Children learn the importance of God's wisdom at Vacation Bible School

Intermountain Catholic

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Warren Goudreau as Solomon tells the children a story at Vacation Bible School that teaches them you don't have to be smart to be wise. IC photo by Christine Young

AMERICAN FORK - Children used a compass for guidance, learned that wisdom comes from God and it is wise to follow God's instructions on their first day of Vacation Bible School (VBS) at Saint Peter Parish in American Fork the week of June 12-16.

Solomon (portrayed by Warren Goudreau) was their guide; he taught them wisdom using Proverbs. Solomon introduced the children to a story in the Bible that was acted out by the river guide Strong Strata, who planned a white water rafting trip with some unlikely characters. The moral of the story was to pay attention to instructions and to use a compass and God to find your way.

Each day the SonCanyon River Adventure Vacation Bible School program provided the children with a lesson. They learned God's wisdom will help them choose friends wisely, God's wisdom will help them settle conflicts peacefully, God's wisdom will help them respect others and help them do good and it is wise to trust in Jesus and depend on His help every day.

"God loves and cares for you," said Father James Blaine, pastor, in his homily at the opening Mass of VBS. "He loves us so much he has counted all the hairs on your head."

Fr. Blaine also said we all have fears, which can be either good and bad. They are good if they keep us from harm but bad if they keep us from doing good things. "Jesus tells us not to be afraid," said Fr. Blaine. "If we really care for God, we have nothing of which to be afraid."

With fun, games, crafts, stories and lessons, the children explored new ideas in faith in the company of their friends and neighbors.

"This is the first time we have held VBS," said Lydia Farnell, St. Peter Parish director of religious education. "We have a break from our religious education classes from the first of May until school begins in September and we feel the children still need development formation of their faith. We had about 60 campers ages 5 through 12, which included Catholic children as well as Presbyterians and Latter-Day Saints from the surrounding neighborhood and community."

Farnell said what they learned during the week was good for them to keep in mind such as following God's direction, trusting in the Lord and choosing friends wisely.

"Vaction Bible School is essential, especially during the summer, to allow the children to experience different ideas about who we are as Catholics and Christians," said Goudreau, St. Peter youth minister. "It gives them a great opportunity to interact with one another singing songs, watching skits and making crafts, and some of us are even dressed up in costume to try to bring more excitement and experience to it. We want to help the children understand more about their faith and share our faith with those who are not Catholic."