Children attend the July 8-11, 2024 Vacation Bible School program at St. Martin Parish in Rome, Ky. COURTESY OF NICOLE GRAY
Fun, faith, and fellowship at St. Martin VBS
BY NICOLE GRAY, ST. MARTIN PARISH
Vacation Bible School (VBS) at St. Martin Parish in Rome, Ky., was an unforgettable experience this year, brimming with activities that engaged children and adults alike in a joyful celebration of faith. The week-long event was a perfect blend of fun and learning, leaving participants with cherished memories and a deeper understanding of biblical stories.
Debi Hopkins, the director of religious education, spearheaded the planning and execution of VBS. Her vision was to create an environment where children could explore their faith through interactive and hands-on activities. With the help of numerous volunteers, Debi transformed her vision into reality, ensuring that each day of VBS was filled with meaningful and enjoyable experiences.
The week was packed with a variety of activities designed to cater to different interests and learning styles. Here’s a glimpse of what we did:
Starting at 5:30 p.m. from July 8-11, we offered free meals provided by Owensboro Catholic School Food Service, then children began each night with vibrant songs and dances that gave children a way to express their faith and joy through movement and song. The heart of VBS was the educational sessions that focused on key biblical stories. We explored the stories of the Tower of Babel, Adam and Eve, and Noah’s Ark. Each story was brought to life through interactive storytelling, skits, and discussions, making the ancient tales relevant and engaging for the children.
Volunteers assist children in learning the hand motions to songs during the July 8-11 Vacation Bible School at St. Martin Parish in Rome, Ky. COURTESY OF NICOLE GRAY
Each tent at VBS gave way to some type of interactive fun for each child. Every night, the children made bread. Then, in the Marketplace, they planted plants, made bracelets, got to pet animals, and made creative crafts – all serving as a reminder of the Bible stories told throughout the week. These various stations taught children about nurturing life and the importance of caring for the environment.
Prayer was an integral part of VBS. We began and ended each day with prayers, fostering a sense of spiritual connection and gratitude among the participants. Throughout the week, the underlying theme was learning the roots of our faith, which finally leads us to Jesus. Every activity was designed to show children how they could live out their faith in everyday life. The combination of stories, prayers, and practical activities helped the children understand and embrace the sacred stories of our faith in a fun and engaging way.
The success of VBS at St. Martin was made possible by the dedicated efforts of many volunteers. From organizing activities to the behind-the-scenes work of numerous helpers ensured that everything ran smoothly. A big thank-you to everyone who contributed their time and talents to make this event a success. Debi would like to give a grateful nod to Crissy Stevenson and St. Paul Parish in Princeton, Ky., for the legacy of what we now call Bible Adventures.
“Without Crissy and her childhood memories of the Marketplace VBS in Princeton, this would never come to fruition here,” said Debi.
In conclusion, Vacation Bible School at St. Martin was a remarkable week of faith, fun, and fellowship. Debi Hopkins and her team created an environment where children could learn about their faith in a dynamic and engaging way. The memories made and lessons learned will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on all who participated. The Bible Adventure team will be back next summer, moving ahead into the Book of Exodus. Oh, the places we will go!
Nicole Gray is the director of communications for St. Martin Parish in Rome, Ky.
Originally printed in the September 2024 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
