Prayers take flight at St. Rose vacation Bible school

Friday, Aug. 21, 2015

LAYTON — During the first week of August, 64 children at St. Rose of Lima Parish took an imaginary round-the-world journey to learn about prayer. The 2015 St. Rose Vacation Bible School used the “Radical Ride on the Wings of Prayer” curriculum from the Cat Chat company. Each of the five daily sessions included a “virtue of the day,” a Scripture passage, and a lesson about prayer centered on a saint or an angel.

VBS leader Jill Stevens praised the curriculum. “It is a great program that brought the children closer to Jesus and closer to each other. You could see the bonds forming every day,” she said.

“What a fabulous week for our children, leaders and adults!” exclaimed Father Clarence Sandoval, pastor. “It was a joy to see their interaction with each other and through hands-on experience to create lasting memories.”

The program used air travel as a way to understand prayer, starting with “Get Onboard: What is Prayer” and moving through lessons like “Prepare for Takeoff: Learning How to Pray” and “The Landing: Putting Prayer into Action.” Each lesson also featured a different “destination country” that contributed to the theme of the day through the snacks and activities.

Pulling the entire weeklong event together was the work of a volunteer group of 15 adults and 10 youth. 

“At first I was reluctant,” volunteer Gen Hettinger said, “but once I got in here it was so welcoming and the children were so wonderful that I enjoyed the whole time.”

Teen volunteer Hannah Rockwell agreed. 

“It was great to help the kids grow in their faith, and I learned, too!” she said.

The daily activities included skits, songs, prayer, snacks, fun and games and crafts such as doorknob hangers so children could let their families know it was their prayer time.

“The children and adults were totally engaged in the crafts,” said craft leader Chris Biotti. “They were meaningful and fun and the children appreciated all of them.” 

The program was a hit with the families of the parish. “The kids love it and the family loves it,” said Justin Huven, father of three of the children who participated. “It is a great opportunity to learn about the Church and faith. We appreciate the church for running the program.”

The week ended with a closing Mass for the children, parents and volunteers. The music for the Mass came from the songs with actions the children had learned during the week. A banner proclaiming “Our prayers take flight” and decorated with the children’s handprints hung on the rear wall of the sanctuary.

“Jill and her leaders accomplished a very important goal: children need to know that they are precious in the eyes of God and that Jesus loves them more than they can ever imagine,” Fr. Sandoval said. “With the children’s excitement and humility, the children became my teacher.”

Courtesy of Kevin Cummings