Saturday, July 31, 2010

Almost here!

Excitement runs high as CKC 2010 comes up in just a few days: we are at 110 participants and counting! The theme song was recorded today, with the delightful participation of several children. There is nothing like seeing a petite 4-year-old standing on a chair wearing a headset, and hearing his precious voice sing "Baptism made me a child of God..."!

Please pray for the printer who is printing our new story-coloring book which every child will receive. We are thrilled to offer this tender yet adventurous portrayal of the seven sacraments: the very first batch of this brand-new book will go to our attendees!

If you are not attending CKC, but are interested in receiving a copy of God's Gifts of Grace, email st joseph cre @ sbc global . net (remove the spaces).

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Video?

Our song recording is all set: praise the Lord!

Newest need: anyone coming who can bring a video camera to film the Camp's closing ceremonies from 3-4pm on Thursday, August 5th?

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Projects!

Thanks be to God, it looks like our Children's Adoration will be a go! Now for a new prayer request: I've written an original theme song for CKC, and really hope to have it professionally or semi-professionally recorded. Right now I have several leads for possible recording studios: please pray that it comes together!

Monday, July 19, 2010

Prayer Request

A prayer request that you can all join me in offering:

We really hope to have Eucharistic Adoration for the children during Camp, and are praying for three things to help that happen:

1. The Brothers of St. John to come and lead the children in prayer
2. Permission to use an upstairs room to convert into a chapel
3. Availability of musicians to come lead music for worship

Thank you for being part of our spiritual team by adding your prayers and sacrifices!!

Friday, July 16, 2010

It's for the children

It so warmed my heart tonight when I went to bring CKC flyers to a small group of children socializing at the parish hall. A handful of them were at last year's Camp, and were bubbling over with excitement at my coming!

"I've missed you so much!" cried little Miss K (even though we actually ran into each other last night at a different Church). After being greeted with eager hugs, I gave a few CDs of last year's CKC music to a mom who'd asked for replacements. When they put one on, two little girls instantly began dancing and singing along with gusto...

I, I can do all things, all things, all things
I, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

Meanwhile, an eager, affectionate 10-year-old reached for a registration form as if it were a treat, exclaiming "This makes me want to go to Church even more!". From across the table, the other 10-year-old asked me for all the remaining forms I had with me, "so I can invite all my cousins". And she sat down promptly to start writing herself a list of invitees.

I walked out marveling at the opportunity to grace these children's lives in such a way that a year later, their enthusiasim is still so strong. Such joyous moments remind me why I love doing this, and why it's totally worth all the time, effort, and late nights. :) It's for the children — His children!

Thursday, July 15, 2010

CKC in the News!

Catholic Cruz was featured in the Joliet Herald News today in a fabulous article by Denise Unland.

Camp puts fun into sacrament lessons :: Herald News :: Lifestyles
Take a Catholic Cruz (cruz is Spanish for cross) on the Sacrament Ship with Christ as your captain, Mary as your first mate, and the saints as your traveling companions and learn about the seven sacraments.


Read the rest here!

Monday, July 5, 2010

When the Holy Spirit is the Boss

...amazing things happen! We became quite estatic the other day upon looking closer at the calendar and remembering that the memorial of St. John Vianney — who we'd already selected as a patron saint for Day 2 of Catholic Cruz — falls ON THAT DAY (August 4th)! How cool is that?

Friday, July 2, 2010

All Aboard!

CKC 2010 is just under 5 weeks away... welcome to the blog!

What: Catholic Kids' Day Camp (CKC)

When: Tuesday-Thursday, August 3-5, 2010

Where: St. Joseph Park in Joliet, IL

Time: 9am-3pm

For: Pre-K through Gr. 6 (Gr 7 and up welcome as helpers)
The event is hosted by St. Joseph Parish, but welcomes Catholic children from any parish or school (private, public, homeschool), and even non-Catholics who are interested in a Catholic event.

Cost: $35/child • Second child in family $15 • Third child free

This year's theme:

CATHOLIC CRUZ
...3 days of Faith and Fun aboard the "Sacrament Ship"


With questions or to register, contact Claire (Camp Coordinator) today at st joseph cre @ sbc global . net (remove all spaces). Hurry! Space is limited!

Highlights of 2009

Last year's CKC (The King's Castle: Knights and Princesses in the Family of God) was attended by over 100 children and youth participants with an overwhelmingly positive response. In fact, many children are still taking about it!

Just a few highlights of 2009 included daily skits featuring our theme saints (including a live bunny rabbit cameo), great Catholic kids' music, story-coloring books for each child, and the "royal" closing ceremonies.

What makes CKC more than just a typical parish Vacation Bible School? Its thoroughly Catholic, integrated approach. Every activity ties offers a hands-on lesson of Faith: crafts, snacks, and games all have meaning, too! Many VBS programs used in Catholic parishes are Protestant-written with added Catholic component(s), but our programs are 100% Catholic, with the goal of helping your child be proud to be one!