St. Patrick's Summer: A Children's Adventure Catechism

by Marigold Hunt, Ken Moon (Narrator)

Join Michael and Cecilia on an unforgettable adventure catechism! Guided by Eve, Abraham, St. Patrick, and St. Cecilia, they journey through time to witness Creation, the Exodus, Christ’s birth, and heroic Catholics risking everything to keep the Faith alive. Through vivid stories and daring adventures, they learn timeless truths about our Catholic Faith — and why they matter today.

Genres: Catholic, Religion, Childrens

Audible Audio

First published January 1, 1950

About the author

Marigold Hunt was a speaker for the Catholic Evidence Guild and served for many years as advertising manager of Sheed and Ward publishing company. Miss Hunt spent her final years in Somerset, Massachusetts, with her friends Patricia and Owan McGowan. She died on December 15, 1994, and is buried in St. Patrick's Cemetery in Somerset.

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

We really enjoyed this story as a read aloud. Such great information presented in a wonderfully accessible format. Honestly, I would have given this one 5 stars instead of 4, but I have to admit that as a read aloud, I got really tired of the word "said" - I know it is written for children, but it made me a little crazy not to have any variety of words (even questions were followed up by the word said). Probably wouldn't have bothered me if I read it only to myself, as I could gloss over the overused word...hard to do while reading aloud.

[Siobhain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this aloud to my children twice and have been charmed each time. Two children, Michael and Cecilia, are being prepared for First Holy Communion by dear elderly Miss Murphy. Miss Murphy loves the children, but is plagued by their question. She prays to St. Patrick for help, and he does in a very literal way. Appearing to the children, bringing them visitors such as Eve and Abraham, and showing them scenes from the life of Our Lord, he "magically" teaches them the elements of the Catholic faith which they need to know to be ready for First Communion. This is such a beautiful way to share the faith with a child with the added bonus of a Catholic history lesson at the end. I highly recommend this book. Though written in 1950, St. Patrick's Summer is an enjoyable read for children of today and a fresh reminder of a world without computers, cell phones, and most modern conveniences.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an entertaining read while discussing Catholic teachings.

[Michele]

Reading aloud as a family in the evening before prayers. So glad it confronted the shamrock-Trinity thing head-on at the beginning!

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a clever way to teach children the Catholic faith. I'd recommend it for First Communion prep, but you'll have to explain the differences in the Mass because it's happening in a pre-Vatican II era.

My only caveat was that in Chapter 13 (p. 196 in my copy) it says the priest's absolution after the Penitential Rite forgives venial sins, which might not quite be accurate (see GIRM 51).

[Katherine Grimm Bowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely lovely Catholic catechism perfect for First Communion prep: reminiscent of Narnia, with more methodical apologetics. A note to Anglo Catholic friends — this (pre-Vatican II) book has excellent explanations of some aspects of faith that would translate well, but there are explicit references to the CoE being outside the RC church that may be require pre-reading.

[NOD · Rating 4 out of 5]

The kids enjoyed this. We did it as a read-aloud, but I am not sure I'd recommend it as such, due to lengthy chapters and some prose that did not lend itself well to reading aloud. It definitely was a fun and imaginative way to learn some key tenants of the Faith. I loved the character of St. Patrick and the clarity of the teachings!

[Ailsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read aloud to my 8 and 10 year old as their catechism lessons. We all enjoyed the book immensely and I for one learnt so much about the faith! The story format makes some dry and difficult topics understandable and interesting. Highly recommend!

[Natalie]

I just remembered that I read this in like fourth grade for a class

[Amanda Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow.