Catholic Vacation Bible School Exceeds Expectations

Catholic Vacation Bible School Exceeds Expectations

Parish

Holy Family
Lawton
Archdiocese of Oklahoma City
United States

More Info

For more information, email Vicki Gable.

Categories: Faith Formation, Outreach, Youth

A parish uses its members' gifts and talents to put on a successful "Kids for Jesus" Catholic Vacation Bible School.

"This is the best thing we have done this summer! When I told my 3 boys they were going to attend VBS, all I heard was complaining. After the first day, they couldn't wait to go back again!" Laurie Harper - Parishioner

The need it meets

Our parish is in the Bible Belt, where Protestant churches offer dynamic VBS programs that entice our children and families away from our Church. A totally Catholic Vacation Bible School gave us a much needed alternative. It was user-friendly and fun, focused on teaching participants about their Catholic faith, virtue, and the saints, and was true to the Magisterium. We didn't have to labor over trying to create a program from scratch.

Where it came from

Vicki Gable, DRE of Holy Family Catholic Church, wanted a Catholic Vacation Bible School (CVBS). During the search process she discovered the K4J (Kids for Jesus) VBS (www.K4J.org). K4J is a service of the Regnum Christi Movement.

How it works

The CVBS lasts for a week and takes place in the mornings. The activities are broken into small group "station" activities and large group assemblies.

  • Small Groups are divided by age level (from 3 years to 8th grade).
  • Kids in grades 5-8 are "Captains". They meet at "Expedition Headquarters" to arrange special performances at "Exploration Hall" and to take a leadership role in various aspects of the program, based on their interests.
  • In the daily large group assembly kids learn the day's Gospel passage and focus-point, sing K4J Songs, watch a skit about the day's saint and receive instruction on the daily "mission" project.
  • Small groups rotate through 5 exciting stations: 1)Missionaries in Motion - kids learn to put their faith into action; 2)Get Moving - indoor and outdoor games and fun; 3)Cool Craft - crafts with a mission; 4)Snacks - fun and tasty treats; 5)Celebration Preparation - preparation for the closing day's liturgy, CVBS show and carnival.
  • All participants attend a daily Closing Assembly for wrap-up and closing prayer.
  • As an add on to the program, our parishioners offered a Hospitality Room for parents and grandparents, providing coffee and donuts as well as a Gospel reflections for those who wanted to stay while their children were in the VBS.
  • The DRE was aware of each step in the CVBS process and came each day, providing great support.

The results

Huge success! 2007 will be our 4th summer with K4J. Benefits have included:

  • Students have a great time and look forward to CVBS.
  • Fifth-eighth grade students have the opportunity to be leaders in teaching the faith.
  • DRE gleaned new Religious Education teachers.
  • After CVBS, boys and girls were eager for more and joined parish boys and girls clubs.
  • Volunteers love the program and come back each year to help.
  • The entire parish helped out by donating cookies for the children’s snacks etc. In the third year, groups within our parish were asked to provide lunch for the teachers after VBS, allowing teachers to "regroup" afterward, and building relationships between the various parish groups.
  • Approximately 200 parish volunteers (teachers, students, musicians) had a wonderful time coming together as a Catholic community, building and strengthening their faith, and serving Christ and each other.

Key elements

  • Prayer and support by our pastor was a key success factor. Father is invited to attend one day for a Q&A session with the children.
  • A structured plan was necessary to put all pieces together for the CVBS. The outline of this was provided by K4J.
  • A well-organized and creative parishioner played a key role in putting together a team of teachers and volunteers.
  • K4J has 4 actual VBS programs, allowing for a four year rotation.
  • K4J is comparable in cost to similar Protestant programs. By charging a fee of $10-$15 per child, the CVBS pays for itself. We actually made money for our Religious Education Department.

How to implement it

  • Priest and DRE need to make decision to provide CVBS for the Parish.
  • Select a week for CVBS that will fit well into the parish calender.
  • Priest makes announcements after Masses to help boost enrollment.
  • DRE selects organized parishioner to coordinate CVBS.
  • Order K4J program from www.catholickidsnet.org.
  • CVBS coordinator selects 2-3 teachers/volunteers per class. including the nursery, which is provided for the children (ages 4 and under) of the teachers/volunteers.
  • Promote (announcements at Masses, fliers in bulletins, decorated registration table, early set up - about 4 weeks prior to CVBS).
  • Coordinator has 2 meetings with CVBS staff prior to CVBS, uniting them in the mission and goals of the week.
  • Coordinator and DRE are in continuous communication over details of event and most importantly, to pray.

Submitted by Vicki Gable on February 10, 2007.
Father Timothy Fuller is pastor of Holy Family.