Raising Catholic kids in today’s world feels like preparing them for battle – and in a way, it is. From peer pressure and online distractions to subtle lies about truth and goodness, our children are up against more than we often realize. Today we are exploring the act of teaching kids about calling on the saints in spiritual struggles!

As Catholic parents, we want to give them the best tools possible – not just for academics or social success, but for spiritual strength. And one of the most powerful tools we can pass on is the communion of saints – especially the help of St. Michael the Archangel, our fiercest heavenly defender.

Why the Saints Matter in Spiritual Battles

The saints aren’t just holy people of the past. They are living intercessors, members of our extended spiritual family, and active participants in the Church’s mission. And they want to help.

When kids learn to call on the saints in moments of fear, temptation, or doubt, they begin to build a Catholic imagination that sees heaven as close, real, and invested in their lives. Saints make the invisible battle visible and less frightening.

Start with St. Michael

St. Michael is a natural introduction to this idea. His courage, strength, and clarity are appealing even to very young children. The St. Michael Prayer is short, powerful, and full of purpose:

“St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil…”

This prayer gives kids language for moments when they feel anxious, confused, or overwhelmed – and reminds them that they are never alone.

How to Teach Kids to Call on the Saints

Here are three simple ways to start:

1. Make It Personal

Help your child “adopt” a saint friend – maybe their name saint, confirmation saint, or a patron of something they love. Share stories of that saint’s courage, joy, or faith. Remind them they can ask this saint for help, just like they’d ask a teacher or parent.

2. Create Visual Reminders

Hang a small icon of St. Michael in their room. Tuck a saint holy card into their backpack or their assignment notebook. These visible cues help keep heaven present in their daily lives.

3. Use the Saints in Real-Life Struggles

• Trouble sleeping? “Let’s ask St. Joseph, who watched over Jesus at night.”
  
• Scared at school? “Say the St. Michael Prayer in your heart when you’re nervous.”
  
• Struggling with anger? “Ask St. Thérèse to help you be gentle today.”
  

Linking the saints to practical moments helps children see that holiness isn’t distant – it’s here, now, and deeply relevant.

A Family Shield of Prayer

Incorporate the saints into your family prayer time. Rotate who gets to choose a saint to ask for intercession. Pray the Litany of the Saints together during Lent or times of struggle. Let your kids hear you calling on the saints, too.

This isn’t just about teaching spiritual tools; it’s about building a culture of spiritual resilience in your home. And the saints, especially St. Michael, are eager to help.

We don’t need to raise perfect kids. We need to raise kids who know where to turn when life gets hard. Teaching them to call on St. Michael and the saints equips them for a lifetime of spiritual battle – and reminds them that victory always belongs to Christ.“Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God.”
  – Ephesians 6:10–11