In just 6 weeks our schools will be out and our concerns for the safety of our children shifts from winter weather conditions and school concerns to one of summer water recreation, sports, and to the awareness of tourists in our backyard. Even as visitors to a new area or place when we take trips, we need to be aware of our surroundings. We need to teach our children how to be safe around water, the ocean, and strangers in our own backyard, church, or the mall. We must what to do if they get lost or separated from their parent or adult that they are with. We need to make sure that we research day cares, camps, and various organizations that our children participate in. Make sure that all leaders have been checked out, what are the emergency plans, and are the instructors trained for the activity they will be instructing our children. Are the buildings safe? There are many things to think about and we need to make sure we give good, clear instructions to our children about what to do when things happen or give them preventative measures to do in the event of potential problems. Also, the summer brings many visitors to our parish, so, again I say beware of surroundings, use the buddy system when sending a child to the restroom or take them yourself. Be prepared, be cautious, know what is going on around you.
Summer also brings Vacation Bible School or VBS. This year our theme is “Joseph from Prison to Palace.” We will spend 5 days in an Egyptian market place and follow in Joseph’s footsteps. We will learn how God never abandoned Joseph, we will see the trials that he faced and how he handled them.
Our “trip” to Egypt starts on July 19 and will be for that whole week. Watch for registration forms coming in June. Our week will be filled with stories, song, crafts, snacks and games. We may even visit a pyramid or two. We will be asking for donations of snacks and selling pyramid blocks as a fundraiser. Watch for news from Egyptian Times and see what the Pharaoh has to tell you about this event.
I am looking forward to this summer and all of the wonderful events that will be available for all young and old.
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) starts on June 17 at 6:30 PM in room 1 of the parish center. Anyone interested in joining the Catholic Faith is invited to attend. Questions, please feel free to call me.
Blessings, Terry Knouff
Director of Faith Formation and Child Safety, 541-479-4848, tknouff@stannechurch.com
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St. Patrick of the Forest Catholic Church 