Sunday, August 28, 2011

He has spoken through the prophets





How is Vacation Bible School done at your parish? When I was growing up in the Deep South, we had a wonderful set up/curriculum. The structure of the day was meant to imitate that of a temple education, like that of Samuel. Grades K-5 were divided into two classes a grade, and each given the name of one of the tribes of Israel. The children learned Scripture in the morning. Several of the parish dads got together and built a marketplace that was set up in the parish hall, and during the afternoon, they were apprentices to a trade, such as weaving, coppersmithing, basketweaving, etc. Each trade had a weeklong project the kids engaged in, as well as a day craft that could be done in free time. Other successful components for immersion into the era where: costumes (old t-shirts and optional sashes, etc and biblical snacks, including making flat bread every morning.



But as important as knowing the roots of our faith are, in recent years I can see the value of a more Catholic catechesis summer program, especially as religious education programs are being asked to do more and more with less time. Our friends at Faith and Family recently posted about two interesting programs (albeit ones that I have no personal experience with).




Tour the Vatican Treasures! All about the Holy Father, St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s Square, Sistine Chapel, Swiss Guard, Michelangelo, Children’s Eucharistic Adoration & more …Campers… DON’T MISS THE BUS! Climb aboard The Vatican Express! Meet your tour guide, a member of the Swiss Guard and uncover the Vatican treasures. First stop…St. Peter’s Square!
* Explore St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.

* Meet and greet our Pope.

* Get to know St. Peter and find out how the Church started.

* Read about Saint Jerome (who translated the Bible), and his friend, Lion.
FUN is just around the corner. Step into sensational skits, exciting Bible stories, creative crafts and amazing music!


Fasten your seatbelts for the ride of your life! All Aboard the Vatican Express.




Totus Tuus is a summer Catholic youth program dedicated to sharing the Gospel and promoting the Catholic faith through evangelization, catechesis, Christian witness, and Eucharistic worship. Our week-long Parish Summer Catechetical Program and Summer Camps assist parents and parishes in the evangelizing and catechizing of their youth by supplementing the work they are already doing.


The methodology, structure, content, and enthusiasm of Totus Tuus is concerned not only with teaching the faith, but also igniting the hearts of the team members and young people. The result has been the formation of young adults who continue to dedicate themselves to the Church’s mission of evangelization.



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