St. Lawrence Church hosted Totus Tuus from July 31, through August 4. Darby Helms, Director of Faith Formation and Youth, coordinated the event. “Totus Tuus is a four-day summer Catechetical program for youth in grades 1-12,” she explained. Totus Tuus was Pope John Paul II’s apostolic motto. It is a Latin phrase meaning “totally thine” and expressed his personal Consecration to Mary based on the spiritual approach of Saint Louis de Montfort and the Mariology in his works.
“This year our focus was on prayer, the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary and the sacraments,” stated Helms. “And we learned about a different Saint each day. We celebrated Mass, took part in confession and enjoyed classroom sessions, games, music, and food.”
Four college students hired by the Diocese led the group activities. “These students were hired and trained by the Diocese and came to Milbank on our request,” she said. The students were assisted by 10 or 12 local high school helpers. Helms reported the event had the largest participation of 7-12 grade students in her five years at St. Lawrence. Thirty kids took part in the evening session for older kids and 40 enjoyed the morning session for elementary students.
“We host this event late in the summer to help get us and the kids excited for the upcoming school and youth group year,” she said. “The kids enjoyed it -especially the culminating event of the week – a water fight.”
Staff Writer
No comments so far.
Be first to leave comment below.