What a week it was at our first Summer Faith Academy last week. I am still reeling from the generosity and love given by our volunteers, families, and staff who supported us over those incredibly hot, intense days. Every day opened new opportunities to fall in love with our faith through the eyes of our younger parishioners and volunteer staff. The bonding that occurred last week between the students and staff could only be Divinely woven as we encountered each other through stories and witness. To be so blessed as to hear joyful giggles from students as they played games team building and conquering personal fears and anxieties; I listened to personal stories of life and how blessed volunteers felt to be present for our kids in a way that deepened their own faith journeys. I witnessed the spiritual and personal growth of volunteers from the first day to the last because the space was there to do so. There was even some sadness because the week ended so soon, and the new friendships wanted to continue to grow! Wow! God is so good! He never disappoints!
We couldn’t have done the week without some pretty amazing people! We would like to thank...
1. Our entire staff at Immaculate Conception parish whose support to move forward with this pilot program would not have been possible without YOU. Countless hours of preparation, meetings, discussions, planning and replanning helped us make this inaugural year so special. Thank YOU!
2. Our parishioners who donated amazing treat and goodies for our volunteers. Thanks for your generosity and all of your prayers! They worked! The foodies were extremely excited and overwhelmed by your offerings!
3. Our incredible team of volunteers who include all ages and specialties…
Catechists/Assistants: Tammy Martin/Lynn O’Brien, Liz Orr/Joan Dinsmore, Mary Clark/Rebekka Arrow/Tina Notarangelo, Sr. Rachel Ewalt/Grace Watkins, Heather Ullman/Stacey Coale, Danielle Contreras/Nora Watkins, Rachel Powalski/Alex Peterson
Art: Ellie Draper, Emmi Lee, Pat Siegel, Christine Hild
Games: Kevin McGroerty, Yaqueline Lastra
Music: George Gregory, Alexa Najera, Damian Watkins
Kitchen: Leisa Boyer, Joanne Griswold, Pat D’Annunzio, Joanne Knight
Nurse: Jo Barrett
Check-in/Before Care: Zach Barrett
Aftercare: Leisa Boyer
Photographer/Actress: Joyce Ostrand
This truly was a whole-parish, community-supported success! We cannot wait until next year! We have great events scheduled for the year that we welcome you to check out! The Fall/Winter list will be available after August 1st. We are so excited to share this next step with you! Words cannot express how grateful we are to share this experience with You, our parish family!