Vacation Bible School – Sharing Christ’s Light
For one week, 175 kids, from 4 to 11 years old, sang worship songs, experienced Bible stories, played and prayed during our annual Vacation Bible School program.  This year’s theme was Cave Quest – following 
Jesus, the light of the world.  Every year after VBS, I have a clearer vison of why we do what we do here at Holy Name of Mary.  Christ is our light and he is in us…we have to shine!  Through us, God’s love and light can illuminate the darkness that exists in this world.  And this year we had 145 bright lights – youth and adult volunteers who dedicate a week to reflecting Christ’s light at VBS.  These volunteers helped prepare, decorate, plan sessions, lead music, guide and encourage children, share snacks, and facilitate a personal encounter with Jesus Christ for each child through their love and faith.  And the light didn’t stop there!  We also had countless donations from parents and parishioners to supply our food for the week.  We were graced by the presence of the Knights of Columbus, who prepared our family BBQ food.  The students and their families brought 80 backpacks filled with school supplies to shine Jesus’ light on other children in financial need.  Six other Christian churches graciously shared their VBS décor with us.  The awesome maintenance staff stepped up in every way we expected and with all the unexpected things that come up.  The parish staff, from principal to pastor and youth minister to pastoral director, continue to support and encourage our VBS by sharing supplies, time, talent, and more.  We were blessed by
generous donations from Flexy Foam, Kona Ice of San Dimas, and Costco.  Most importantly, the children who attended and their families now carry the light, maybe a little brighter, into the world and there is no telling how far and wide the light of Christ now spreads because of their witness to our Risen Lord.  Thank you to everyone involved in VBS and we look forward to seeing you next year for VBS 2017!