Looking for an authentic Catholic VBS program?

Dino · #1 Nov 28, '07, 1:17 pm

I just saw this story come across the news wires. This sounds like a great VBS program! The parishes in my community offer a Protestant-version VBS program. This one seems to be truly Catholic. I'm sure every parish will benefit from having a VBS program that teaches and supports the Catholic faith. Read the description on their web site at www.heroesinheaven.com -- it sounds like students will actually have fun with this program:

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL PROGRAM HAS WHOLLY CATHOLIC APPROACH
Heroes In Heaven is a hands-on learning program teaching children about the saints

Mt. Gilead, OHIO, November 27, 2007-- Heroes In Heaven, a vacation bible school program designed by Tammy Gabrelcik of Mt. Gilead, Ohio, follows the lives and lessons of the Catholic saints, helping to teach abstract ideas and reinforce catechism concepts.

“So often, I think, the catechism just isn’t sticking with our children...and the lives of the saints just get put on the shelf...but they’re so important,” says Gabrelcik, who became inspired to create Heroes In Heaven in the year 2000 when she discovered that the only vacation bible school programs available were non-denominational programs with minor adaptations to make them Catholic-friendly. “Nothing like this is available.”

Each day of the five-day program is centered around one particular saint, telling the story through games, crafts, snacks, puppet shows, music and activities that help participating children ages 4-12 retain the teachings and importance of that saint. “The program is fun, hands-on, hard-core Catholic learning,” says Gabrelcik. “It helps us grow in holiness and learn how to apply the lessons of the saints to real life.”

The Heroes In Heaven program package includes the introduction booklet with detailed instructions, lesson plans and suggestions for the instructors of the program, and five booklets each focusing on five different saints. The package also includes a music CD, DVD and image CD to supplement the booklets. The program package was designed to keep additional costs at a minimum, so after purchasing Heroes In Heaven, only basic art supplies like scissors, glue and markers are needed. “It’s such a unique program, and it’s so affordable,” says Gabrelcik, who uses many recyclable products and items from around the house in the crafts and activities.

With a background in art education and teaching, Gabrelcik is a homeschooling mother of six who has included her children in the creation of the program. “It’s a grassroots, family project that we are doing together.”

Gabrelcik, who came from an un-churched family, converted to Catholicism and soon discovered the passion and inspiration of each one of the heavenly role models. “They teach us that there is always more we can give, more we can do, bringing us closer to Christ.”

To order the Heroes In Heaven package or for more information about the program visit heroesinheaven.com or call 419.768.2677.

Might make a great Christmas gift for your parish's DRE!
God Bless,
Dino

PapaDeano · #2 Mar 4, '08, 7:31 pm

My parish came across an AWESOME VBS that is 100% Catholic. It's put out by the creators of the popular Cat. Chat audio series. I have seen a lot of so-called Catholic VBS programs, but none have compared to this one! It's fun and engaging for the kids and ROCK SOLID in it's Catholic content. (Not just a Protestant program that's been "Catholicized")

"Cool Kingdom Party: Mary Leads me Closer to Jesus" stands out for more than just it's Catholic content though. The quality of the resources are great too - thorough, helpful leaders guides, high quality artwork, creative crafts - even the SNACKS emphasized the daily lesson!

The part of this VBS that made it stand out the most for us was the INCREDIBLE music. So well-done in every way (production quality, melody and message), we still have both kids and parents singing the songs today! Our parish can't wait for their next one! Check it out at: http://www.catchat.ca

Chrisgabe · #3 Apr 30, '09, 7:27 am

I agree with Dino. The Heroes in Heaven VBS program is simple, Catholic and fun. Maybe we can get Tammy Gabrelcik on here to talk about it. They just released an Ebook version of the product at www.heroesinheaven.com. It costs $75. Any parish anywhere can now have a VBS program. They use recycled items for the arts and crafts and the program is complete. In other words you don't have to buy a whole bunch of add on items. That's great for big churches with big budgets but for the rest of us we need to find ways to do it on the cheap.

Thanks

Jennifer J · #4 Apr 30, '09, 4:09 pm

Catholic Heritage Curricula have retreats that can be used as VBS programs:
http:
http://www.chcweb.com/catalog/index....f37l1fi8mpa0l1

This is one example, they have others:
http://www.chcweb.com/catalog/ItsaMy...f37l1fi8mpa0l1

Hannahmarie · #5 Aug 28, '11, 6:54 pm

Growing with the Saints is thrilled to introduce their NEW 2012 solid Catholic VBS called The Vatican Express, Don't Miss the Bus! Their camps are much more than a VBS, but Parish/Family Evangelization programs now being called Catholic Kidz CampTM. They celebrate their Catholic Identity in EVERY element of their comprehensive programs. The Catholic community should support those who give of their time, talents, and resouces following Pope John Paul's call for a NEW EVANGELIZATION. These programs are truely "totally" Catholic VBS Programs, NOT a Catholic version of a Protestant based VBS. There is a big difference when a program is developed by Catholics, for Catholics from the ground-up. This is one Bus you do not want to miss!
Visit: www.growingwiththesaints.com

mbeach · #6 Oct 16, '11, 4:30 pm

Our parish in Fort Wayne, Indiana has used Growing with the Saints VBS programs because they are written by Catholics, include the sacraments and call children to holiness by emulating the lives of the saints. It's very important when choosing a vacation bible school program to be sure that the Bible is taught from a Catholic perspective. There is so much being accomplished for our teens and junior high in terms of faith formation and I think it is time we started doing more for early faith formation. Choosing a solid Catholic program for summer evangelization is a great start. For 2012 we have ordered The Vatican Express by Growing with the Saints. The kids will learn about the early church and the treasures of the Vatican. I hope those of you interested in summer faith formation check out their amazing programs.
To learn more visit www.growingwiththesaints.com
Maryalice

cececole · #7 Oct 18, '11, 10:16 pm

For the 10+ years I have been teaching VBS at my parish we had always used the "catholicizied" version of a Protestant program. Nothing wrong or incorrect in any of the content that I ever saw, but there was always a feeling something was missing....something like sacraments, saints, the Blessed Mother!!! For example, there would be a Bible story that just begged for pointing to the Eucharist but unless the teacher made that connection it was lost. Since we are all volunteer teachers, not professionals, stepping outside the program content is sometimes a leap.

This year we did " Wilderness Adventure" from CatChat for the first time. Myself and everyone I spoke with was very pleased with the entire program. Also, I found the teaching materials less elaborate and more user-friendly that previous programs we had used. I would highly recommend this program. I know that one thing that kept us tied to the "catholicized" programs in the past was that the music was so much better in those large, well-funded/produced programs and our director felt that music was very key to the program (which I agree). I never heard the various ones that were rejected to compare, but I thought the music from CatChat was up to standard of any program we had done before.

Of course, the real answer for truly Catholic VBS is for all parishes to have VBS so more programs are bought and the companies will have the financial incentive to create excellent programs.

Hannahmarie · #8 Nov 3, '11, 5:12 pm

Yes - I agree. I heard a Priest say that the Protestants were far ahead of the Catholics in regards to evangelization. We as Catholics have so much more to teach, the Eucharist, the Blessed Mother, the Saints, etc..., but the Protestants do teach what they have very well. Growing with the Saint's NEW Vatican Express, Don't Miss the Bus Catholic Kidz Camp does just that - the program teaches our faith in the most dynamic and engaging way & they too offer incredible Music and Crafts! Catholics do need to get on board and support those who work so hard to develop quality Catholic programs. The Vatican Express is one bus you do not want to miss!

Note: It is my understanding that 70% of Catholics no longer attend Mass & 85% of those being confirmed will leave the church before they reach the age of 30. We really need to make every effort spiritually forming our children at EVERY opportunity - even in a ONE WEEK VBS or Catholic Kidz Camp (CKC). One week, 3 hours per day Catholic Camp is comparable to one semester of CCD or PSR. Why not choose a solid Catholic program?

futurestmelissa · #9 Mar 14, '12, 7:07 pm

I don't know about you but I'm looking for the good stuff- like Sacraments and Saints...and of course the Eucharist!!!!

I found a great, totally Catholic VBS from K4J (Kids for Jesus) called Surfin' with the Holy Spirit. You can see it here: http://www.k4j.org/vacation-bible-school.

What do you think?

AmberDale · #10 Mar 16, '12, 2:45 pm

My parish used the "CatChat: A Wilderness Adventure through the Sacraments" (http://www.catchat.ca/vacation-bible-school) last year. I loved it! My previous parish would had used "Catholic versions" of the Protestant program. They were fine, but I wanted to talk about CATHOLIC stuff! After we moved parishes, I was pleased that they would be doing VBS. Then I started reading the books (I volunteered to teach K)

I was so happy! It was so great to be part of this program!

I really hope they use another CatChat program this year.

joclucsylv · #11 Mar 31, '12, 7:22 pm

Last year my parish used Catchat "The Mass Comes Alive." AWESOME!!

http://www.catchat.ca/vacation-bible-school

gnoki · #12 Jun 24, '12, 12:41 pm

CatChat "The Mass Comes Alive" is the program our church picked for our VBS.

I am a little troubled that there is no mention of the Mass being a "sacrifice'. It is describes as a meal, a celebration, a calling, a mystery..but no mention of sacrifice.

There is a virtue of the day..I don't recall "Unity" being a virtue..

I was hoping for a more Catholic program..

cececole · #13 Jun 24, '12, 11:45 pm

@gnoki

There is no reason that you can't work in the aspect of Mass as sacrifice. Just do it!

Just be thankful you are using an authentic Catholic VBS and the word/concept/reality of Mass is even a part of the program!!!!! I am not familiar with "The Mass Comes Alive" program so I can't evaluate what is or isn't in it. But I am fairly certain that with CatChat what is there is 100% Catholic.

Our VBS starts tomorrow. We are using CatChat's "Radical Ride on the Wings of Prayer". Again, I regard the CatChat teaching materials as being rather basic, more of an outline giving the teachers the room to expand given the age of the children and your own level of comfort. I am sure that whatever the materials DO include are the basic truths. I have to agree that the Eucharist as "sacrifice" is bedrock. Not seeing what IS included it's hard to evaluate as to how the Mass is covered. VBS, to me, is more of an "appetizer" than a "main course" as part of a child's Catholic education. Enough of a taste to keep them ready for more.....but in no way intended to be the sole source of catechetics on any topic.

As for virtues:

CCC #1803 "Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."62

A virtue is an habitual and firm disposition to do the good. It allows the person not only to perform good acts, but to give the best of himself. The virtuous person tends toward the good with all his sensory and spiritual powers; he pursues the good and chooses it in concrete actions.

Our VBS virtue tomorrow is Responsibility. Granted unity and responsibility are not Cardinal Virtues, but with 5 days of virtues and a new program every year--those would be over and done before 1 week was over. The Cardinal Virtues are not the only virtues, but they are the central virtues around which other virtues fall.

CCC #1805 . Four virtues play a pivotal role and accordingly are called "cardinal"; all the others are grouped around them. They are: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. "If anyone loves righteousness, [Wisdom's] labors are virtues; for she teaches temperance and prudence, justice, and courage."64

gnoki · #14 Jun 26, '12, 8:18 am

Thank you cece!

You have a good point..we are lucky that our Faith Leaders this year are 2 Dominican Sisters so I am confident now that they will teach the right thing for the kids.

As far as the virtues go, thanks for doing the research..if there is little explanation of exactly what a virtue is, then I will suggest it be part of the first day's lesson.

You were very helpful! Best of luck with your VBS!!

Hannahmarie · #15 Jun 27, '12, 12:04 pm

Growing with the Saints is thrilled to announce their NEW solid FUN comprehensive Catholic based VBS programs. They enjoy calling them Catholic Kidz Camp where they celebrate their Catholic Identity in EVERY element of the programs. NEW for 2012 The Vatican Express. The children will discover the treasures of their faith in the most dynamic way meeting St. Peter and St. Jerome along the way. The Swiss Guard is their mascot. This is one Bus you do not want to miss. This is a great program for the upcoming YEAR FOR FAITH. The program includes 4 interactive grade level reproducible lessons and activities, sensational skits, creative crafts, games, fully integrated saint materials, service project, AWESOME music with Action Song DVD. The lessons are so incredible that teachers and catechists are using the materials beyond the textbook to engage their children with wonderful interactive materials, for feast day celebrations, youth retreats, family/parish evangelization programs etc... Visit www.growingwiththesaints.com and READ NEW REVIEWS posted daily from those who LOVE the programs. WATCH FOR 2013 AROUND THE WORLD IN FIVE DAYS WITH THE VIRTUES OF FAITH,HOPE, & LOVE featuring the ASSORTED SAINTS!
Visit www.growingwiththesaints.com