By ANDREW HANSEN
      Editor

Totus Tuus, a popular weeklong faith-based program that was hosted by 14 parishes across our diocese this past summer, was about one thing: getting children to better understand our Catholic faith so they can grow more richly in their relationship with God. Whether it was going to daily Mass and receiving the Eucharist, going to confession, learning the mysteries of the Rosary, eucharistic adoration, or reading the Bible, among other religious based activities, Totus Tuus combined faith and fun (games, funny skits, and outside activities) so children not only stayed engaged, but more fully learned about the beauty of the Catholic faith and the sacraments.

“I like the whole thing very much,” said Natalie L., a 7-year-old who participated.

“It’s a fun time to get to be with friends and to serve Mass,” said Brendan L., a 10-year-old.

“We took some of the skits and performed them for a group of children that we were watching. They loved it. They said it was the best childcare ever for that Institute,” said Carol L., a 13-year-old.

“It was really great to see other teens engaging in the same sort of faith-based Catholic activities that our family enjoys as part of our daily life,” said Anna L., a 15-year-old.

Totus Tuus this past summer saw 1,082 children participate, more than 300 more than the previous summer. Ten missionaries (college-aged students) formed teams that traveled week to week to different parishes in the diocese, leading the program.

“Out of all of the summer activities my children are involved in such as sports camps and summer camps, they enjoy their week at Totus Tuus more than anything else,” said Ashley E., a parent.

“My daughter looks forward to Totus Tuus every year. She loves meeting the Totus Tuus team,” said Renea H., a parent.

Parishes hosting Totus Tuus this past year were Mother of Perpetual Help (Maryville), St. Katharine Drexel (Springfield), St. Isidore (Dieterich), St. Clare of Assisi (O’Fallon), St. Francis Solanus (Quincy), St. Mary (Paris), Ss. Mary and Joseph (Carlinville), St. Peter (Petersburg), Our Lady of Lourdes (Decatur), Holy Family and St. Elizabeth (Granite City), St. John the Evangelist (Carrollton), St. Boniface (Edwardsville), and St. Mary (Pittsfield).

The Office of Vocations for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, which helps organize Totus Tuus, is hoping for at least three teams of missionaries next year which will allow for more parishes in the diocese to host Totus Tuus.

Stay tuned next spring and summer to sign up your child for Totus Tuus.