St Rose’s First-Ever Independent Vacation Bible School

By Larissa Lytwyn

While still participating in the region’s annual vacation bible school program next month, St Rose Catholic School held its first-ever independent program the week of July 14, with a distinctive Catholic supplement.

The Catholic program, explained Director Janice Gerry, was an adjunct to Christian schools’ traditional ecumenical curricula. “After the success of past programs,” she said, “we were hoping that this special Catholic supplement would be successful.” The class totaled approximately 145 students, 20 more than Ms Gerry said she had expected. “The theme of the program is primarily about the love of Jesus,” she said, “that knowing Him can bring peaceful feelings if we put our trust in His hands.”

The program’s “Son Harvest County Fair” theme inspired activities resplendent with farm and country backdrops, including hay bales, blue ribbons and other “props.” Close to 100 adults and teenagers taught classes, led music, and recreational activities, doled out snacks and coordinated arts and crafts programs. They also helped the class participate in various skits centering on psalms and parables.

One skit performed each day was drawn from Psalm 126:3, “The Lord has done great things for us; Oh, how happy we are!” The story centers on T.C., a farmer whose despair over a missing hen lifts into a spiritual sense of appreciation upon her recovery. The study of Psalm 126:3, reflected in an adult bible study course known as “Fruit of the Spirit,” was then discussed by “Uncle Zeke,” a role rotated among various clergy members during each performance. Students and their families learned how to release worry by putting faith into the Lord.

The program was concluded July 18 with a 45-minute slide show featuring students singing and reciting the lessons they had learned. The show, open to all of the students’ friends and families, was followed by a reception.