They Don’t Call It “Saint” Patrick’s Day for Nothing!

Saint Patrick was a man who, despite being enslaved in Ireland when he was younger, went back to be a missionary there.  The jury is out on whether or not he really drove any snakes out of Ireland, but he did help spread the love of Christ across the country.  They don’t call it “Saint” Patrick’s Day for nothing!  

Whether or not you get into wearing green and painting rainbows, Saint Patrick’s Day is a fun opportunity to teach our kids about missions and spreading the love of Christ or even do a short character study on being humble and courageous. For you parents who may be needing a little encouragement, Saint Patrick didn’t even begin his mission in Ireland until he was in his 40s.  It’s never too late to make a difference!

Saint Patrick didn’t even begin his mission in Ireland until he was in his 40s. It’s never too late to make a difference! Click To Tweet

Family Worship Activities

Here are some quick, fun, and meaningful activities that you can use for Saint Patrick’s Day family worship…

1. Find Ireland on a map.  Use Google Maps to calculate how far you are from Ireland. Discuss what kinds of things you would want to take with you if you were going there to tell people about Jesus.
2. Have your children go on a treasure hunt around your home to find 1 or 2 things that they could use to tell someone about Jesus.  (This could be a bible, a craft they have made, etc.)  Let your kids pretend to be missionaries and tell you about the love of Christ.  (This is a great time to gage their understanding of the gospel and help them with any basic misconceptions!)
3. Look at photos of Ireland on the internet.  It’s beautiful!  Talk about all the green that you see.  That is why we wear green on Saint Patrick’s Day.  We also use green on a traffic light to tell us to go.  Whenever you see the color green, use it as a reminder that we are to go tell others about Jesus.  

Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 NIV

Prayer Time

Use this famous quote from Saint Patrick as a prayer.  Talk about the meaning of each line and how God is always with us.  

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NIV

Then pray by saying each line and having your children repeat.

Christ beside me,

Christ before me,

Christ behind me,

Christ within me,

Christ beneath me,

Christ above me.”  –Saint Patrick

Worship Time

We love to worship through music too.  Here’s a great worship song after a lesson on missions…Yancy’s “Go!”

Have a wonderful and meaningful Saint Patrick’s Day!  

*Check out my Saint Patrick’s Day Pinterest board for more meaningful ideas.  There are a few just-for-fun and educational activities too!

What do you like to do to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day?  What other ways do you teach your family about missions?