July 21, 2021

Dear Friends in Christ,

This week, we rejoice in a bright spot of normalcy at our parish – the return of Vacation Bible Camp, our annual week-long faith formation experience for our parish’s youth that lets them learn about our Catholic faith through games, art, Bible stories, snacks, and most importantly, each other. It is always a fun five days, filled with singing, dancing, praying, and learning. Yet, during this year and a half of living amid COVID-19, its return this year also illustrates our resilience, faithfulness, and care for one another as Catholics.  

Vacation Bible Camp looks different this year than in years past. Instead of several large-group gatherings inside the Parish Center to mark the beginning and end of each day, eight groups of six to seven children are following their schedule, moving between indoor and outdoor designated spaces with five teen volunteers and one or two adults. The 53 campers and 40 teens are all wearing masks within their groups, sitting on beach towels a few feet from one another to maintain distance and eating pre-packaged snacks. The vibe is quieter and more low-key than in past years. But the sense of community and joy of being together is palpable.

VBC has always been a place where our parish’s youth could grow in their faith while moving, singing, and playing. The playfulness is still there, as teen leader Francis DeAusen chided his group of rising sixth graders Tuesday in a call and response: “God hears you,” he cried. “You are treasured!” shouted the campers back to him. The small group environment is one Art Catechist Jane Toms sees as a benefit, because she believes it is less daunting for children to speak up and talk to one another in a compact cohort than in a large group.  

This week, the VBC participants will learn about several aspects of our Catholic identity, including the Rite of Election, Prayers of the Faithful and the Sacred Chrism. But I think they will end the week having learned much more. How to show Christian care for one another through mask wearing, handwashing and social distancing. How to practice one’s faith and show our love for Christ, be it in person or virtually, as 10 campers and seven teens are experiencing Vacation Bible Camp. How to live one’s faith with joy despite the odds and with openness to one another.

Have a blessed and wonderful week! Please pray for our Vacation Bible Camp participants and teens, as they grow in faith and love of Christ this week. And thank you to Director of Religious Education Susan Anderson, Administrative Assistant Marie Purdy, Administrative Assistant Marie Yeast, and the adult volunteers for all their work in making this annual tradition a tangible and safe experience once again.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John