Pilgrims of Hope take part in faith formation Summer Program

Summer fun doesn’t mean you have to stop learning. Family of Parishes #7 held their annual Summer Program offering faith formation and religious education classes with a side of pizza and kickball.

From June 26-July 2, Fourteen Holy Helpers Parish hosted 74 students from West Seneca, Elma and Orchard Park parishes. The teachings centered around the Jubilee Year theme of “Pilgrims of Hope.”

“We thought it was the perfect time to break open that theme with our young people and share with them what our Holy Father Pope Francis started and now Pope Leo XIV is continuing,” explained Denise York, faith formation director at St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Blessed Sorrows in Family #7.

Guest speaker Father Sean Paul Fleming, diocesan director of Worship, opened the week speaking on the meaning of the Jubilee of Hope. Patricia Bubar Spear, pastoral associate at St. Joseph University Parish in Buffalo, spoke on mercy and service. Mike Sacilowski performed his one man play on St. Francis, “Rebuild My Church.”

Tim Neel, religion teacher at Queen of Heaven Parish in West Seneca spoke on closing day, explaining why Mary gave the rosary to the world. 

The rosary includes the big prayers – Our Father, Glory Be and Hail Mary. The Hail Mary is said 53 times during a recitation of the rosary.

“Saying the Hail Mary over and over and over and over should bring us closer to Jesus because Mary is Jesus’ mother and the easiest way to get close to someone is probably through their mother,” he said.

Neel compared it to practicing free throws over and again. He told a story about a kid who tried to make 100 free throws in a row every day as practice, so when he hit the basketball court, he was perfect.

“The rosary’s the same thing. Say that prayer over and over again and it brings you closer to Jesus.”

To avoid any monotony in repetition, Mary suggested focusing on the Mysteries of the Rosary – Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, Luminous. These were acted out by students.

Neel told the students to have intentions when they pray.

“Take a minute and think about someone who needs your prayers,” he said.

The program closed with a pilgrimage around the Fourteen Holy Helpers Campus in West Seneca. Students learned about the history of the parish as a pilgrimage site for people seeking healing.

Jennifer Lang, director of Faith Formation for St. John XXIII Parish, explained how a parish cemetery can offer hope.

“A cemetery is a pilgrimage of hope in that it is a sacred place,” she said. “Walking around on the grounds, you get a sense of holiness. Here lies the people who lived and laughed and loved and worked, just as we do today. A cemetery is also a pilgrimage of hope because it represents the final journey to something more – another world to be with God forever.”

Adriana Ramirez, director of Lifelong Faith formation for St. John Vianney Parish, stood next to a Marian shrine as she explained the role and goal of Mary as a mother.

“She gave us the rosary to protect us, so we can turn to her with our needs,” Ramirez explained.

Mass, reconciliation and games filled out the week.

The program allows students to learn their grade level faith formation requirements over the course of five days rather than an entire year.

Ava Dauer called it “superfun.”

“It’s allowed me to put my abilities to help others and gain knowledge on how to help others,” the 15-year-old said.

The program will continue to inspire Ben Lewis.

“I’m gaining all this knowledge about God and Jesus and the Bible, and I want to keep learning and growing in the Catholic Church,” he said.

Gianna Becker added, “This program has really helped me with my walk with Christ. That’s definitely something that I’ll take with me forever.”