From the Dodge City Diocese: Totus Tuus (a Latin phrase meaning “totally yours”) was the motto of Pope St. John Paul II. It signifies our desire to give ourselves entirely to Jesus Christ through the hands of our Blessed Mother Mary. The mission of Totus Tuus is to inspire in young people a true longing for holiness. Seminarians and college students from the Diocese of Dodge City carry this mission to every young person and participant of Totus Tuus. The youth see that these young adults are joyful and on fire with the Catholic faith, which encourages them to strive for the same thing in their lives.
This summer, St. Joseph Catholic Church is hosting Totus Tuus for any interested students between 1st and 12th grades. The week-long church camp will be held at the St. Joseph Parish Center July 8 through July 12, with 1st - 6th grades meeting each day, 9 am to 3 pm, and 7th - 12th graders meeting each evening, 7:30 - 9:30 pm. There is no cost for students to attend, but registration is required.
This is an amazing opportunity for our youth to grow and develop their individual faith and lay a foundation for their future. According to the Dodge City Diocese, "Totus Tuus is a Catholic youth program dedicated to sharing the Gospel and promoting the Catholic faith through catechesis, evangelization, Christian witness, and Eucharistic worship." The Diocese will provide four, adult team leaders to direct the daily events. Participants will enjoy programming, music, and activities dedicated to increasing their knowledge of their faith including adoration, confession, and daily mass.
Marlene Clayton, Lead Teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School, is excited about the opportunity this summer camp provides to area students. She hopes all families in Ellinwood, Claflin, and Odin will take advantage of this opportunity for faith formation for our young parishioners and community members. This camp is focused on the Catholic faith but is open to all area students.
Registration will be accepted up until Totus Tuus begins on July 8th!! A registration form can be found here: TOTUS TUUS 2019.doc . Blank forms will also be available at the opening session. Don't miss this opportunity to help your child grow in their faith!!
Community Help & Volunteer Opportunities:
Totus Tuus committee members have secured host families for the youth leader team and many of the needed meals during the week. However we could still use assistance in providing lunches and dinners for team leaders, as well as financial sponsorships for the camp. We are also seeking high school students who would like to volunteer their time with the elementary students during our daily sessions. Youth volunteers are not required to volunteer all day - any time they can share is appreciated. Most importantly, we hope you will provide prayers for attendees.
Totus Tuus will also include a parish potluck on Wednesday evening for all attendees and community members. The potluck is scheduled to begin at 5:30 pm. Please plan to join us!
If you would like to offer support of the program, or sign-up to volunteer, please contact Ginger Thill, Amy Hammeke, Lori Steffan, Angie Zink, or Stephanie Joiner.
