Vacation Bible School: Sharing the Love of Christ with Our Youngest Parishioners

This may be Children’s Minister Jacob Farni’s first Vacation Bible School at St. Francis Xavier, but he has been planning a lively session that will help our youngsters grow in their faith while also empowering them to share their love of Christ with others.

Although there is no firm start date at this time, Jacob is aiming to schedule Vacation Bible School for the third or fourth week of June on the St. Francis Xavier campus. He is currently lining up volunteers for the VBS Team. He is looking for both youth and adult volunteers, anyone 6th grade to adults. Children attending Vacation Bible School may be pre-K through fifth grade.

“I imagine I will need at least a small team of 20 to 30 people,” Jacob says. “If you are willing to serve, I need you!”

The theme for Vacation Bible School is one that he has been mulling over, based on his previous experience. “The theme for VBS this year will be: Crowned. Children will learn how, through their Baptism, they are children of God, and if His children, then also Heirs to His Kingdom! The Red Carpet will be rolled out and the Trumpets will blast, and so we hope to see all the princes and princesses this summer at VBS for what will be a royally awesome week!”

Through the prevalence of Disney princesses, many small girls, in particular, want to be princesses — but this is based on fantasy, Jacob explains. But through the grace of God, we are all royalty.

As the youngsters experience the fun and lessons of Vacation Bible School, they will be growing closer to Christ to become His disciples so they can lead others to Him.

“This is a chance to share the love of Christ,” Jacob says. “Those who encounter Christ and love Jesus, that love overflows. They need an outlet, so this provides a fun way to share the Gospel.”

The youngsters attending Vacation Bible School will be able to experience a more personal relationship with Jesus as they come to understand that through Him, they are Children of God.

“He tells us, ‘Those you fed and clothed, that was me,’” Jacob says. “This is a good way to grow in your love of Jesus.”

The Vacation Bible School volunteers will have a training session for the program. Volunteers must take VIRTUS — Protecting God’s Children training that includes two background checks. If you would like more information, please call the parish office at 405-372-6886.