July 24, 2009
Our Readers
Vacation Bible School a success in Martin County
The recent Vacation Bible School sponsored by the four Martin County Catholic Churches of St. John, St. Mary, St. Joseph and St. Martin was a rousing success. Over seventy five children from ages four through fourth grade learned how “Jesus is Our Treasure.” As St. John’s DRE (Director of Religious Education) Julie Sutton wrote in last week’s church bulletin, there are so many people to thank, that potentially leaving someone out prevents mentioning each volunteer by name.
However, I would like to publicly acknowledge those who helped make my presentation on sacramentals possible. Firstly, Jesus and His Blessed Mother Mary are the ones we should all thank, as all is done through, for, and with them.
Delores and Lester Padgett of St. Joseph’s in Bramble lovingly made and generously donated the rosaries that were explained and given to each child. The rosary guide leaflets (that did not arrive in time for VBS) will be in the vestibule of each parish. Thanks to Jackie Esch and Roberta Williams for purchasing these great aids. Please take one for your child and help them learn to pray this important devotion that has been requested by Our Lady many times. Know that the 15 minutes it takes out of 1,440 minutes each day really isn’t that hard to find. Practice makes perfect, just like in sports or music.
The children were very impressed learning about all the uses and effects of holy water. Use it generously and often! Thanks to Judy Blackwell and CVS for obtaining and filling one hundred bottles. The Christ Renews His Parish group and Paula Ringwald helped purchase the fine quality brown scapulars that each child received during the closing Mass. Wear “Mary’s Garment” with great confidence and devotion, kids! Remember the great graces and promises you learned about.
Lastly, thank you to Father Effie [Joseph F. Erbacher] and Father [J. Kenneth] Walker for their support and encouragement. Father Walker did a super job holding the kids’ attention during our outdoors Mass amid the many distractions at our lake, including animals, a playground and the inviting water! He joyously, patiently blessed and enrolled each child present in the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. God bless you, Father Walker! I pray that the seeds that were planted that day will take root and grow as the children continue to learn about the countless treasures of our Catholic faith and identity. We all should recognize the best treasure of all, the love and mercy of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
- Tracy Burch | St. John Church, Loogootee