Summer Faith Formation - Van Horne, IA

03/30/2026

06/14/2025

Friday morning, participants had an opportunity to “play with their food” and create a chapel based on their vision of a church.

There was a competition, and boy was it hard to judge!

We had so many creative renditions. Some students created an interior view, with the naive (including parishioners made from grapes and/or blueberries) and a sanctuary (with a priest.) Other students chose to create an exterior view of the church, many with tall steeples. Whether they created 2D or 3D renderings, we were impressed by the edible craftsmanship of these kids!

Our winner of the challenge was AJ for his creative use of each of the materials provided. For winning this challenge, his creation will be the profile picture of this page for the next week!

Take a moment to check out these neat (and delicious) creations participants asked to be photographed and included in this event!

Update: AJ’s creation is now our profile picture!

06/13/2025

Friday, June 13
The end of our time together.

Our week was about learning about the mysteries of the Mass. The students had tours of the church, learned church terminology, learned virtues of peace, patience, unity, faith, and gratitude, learned the four parts of Mass, learned about five different Saints (St. Joan of Arc, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Patrick, St. Michael, and Mary) and had snack activities that helped enrich the learning.

On Friday, we were able to celebrate Mass. Songs were chosen by the 7/8 grade class. We prayed the Grace before meals at the end of Mass and had a picnic style lunch served by Pam, Tammy, and Jean. A special thank you to Pam for the cookies and brownies.

After lunch, we.had a program for the kids to show the parents what they learned.

K/1 learned the parts of mass with actions and we proud to show their knowledge to the rest of us.

Grade 2 performed a skit about John the Baptist

Grade 3/4 performed the Last Supper and had a game show on church items showcasing what they learned in their church tour.

Grade 5/6 performed the E-U-C-H-A-R-I-S-T song

Grades 7/8 researched Saints and gave a presentation to everyone.

Thank you to......Carrie and Jaci for the organizing and planning. ...our catechists: Tierney, Hailee, Kait, Carrie and Jaci...our helpers: Preston, Jackson, Jack, and Will...our parents for your support with sharing the faith with your children.

06/13/2025

Thursday, June 12

Marvelous Mystery-The Mass Comes Alive

Theme: The Mass is a CALL
Virtue: Generosity
Bible Verse: Matthew 28:19
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Our community game was Jelly Bean Blitz. The different colors of jelly beans have a meaning for Jesus love.

We also had some students perform the songs were learned this week. The videos are in separate posts.

06/13/2025

Greatest gift of all

06/13/2025

He's in my heart

06/13/2025

Giver of life

06/13/2025

Yesterday, some of the kids performed the songs they learned this week. The songs were:

He's in my heart
Giver of life
Greatest gift of all
The E-U-C-H-A-R-I-S-T Song

Watch for the videos....

06/12/2025

The 7/8 grade class researched Saints. They wanted to make it a contest for best design, best presentation, and best information. We had an unbiased judge, Preston, a helper for this week with behind the scenes stuff. Contest winners:
Best Design - St. Leo the Great
Best Presentation - St. John the Baptist
Best Information - St. Leo the Great

06/12/2025

Marvelous Mystery-The Mass Comes Alive

Theme: The Mass is a CELEBRATION
Parts of the Mass
Virtue: Unity
Bible Verse: Philippians 4:4
St. Patrick
Skit presented by K,1, 2 grades

AND

Theme: The Mass is a MEAL
The Last Supper
Virtue: Faith
Bible Verse: John 6:51
St. Michael, the Archangel
Skit presented by 3rd & 4th grade

06/11/2025

Marvelous Mystery-The Mass Comes Alive

Theme: The Mass is a MYSTERY
Virtue: Patience
Bible Verse: John 6:56
St. Joan of Arc
Skit presented by 6th grade

AND

Theme: The Mass is a GIFT
Virtue: Peace
Bible Verse: Luke 22:9
Mary, Queen of All Saints
Skit presented by 4th grade