St. Dunstan’s Basilica Parish recently enjoyed their first-ever Vacation Bible School. The Gospel-centered VBS program had five adult leaders as well as five junior leaders, a facilitator, and many volunteers.
There were so many memorable experiences as every activity, Bible study, and song created opportunities for children to deepen their relationship with Jesus.
Throughout the week Fr. Keith often dropped in to see the children and volunteers.
This was a wonderful opportunity for our faith community to grow closer as children spent time having fun with their friends while learning about the great love God has for each of them!
One of the highlights of the week saw children participate in a scavenger hunt throughout the Basilica. After the scavenger hunt, children wrote down questions for Fr. Keith who came the next day for an AMA – Ask Me Anything! The children’s hands were raised with many questions as they appreciated all their learning time with Fr. Keith. They enjoyed healthy snacks and celebration cake afterward. Many thanks to all the families who brought in food each day!
Each day the children learned about a saint and a virtue. At the end of the week, they learned about the cardinal virtue of justice. They were also able to apply their understanding of charity and doing right by our neighbours. They were introduced to Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati and connected his works of charity to what they were learning about with the cardinal virtue of justice. To allow the students to show justice, we decided to assist the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul with their collection of non-perishable food items for families in the wider community within our parish boundaries.
An added incentive was given by our VBS Facilitator, Gerard Beaton, who offered to have a bucket of water poured over his head if the children filled more than one box – and they filled over five!
We spoke with Ernie Dunsford, who is the treasurer of the Society of Saint Vincent De Paul with St. Dunstan’s. He shares, “At this time of the year, it starts getting busier as children are going back to school and parents are packing lunches. For the children, we really need fruit snacks, juice boxes, and granola bars. There is also always a need for cereal as well as pasta and pasta sauce. We really appreciate everything that is donated to us, and also appreciate all those who are thinking of us and our outreach to those experiencing hardship.” ❤️
On the final day of VBS, children celebrated Mass together with others in our faith community.
In a special way, we would like to thank the SDU Board of Governors who helped make Vacation Bible School possible.
Praise God for the many blessings poured upon all the children, families, and volunteers and our faith community!
