Vacation Bible School is an experience in our neck of the woods that takes place very soon after the school year ends. The kids are invited to come and learn, to share and pray, to enjoy a different example of lived Faith. Directed by a great group of catechists and helpers, under the direction of Mary Blythe of Saint Agnes and Sister Charlene of SEAS,and led musically by Diana Mikash and an outstanding group of musicians, the week centered upon getting the message of Jesus out to all the world, to every culture and peoples. Specifically they looked at Italy, Peru, Japan and the Philippines (with Father Joseph, who is assigned to Saint Agnes and is from the Philippines, giving first hand insights).
Nearly seventy youngsters took part ... and as I began telling about the closing program, I can tell you that it was rousing and moving. The joy of our youth is indeed catching. Congratulations to all involved. And to all who have a VBS in your parish or area, I hope yours was as great as ours.
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Speaking of VBS ... one of the most interesting and unique ones that I have experienced was in Masontown, Pennsylvania, when I was pastor of All Saints parish. The entire town held a week long VBS that was intergenerational. It was held each evening, so that more could attend. It was held at All Saints, because we had the facilities. Everyone would gather for welcome and prayer before breaking up into age groups. I always led the adult discussion (because it was in the church which was air conditioned!). We concluded with a joint time of worship and refreshments. It was a different experience including the very young to those not so young. I still treasure those memories. It was good to be in a small town setting, where you could do such creative things.
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