Seminarians assist, lend energy to VBS programs

By RENEE WEBB
 Content and Design Coordinator

            Six of the 10 diocesan seminarians are serving in several parishes of the Diocese of Sioux City this summer by assisting with Vacation Bible Schools.

            According to the diocesan director of seminarians, Father Shane Deman said they wanted to allow the men to serve in a variety of parish settings.

            “We know that seminarians benefited greatly from the Totus Tuus program of past years, meeting various pastors and DREs in different areas of the diocese,” he said. “We also wanted them to develop their catechesis skills, so helping in Vacation Bible Schools seemed like the best way to continue their formation in the diocese during the summer months.”

            Father Deman worked with the Office of Faith Formation to make this happen. The Office of Faith Formation sent out communications to DREs, asking them which parishes were planning to offer VBS and if they would want help from the seminarians. 

            “Father Shane reached out to us last fall and we knew that our parishes would absolutely love that – having seminarians help and presence,” said Karmen Bower, diocesan director of faith formation. “Parishes can always use more help for their summer programs, especially those with a lot of enthusiasm and energy.”

After replies from parishes came back in, the Office of Vocations began to map out where the seminarians could assist based on the available dates.

            Bower pointed out that prior to the seminarians embarking on their service in the parishes, the staff of the Office of Faith Formation provided them with training.

            “The training was a mix of practical tips and some fun elements – talking about theories of catechesis that are usually applied in Vacation Bible School as part of its goals and vision. Then we also learned some songs and dances that are part of a few of the programs.”

            Seminarians serving parish VBS programs this summer include Jack Jensen of Sioux City, Brian Schmit of Hospers, Anthony Sibbel of Roselle, Matt Staley of Denison, Zach Steffens of Spirit Lake and Anthony Vera of Le Mars.

            So far, they have served at Le Mars All Saints, Sioux City Sacred Heart, Milford St. Joseph, Cherokee Immaculate Conception and Boone/Madrid Ascension. This week they have been participating in The Quest, an annual trip for young men of high school and college age that is designed to help them grow in their faith. Yet this summer, the seminarians will assist with VBS at Sioux Center Our Lady of Guadalupe and Algona/West Bend Divine Mercy.

            Getting to know diocese

            While most of their service has been helping at VBS with younger children, they have had the opportunity to spend time with middle and high school at a few events held in the parishes. In addition, on the weekend prior to the VBS, they were in the parish to promote the event and thank parishioners for their support of vocations.

            “Serving in various parishes and experiencing the VBS program from many different angles has helped me grasp the unity of our diocese and has helped me to develop my teaching skills as well,” said Vera. “It has been extremely inspiring and motivating to meet all the phenomenal people – DREs and volunteers – who are working extremely hard to educate the future of the church.” 

            As a seminarian, Steffens said it is valuable for them to see several parishes of varying sizes and locations in the diocese to learn about the way they do ministry.

            “For myself, this summer has pulled a lot of my own gifts out of me,” he said. “I am just loving it. It’s encouraging for my future ministry.”

            Given that he spent quite a few years outside of the diocese for college and then for his career, Staley said the opportunity to visit all four corners of the diocese has been a blessing.

            Visible presence

            Both Steffens and Staley mentioned several priests have commented on and thanked them for the gift of their presence in the parish.

            “Our witness as seminarians, young men discerning and living our lives for Christ in a visible way, is a good way to encourage others to consider it,” said Staley, who noted they may not usually have a chance to see seminarians in their own parish. “It shows them that taking your faith seriously is normal.”  

            Bower pointed out that it is good for the small children and others to see the seminarians and know that God can call men of all different personalities to the priesthood. 

            “It is also valuable for the seminarians to see what happens in the day-to-day parish life and the work DREs put into these programs,” she said. “It’s good for them to have an understanding of what that professional role looks like.”

            This experience has allowed the seminarians and parishioners a chance to get to know each other, noted Vera, who added that seminarians get to know the diocese they will serve as priests and the parishioners have a chance to meet the men they have been praying for.

            Spending time out in the parishes and with the children, noted Staley, “has been a good test of what we know. Kids do a great job of asking questions. I’ve been blessed by being asked a lot of good questions from the kids and other parishioners. It’s been a real grace.”

            Father Deman said at this point they hope to do this again next summer. He anticipated that signup for parishes would begin in January.