Be a Saint in the Making: The Family Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary through the Intercession of Saint Carlo Acutis

by Kristi Dentinger

Be a Saint in the Making is a 16-week family consecration journey to the Immaculate Heart of Mary with the intercession of Saint Carlo Acutis. Following the First Five Saturdays of Fatima, this guide offers Scripture, prayers, holy habits, and family activities designed to nurture holiness in the home. With inspiration from Our Lady, Saint Carlo, and the saints, families are invited to discover their unique call to sanctity together.

BE A SAINT IN THE MAKING has received an Imprimatur: In accordance with CIC 827, permission to publish has been granted on August 5, 2025, by the Most Reverend Mark S. Rivituso, Archbishop-Designate of Mobile, AL. Permission to publish is an indication that nothing contrary to Church teaching is contained in this work. It does not imply any endorsement of the opinions expressed in the publication; nor is any liability assumed by this permission.

Hardback: $24.95 | Paperback: $19.95 | Kindle: $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

“For anyone looking to draw closer to the Lord through friendship with a Saint, Dentinger helpfully points us towards St. Carlo Acutis.  By learning from him and adopting the spiritual practices found here, families can follow this young man in his own journey towards Heaven.” – Fr. Christopher Seith, author of Rekindling Wonder: Touching Heaven in a Screen Saturated World and Finding God in the World: An Introduction to Josef Pieper’s Sacramental Worldview

“Today, more than ever, the domestic church of the family is key to the success of passing on the faith to the next generation of Catholics.  Be a Saint in the Making is a practical and meaningful aid to parents who want to raise their children in the spiritual traditions of our Church.  It helps us to recognize that saintliness is in the reach of every person, no matter their age.  As a pastor, I count a resource like this as a most valuable companion to families in the advancement of holiness of life.” – Rev. Matthew O’Toole, Pastor St. Peter Church

Be a Saint in the Making is a beautiful and timely book that brings faith to life in a relatable way. I especially appreciated the emphasis on the story of Blessed Carlo Acutis—his love for the Eucharist, his everyday holiness, and his passion for using his talents to serve God make him a remarkable role model for young people today. The book reminds us that sainthood is not distant or unattainable—it is a universal call. Equally valuable are the weekly activities designed for families. They are simple, engaging, and provide meaningful opportunities to pray, serve, and grow together in faith without feeling overwhelming. If you are seeking a resource that will inspire your children—and you—to see sainthood as both possible and joyful, this book is an excellent choice. It is uplifting, encouraging, and a wonderful tool for families desiring to deepen their relationship with God.” – St. Peter parishioner, a participant in the pilot

Be a Saint in the Making beautifully equips families to consecrate themselves to the Immaculate Heart of Mary with Saint Carlo Acutis as guide, offering a practical, prayerful path to holiness through Scripture, devotion, and daily love.” – Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, author of The Narrative Spirituality of Dante’s Divine Comedy

TOP AMAZON REVIEWS – SEPTEMBER 2025

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring and Practical—Perfect for Families
Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2025
Be a Saint in the Making is a beautiful and timely book that brings faith to life in a relatable way. I especially appreciated the emphasis on the story of Blessed Carlo Acutis—his love for the Eucharist, his everyday holiness, and his passion for using his talents to serve God make him a remarkable role model for young people today. The book reminds us that sainthood is not distant or unattainable—it is a universal call. Equally valuable are the weekly activities designed for families. They are simple, engaging, and provide meaningful opportunities to pray, serve, and grow together in faith without feeling overwhelming. If you are seeking a resource that will inspire your children—and you—to see sainthood as both possible and joyful, this book is an excellent choice. It is uplifting, encouraging, and a wonderful tool for families desiring to deepen their relationship with God.

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring and Practical
Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2025
My husband and I have found this workbook to be such a blessing. Even though it’s written with families in mind, it has worked perfectly for just the two of us. The prayers, reflections and activities gave us a simple way to pray together, and it opened up conversations about our faith that we hadn’t shared in a long time. We were especially inspired by Saint Carlo Acutis. His example made holiness feel approachable, and his love for the Eucharist encouraged us to bring more intention and joy into our daily lives. This book feels like more than just something to read—it’s something to live. Highly recommend it for any couple or family wanting to grow closer to Mary and to each other in faith.

5.0 out of 5 stars An inspiring and practical devotion for families
Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2025
“Be a Saint in the Making” is both an incredibly beautiful and very practical guide to consecrating your family to the Immaculate Heart of Mary through the First Saturday Devotion. There are beautiful pictures, beautiful stories, and practical activities for your family along the way. Incorporating a modern day saint like St. Carlo Acutis is relatable, inspiring, and makes sainthood more tangible for families today!

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple and concise way to meet Mary’s request
Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2025
Our Lady of Fatima has asked all of us to pray the First Saturdays and consecrate our families to Jesus through her Immaculate Heart. Kristi simplifies this so that we can do what Our Lady has asked us to do in a powerful way. Such a blessing to families!!! Thank you!

5.0 out of 5 stars This book makes learning to be holy attainable
Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2025
Kristi Dentinger’s book offers a practical guide on how to can develop holy habits on your own and together as a family! She shares holy habits of Saint Carlo Acutis each week, which makes the tasks manageable. You and your family can take the book week-by-week, or over a longer period. I received great inspiration from it!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kristi Dentinger is the founder of Real Presence Education Foundation (RPEF). As a convert, she loves sharing the amazing “gift” of the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist: His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, present only in the Catholic Church. Called on mission to begin in various parishes and schools of the areas of St. Louis, Mo in 2021, RPEF teaches the truth of this reality using the Eucharistic Miracle Panels created by Saint Carlo Acutis and Holy Scripture.

Kristi was asked to participate by the Archdiocese of St. Louis on their Eucharist Revival Committee. She was also instrumental in establishing perpetual Eucharistic Adoration in her home parish of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Kirkwood, Mo.

Kristi is excited to share that, “Be a Saint in the Making: The Family Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary through the Intercession of Saint Carlo Acutis,” has received an Imprimatur from Archbishop Designate – Mobile, Alabama, Most Reverend Mark Rivituso. Our Lady of Fatima has promised that Her Immaculate Heart will triumph. Let her Heart, with Saint Carlo Acutis, triumph in your family and be a family of Saints in the making!

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