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

by Marigold Hunt, Theodore Schluenderfritz (Illustrator)

I am Eve, the first woman God made. I have come to tell you about the creation of the world and what happened in Eden. So begins one of the many exciting lessons in this surprising adventure catechism lessons taught by Abraham, St. Patrick, St. Cecilia, and, of course, Eve, the mother of all mankind. Eve tells young Cecilia and Michael how the world was made and how the Devil deceived her. She describes the sorrowful events that followed. Abraham picks up the story, speaking of his own life, of Moses, and of the savior God promised the Jews. But this is an adventure catechism, so in these pages there s more than Abraham takes the children back in time to watch Moses save the Israelites by parting the Red Sea. St. Patrick lets them see the Druids try to kill him for his Catholic faith. And he takes Michael and Cecilia to Bethlehem, where they stand with the shepherds in adoration of the newborn King. Between catechism lessons taught by saints, the children travel back in time to witness persecuted Catholics risking their lives to attend furtive Masses in Roman days, in Reformation England, and in the Soviet Union just a few decades ago. Through words and witnessing, deeds and doctrine, adventurous Michael and Cecilia learn the central truths of our Catholic Faith and discover how important they are, even today.

Genres: Catholic, Religion, Childrens

279 pages, Paperback

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.