J O I N U S FO R
TOTU
A P rogram for C hildre n and T
S
t. Pope John Paul II’s motto, Totus Tuus, is Latin for “totally yours.” It’s also a program that youth get to experience each summer. The catechetical-based program is led by a team of two men and two women, who are seminarians and college students. Teams spend a week at a parish walking youth through the Good News of Jesus Christ in a fun way. This year, we will welcome another Totus Tuus team in June. In 2021, St. Joseph’s parishioner Mari Huseby enjoyed attending the program for teenagers in the evening and volunteering for the child program during the day. As a current high school junior, Mari plans to volunteer again this summer. “It was so fun to see the little kids excited to learn about Jesus,” Mari says. “It’s a super fun environment, with games and different ways to have fun
with learning your faith. It’s also fun to bond with everyone there.” Mari enjoyed getting to know youth from her parish and the other parishes. She also got to know some of the younger kids as they played games, performed skits, and attended Mass. Since becoming involved with Totus Tuus, Mari is taking more time for daily prayer, and she tries to attend any youth group event she can. Ann Voller, the Area Coordinator of Faith Formation and Youth Ministry, believes Totus Tuus is so important for our parishes. All who attend love it so much that they are sad when the week is over. “The kids come for the fun and the games, but they come away with a love for the Mass, love for the songs — which they learn in Latin — love for the Rosary and our traditional prayers, and for the
Teams spend a week at a parish walking youth through the Good News of Jesus Christ in a fun way.
Students enjoyed Totus Tuus skits in 2021.
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Students enjoyed the Totus Tuus program in 2021.
