Vacation Bible School at Holy Rosary and Saint Mark Parishes in Altoona became VOCATION Bible School this year.
Throughout the weeklong program, the youngsters were introduced to the vocations of priest, religious sister or brother, and married life. Along the way, the kids also had opportunities to meet several people living those vocations.
One day was devoted to the Sacrament of Marriage, including praying with married saints, Saint Isidore and Saint Maria. The day included a short skit about a Grumpy Family who needed to get back to including prayer in their busy lives.
Another day had the theme “Powerful Priesthood.” Father Nelson Javier, TOR, and Father Brad Baldwin, TOR, helped with the skit of the day, along with guests from the Sister Servants of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Father Javier also showed the children around the church and explained some of his vestments and the items used during the celebration of Mass.
The Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm at Garvey Manor welcomed the gang for an entire day, during which the theme was “Radiant Religious Life.” The day included Mass celebrated by Monsignor Robert Saly; and Sister Joachim Anne, O Carm., Sister Robert, O Carm., and Sister Dolores, O Carm. shared their personal vocation stories and provided a great snack. The kids made them “Sister” thank you cards.
VOCATION Bible School concluded with the theme, “Sent Forth on Mission,” and the children played a game where they matched up items in a suitcase with which vocation would be the appropriate match; enjoyed ice cream sundaes; and a prize give-away.
