Many parishes have a vacation bible school program over the summer. St. Joseph and St. Francis Xavier Catholic Churches used the opportunity to introduce their younger parishioners to vocations with “Discovery Mission.”
Tammy Castleman, the Religious Education Coordinator for both parishes, found the materials and curriculum, published by Vianney Vocations, on her own. She said, “I pondered what we were NOT teaching the children and I realized our religious education classes had no real teaching about vocations at an age where children are so open to learning. I was most excited to find one tailored specific to teaching vocations that is also completely Catholic. Implementing it was such a wonderful adventure.”
From 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM the children, in Kindergarten to 6th Grade, spent each of the 5 days learning about a particular topic:
•Day One: Introduction to Vocations
•Day Two: Magnificent Marriage
•Day Three: Powerful Priesthood
•Day Four: Radiant Religious Life
•Day Five: The Mission–God’s Calling
Assemblies were held each morning and afternoon to provide dynamic teaching opportunities and connection. The parishes invited people who have been called to each vocation to share their experience with the children and answer questions. Leaders dressed as saints to share their lives in an interactive way. On one day a priest talked the kids through how he put on each of the vestments he wore for Mass. Teen volunteers also led the group in a daily song and dance time with choreographed music. Each assembly ended with time for prayer and reflection on the vocation they had heard about.
The children received additional faith formation by exploring the day’s theme through four activity stations. At the Arts and Crafts station, a project involved making a picture of a monstrance out of glitter, paint, and a cupcake liner. At the center of the monstrance, a picture of Jesus was pasted inside the host. Another craft was to create thank you cards with a picture of a nun made out of construction paper. At the end of the day, the children lined up and handed them to the visiting nuns. This beautiful gesture and the children put so very much into each and every card. The children had a quiet time of reflection at the prayer station. They joined with seminarians, catechists, and religious for Eucharistic Adoration and praying the holy rosary. They practiced different types of prayer and learned about the saints. The games station included a number of activities that promoted teamwork and a sense of unity while integrating aspects of vocations through specific games, goals, and role- play. The snack station was a delicious experience of community, creativity, and fun.
Ms. Castleman was thrilled with the community’s participation and results. She said, “I really can’t say enough great things about the program and have received nothing but positive feedback from everyone who was a part of it. It was truly a week of joy for all of us who participated! Through this program, the children have developed a foundational understanding of religious vocations and are able to reflect on how such callings might influence or inspire their own life paths. This is a program I would love to see expand to other parishes and communities. What a beautiful community and opportunity for our children to open their minds and hearts to God’s call.”
