtues to become more like Christ. In this series of beautifully illustrated early reader books, real stories of saints come to life and connect with today's children, ages 4 to 9. French soldiers were fighting English soldiers 600 years ago in France. Joan, a faithful teenage girl and the daughter of farmers, wanted only peace. She heard God's voice telling her to help France and the future King. After convincing Prince Charles to let her lead the French armies, she and the soldiers won battle after battle. Her faith supported her even after she was captured by the English, put on trial, and sentenced to die. St. Joan is the patron (May 30) of soldiers and France.

Saints are real-life heroes and heroines of faith who inspire us by their virtues to become more like Christ. In this series of beautifully illustrated early reader books, real stories of saints come to life and connect with today's children, ages 4 to 9. Michael was created by God to protect all people and creation from the threats of evil. When Lucifer, a disobedient angel, persuaded other angels to turn against God, Michael led God's armies of angels into battle, defeating Lucifer. Michael is a protector of the Church and its peoples and is a special guardian of the Pope. His feast day is September 29 and he is the patron of police officers and emergency responders.

Saints are real-life heroes and heroines of faith who inspire us by their virtues to become more like Christ. In this series of beautifully illustrated early reader books, real stories of saints come to life and connect with today's children, ages 4 to 9. Thomas witnessed Jesus preaching, performing miracles, and dying on a cross. Hearing about Jesus' resurrection, Thomas declared he would believe only when he saw Jesus himself. When Jesus appeared to him, Thomas said, "My Lord and my God " He wanted to bring Jesus' presence to people in other lands and traveled to Persia and India, building churches and evangelizing.. His feast day is July 3 and he is the patron of builders and architects, as well as the Apostle of India.

Saints are real-life heroes and heroines of faith who inspire us by their virtues to become more like Christ. In this series of beautifully illustrated early reader books, real stories of saints come to life and connect with today's children, ages 4 to 9. Matthew was a tax collector. In Jesus' day, Jewish tax collectors worked for the Romans and were often disliked for being unfair. One day, Jesus asked Matthew to follow his way. Matthew invited Jesus into his home and became an apostle, which meant leaving behind his old way of life. After Jesus ascended into heaven, Matthew spread the Good News and wrote one of the gospels. He is the patron (September 21) of tax collectors, bankers, and accountants.

Saints are real-life heroes and heroines of faith who inspire us by their virtues to become more like Christ. In this series of beautifully illustrated early reader books, real stories of saints come to life and connect with today's children, ages 4 to 9. John Baptist de la Salle was born into a wealthy family in France in 1651. After his parents' death, he cared for his younger siblings and studied for the priesthood. A man asked Father John to help form a free school for poor children. Although people criticized the idea of free schools, Father John built more, taught teachers to teach and to respect all students, and founded the Christian Brothers. St. John is the patron (April 7) of educators and principals.