“I had my children in a Vacation Bible School at a Christian church and they really liked it,” Baluyot said. “We stopped going to it, because my children’s friends no longer went, so I decided to start one at St. Joseph.”
Parishes throughout the Diocese choose among the various Vacation Bible School programs available and customize them to suit the parish’s needs. Parishes that hold the program include, but are not limited to St. Peter & St. Paul, Alta Loma; Our Lady of Soledad, Coachella; St. Anthony, San Jacinto; St. Anthony, Upland; St. Joseph, Barstow; St. Frances of Rome, Wildomar; St. Margaret Mary, Chino; The Holy Name of Jesus, Redlands and St. Paul the Apostle, Chino Hills.
For the past several years, Our Lady of the Desert Parish, Apple Valley has been offering the weeklong summer program. Using the theme “God Force,” 35 children participated in myriad activities.
“It’s wonderful to see the parents help out and the whole group coming together,” said Yolanda Serrato, an assistant in the parish’s religious education office. “Some families wanted us to extend it.”
Irma Munoz, the elementary school age faith formation coordinator at the parish, organizes the annual event with the help of volunteers. Together the team leads the children in songs, dances, arts and crafts, story telling, and Bible verse memorization. As in many of the parishes that host a Vacation Bible School, the children are invited to perform the songs they learn on Sunday at Mass.
“Irma always tries to find ways to bring families together. As a parent, I think she does an excellent job,” Serrato said.
Vacation Bible School also offers leadership-building opportunities. Several youth who have consistently attended Vacation Bible School at St. Joseph in Fontana have decided to volunteer in the program, serving as small group leaders. Parents like Annette Carlo also volunteer their time to make these programs a success.
“There is unity amongst the kids and even the adults that come,” Carlo said. “This is an extension of what we teach our kids about our faith at home and it brings unity.”