For five days in July, Holy Trinity Catholic Church became a very different kind of kingdom. From July 13–17, 114 children gathered at Holy Trinity for the parish’s annual Vacation Bible School (VBS), the Cat Chat “Cool Kingdom Party.” Led by three directors, Anne Driver, Kathleen Deverdenne and Nicole Fester, the team of 26 adult volunteers, 32 youth volunteers and of course Father Paul, combined faith, friendship, music, games, crafts and plenty of fun, all with one central message: Mary leads us closer to Jesus.

The transformation was visible as soon as the children arrived. Colourful decorations filled the parish hall and other areas of the building, and a throne awaited the Queen of Heaven. Each day explored a different aspect of Mary’s life and her relationship with Jesus.

Day 1 – Mary Said “Yes”

The VBS week began with Mary’s courageous response to God: yes. Children learned the week’s signature song, I Wanna Say Yes, and explored the story of the Annunciation. Through the faith station, crafts, games and activities, they discovered that Mary’s “yes” was more than an answer to an angel—it was an act of trust in God. The children were encouraged to consider what saying “yes” to God can look like in their own lives: in the choices they make, in how they treat others and in their willingness to follow Jesus.

Day 2 – Mary Remained Pure

Tuesday focused on Mary’s purity and the importance of keeping our hearts open to Jesus. The children created treasure boxes to hold saint cards and prayer cards throughout the week. For many, even the simple act of placing a “Jesus, I Need You” card inside their box became a tangible reminder that faith is something we carry with us. The message of purity was presented not simply as following rules, but as making room in our hearts for God and choosing what brings us closer to Him.

Day 3 – Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth

By Wednesday, the VBS kingdom theme was in full swing. The children learned about Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth and about the special place she holds in the life of the Church. The activities reflected the theme, with the “Royal Courtyard,” “Royal Art Gallery” and “Feasting Hall” bringing the Cool Kingdom Party to life.

The youth helpers played an important role throughout the week. Many had participated in previous Holy Trinity programs themselves, and they became mentors and role models for the younger children—leading activities, helping with crafts, joining the games and, most importantly, sharing their faith.

Day 4 – Jesus Is the King and Lord of Our Lives

Thursday brought the focus where it ultimately belongs: to Jesus. The virtue of the day was love, illustrated through the story of St. Francis of Assisi and his willingness to love God and others without counting the cost. The children were challenged to show their love for Jesus through the way they treated one another, served others and spoke about their faith. Mary’s role remained clear throughout: she always points us toward her Son.

By this point, the week’s songs had become familiar. I Wanna Say Yes needed little encouragement, and the action songs had children, youth and adults moving together.

Day 5 – Build the Kingdom of God on Earth

Friday brought the week to its conclusion with a final challenge: take what you have learned and build the Kingdom of God wherever you are. The story of St. Teresa of Calcutta and her devotion to Mary helped illustrate what it means to live a life of joyful service. The children were reminded that heaven is beyond anything we can imagine—and that Jesus also calls us to share His joy with others here and now.

The final gathering was a fitting conclusion to the week. During the week the weather forecast was predicting showers for Friday. So all 114 children, along with the volunteers, youth helpers and directors who had made the program possible, prayed that we would have sunshine for the wrap up outdoor carnaval. The prayers were answered! A beautiful day, without a cloud in the sky, wrapped up the weeks activities.

What began five days earlier as a parish Vacation Bible School had become something more.

The Cool Kingdom Party offered children an opportunity to encounter their faith in a way they could see, hear, sing, create and experience together. Mary was presented not simply as a figure from Scripture, but as a mother who said yes to God, a woman who gave her whole heart to Him, and the Queen who continually leads us to Jesus.

For Anne, Kathleen and Nicole, and for the many volunteers and youth who gave their time and energy to the week, the real reward was seeing those lessons take root in the children.

The decorations came down. The crowns are gone. The songs eventually fade from the parish hall. But the hope of Cool Kingdom Party is that something more lasting remains: 114 children who know a little more about Mary, a little more about Jesus, and a little more about what it means to say yes to God.