Wowed by God Through Vacation Bible School
The week that Vacation Bible School descends upon the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist is one of undeniable energy, enthusiasm, and outright joy. With over 100 kids participating and countless youth leaders and adult volunteers, Vacation Bible School certainly grabs the attention, and from the laughter and joy of so many smiling faces, the devotion and ‘yes’ of the staff and volunteers to make this meaningful experience God-centered is evident. Throughout the week, kids learned about different saints and encountered God through the natural world as well as through their interactions with each other. We took the time to chat with a few of the volunteers and participants to share their reactions with you.
Catherine at VBS
What I love about Vacation Bible School is playing with friends. I have seen God in how important it is to share with others. - Catherine, Kindergarten
I love playing with friends and making new friends! -Abe, Pre-K
Youth Leaders peel oranges
Volunteering at Vacation Bible School is fun. We got to learn how to peel oranges and see how the different activities make kids happy. There are great songs based on God. -Clara and Stella, Youth Leaders
We love snacks. And I like to be with my brother to help him not get sad. We see God when we go outside. - Liliana & Vincent, Pre-K
Vacation Bible School gives all participants—youth and leaders alike—an opportunity to reach a richer awareness of God’s activity in their lives, all the while deepening the spirit of community amongst themselves. There is a palpable vibrancy and joy at work throughout these days which provides a profound witness to the presence of the Holy Spirit. -Fr. Bob Horihan
VBS adult volunteer Jess
Liliana and Vincent at VBS
It’s my first time volunteering and the kids are great! I love seeing how they interact with what is going on and their big eyes and excitement for different activities and what’s coming next. Helping those around me reveals God’s presence but also learning from both kids and the other adults. If you’ve never volunteered for VBS or experienced it, I’d like to share that it can seem overwhelming at first, but you should just jump in. Everyone is so helpful and welcoming. - Jess, Adult Volunteer
Youth leader Etta with her brother Abe
I like working with the Pre-K kids and teaching them about how God loves them. It makes me smile to see how they love to participate in the dancing and really have no fear to try the moves. As I watch the kids, I see how God is present in the ways that they help each other, like if they fall down. VBS is really a great way to teach others about the faith and it’s so much fun. -Etta, Youth Leader
I love seeing the different personalities of the kids. You can really see God’s light shining through their joy and the way they respond to new experiences. Working with the Sticky Scripture station, there are videos that ask the kids to mimic animal sounds or stomp their feet, and it is all a ton of fun to see the kids let go and just participate. For anyone who’d like to volunteer, it’s nice because there are steps and a plan to help you, but you can also read the room and go off script. With the fourth grade group, I noticed that the kids were caught up on the fact that their Bibles said ‘praise’ instead of ‘bless’ which is what I had read to them. So we took the time to have a good conversation about synonyms and the meaning of these words, which wasn’t in the plan! - Sophie, Adult Volunteer
Adult volunteer Sophie leads Sticky Scripture
VBS students welcome Fr. Bob
We are so grateful for everyone who has helped create such a wonderful experience for the kids. Vacation Bible School is not the only opportunity, though, to volunteer with children! If you feel inspired to help with kids for the coming year of Faith Formation or Confirmation, please consider contacting Laura Miller or Megan Rodriguez.