VBS Program to Offer Prime Family Time on Campus and Online

Even as we continue to navigate the difficult “terrain” of the COVID-19 pandemic, opportunities to share and grow in our faith remain ever-abundant here at All Saints. In order to make one such opportunity available, our Vacation Bible School program will once again follow the “hybrid” model of last year, and it promises to offer families the perfect chance to grow in their love of God, all while experiencing the loving embrace of our parish community.

“Treasured – Discovering You’re Priceless to God” will be this year’s theme for VBS, which runs from June 21-25. Families will have options to participate. Activities will be offered outdoors Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. - noon, allotting plenty of space for more families to take part with everyone masked and practicing social distancing. Families also have the choice of taking part in virtual activities at home or during special evening hours on Tuesday and Thursday 6-8 p.m.

The pandemic compelled the hybrid model last year with families taking part together either on campus, or at home. This led to a wonderful realization for all — by having that special family time, parents were further able to fulfill their role as their children’s first catechists.

“The feedback from last year was it was the ‘best ever,’” says Kathy McDermott, Parish Director of Faith Formation. “Families got to spend time together.”

Lisa Leyendecker, VBS volunteer coordinator, has long known the value of Vacation Bible School, which she first discovered when her children took part.

“I fell in love with the spirituality and community building during Vacation Bible School week,” she says. “I saw it from the youngest kids, to teens and adults, and the grandparents volunteering. It was wonderful to see such a community-building experience. All worked to help teach about Jesus and about our Church.”

Taking part in Vacation Bible School also is a perfect way to follow stewardship through giving of one’s time and talent under the Stewardship Pillar of Service. The Pillar of Hospitality also comes into play, as families are welcomed to learn more about their faith.

Not only do the children attending grow spiritually, but the teen and adult volunteers do, as well.

“When you volunteer as an adult, you get to hear Bible verses each day and the kids share those,” Lisa says. “You get to look into each theme of the prayer stations and you see the kids interacting with each activity that goes with them. It’s wonderful to see the kids learn about God and the saints, and what makes the Church special — all during Vacation Bible School.”

Kathy McDermott echoes Lisa’s observation with her own.

“The more we expose children to community, Bible stories and songs, they will grow in wisdom, friendships, and their relationship with God.” Kathy says. “Simply, they are surrounded by and discover God’s amazing love.”

One way the children will share God’s love with others is a service project held during Vacation Bible School. Last year, they collected food for local food pantries.

“We don’t know what they will be doing yet this year, but the kids will see their connection with the outside community,” Kathy says. “Vacation Bible School creates long-lasting memories. I had a teen write to me that he had so much fun. ‘Do what you can to keep it!’ he wrote. ‘I have good memories.’ What a testimony that VBS is not only for God’s children, but teens and adults find through their own increased spiritual strength, that they are able to share their faith with their children. Our Catholic family grows in spiritually.”

With our VBS activities being held outdoors this year, there is a particular need for volunteers. Not only will adults be needed to decorate the activity areas, but also to help keep activities running smoothly. Parent/Teen teams are needed to assist with the Frog Pond, Butterfly Garden, and “Living Saints” stations around the campus. Whether it is one hour, or one day, those wishing to share their faith and time with the children of All Saints may do so on “Sign Up Genius” https://www.signupgenius. com/go/30E0B4EABAF28A2FC1-vbs2021 or contact Kathy McDermott at 972-778-0328 or kmcdermott@allsaintsdallas.org.