St John the Evangelist Church held our annual vacation Bible Camp last week at the Father John M Cooney Parish Center , where children of all ages enjoyed a Bible based adventure on  Son Treasure Island.  Each day the children are introduced to an important teaching about their Catholic faith, they learn  new music and songs celebrating their faith, and watch an entertaining skit meant to teach how to apply their faith in their daily lives and to recognize the many gifts and treasures God provides to them.  Campers then separate into different age groups, and participate in fun indoor and outdoor games, and create wonderful handmade crafts meant to reinforce each lesson learned for the day, as well as enjoy a delicious snack and beverage during a break. Campers this year created religious themed jewelry that is being sent to Ugandan children as a gift. The culmination of the week’s activities are celebrated in a Mass, this year celebrated by Father Richard Okiria, Pastor of John’s Church, and accompanied by the many talented musicians of the parish led by St John’s music director, Dr. Mark Ryan.

 The parish has made an important commitment to support the youth of their parish in their spiritual development through their  Life Teen Ministry, Youth Choir, Living Stations of the Cross, Summer Vacation Bible Camp, and Religious Education Programs.  Many opportunities are available  to engage youth in a meaningful way at St. John’s as young people learn and grown in their faith during these very formative years. St. John’s welcomes and invites families to attend Saturday or Sunday Mass, participate in one of our many adult and youth ministries, and share in the many faith community activities and celebrations that go on throughout the year.