Totus Tuus missionary team member and recent Bradley University graduate Josh Eichholz talks to third and fourth graders about the significance of wearing a scapular, a symbol of our devotion to our Blessed Mother Mary. The Catholic Post Online/Courtney Grussing

By Courtney Grussing
of The Catholic Post Online

GALESBURG —Songs, skits, prayers, games, classroom sessions, water fights and much more. That’s how students from 20 parishes in the Diocese of Peoria have been learning about their faith through the annual summer Totus Tuus program. A Latin phrase meaning “totally yours,” Totus Tuus was the motto chosen by St. John Paul II to describe how he entrusted himself to our Blessed Mother Mary in dedication to her son, Jesus Christ.

Totus Tuus is a catechetical experience for Catholic youth in grades 1-12 and focuses on helping them come closer to Jesus Christ with the help of his mother, Mary. Through the leadership of parish coordinators, missionary teams of young adults, and local volunteers, students have a unique opportunity to be transformed while also having fun.

LEARNING TO LIVE LIKE JESUS

The emphasis of this year’s program is on the Apostle’s Creed and how this prayer can be lived, as well as how the Glorious mysteries of the rosary can help us better understand Mary and be more like Jesus. Different colors are used to help explain what each mystery represents. Based on grade level, small groups of students join together to pray and discuss various topics.

Totus Tuus volunteer Ella Carlson is all smiles after being turned into a “human sundae” on the last day of the program. A Costa Academy alumna and junior at Galesburg High School, Carlson has loved the experience of teaching kids about Jesus. Provided photo/Laura Junk

At the time this article is written, Totus Tuus is not yet complete, but last year approximately 1,600 children and youth were served with a summer helping of Jesus’ love. Diocesan vocation director for recruitment Father Chase Hilgenbrinck said similar numbers are expected this year.

BRINGING THE LOCAL CATHOLIC COMMUNITY TOGETHER

The Galesburg Catholic Community just completed its third year of the program. Volunteer Sophia Kisler, Costa Academy graduate and junior at Galesburg High School, shared that Totus Tuus teaches about faith in a fun and memorable way, and she enjoys seeing the kids engaged and excited to learn.

Seminarian Jake Lozon of the Diocese of La Crosse in Wisconsin is a team member helping at a different location each week. He said, “Totus Tuus is a beautiful experience for students to get to know our Blessed Mother and learn about the role models of the church.”

That was corroborated by a 9-year-old participant who enjoyed learning more about Mary and the saints, helping with Mass and spending time with the teachers.

Students in grades 7-12, along with Totus Tuus missionary team members and Father Nathan Hopper, celebrate the end of a special week together during “Social Night” on the last evening of the program. Provided photo/Laura Junk

The 2024 hosting parishes and dates were/are as follows:

• June 9-14: Epiphany, Normal; Ottawa Catholic Community; Blessed Sacrament, Morton; St. Mary, Metamora; St. Thomas the Apostle, Peoria Heights
• June 16-21: St. Mark, Peoria; St. Jude, Peoria, St. Anne, Moline; St. Patrick, Urbana, St. Louis, Princeton
• June 23-28: St. Michael the Archangel, Streator; Galesburg Catholic Community; Immaculate Conception, Monmouth; St. Vincent de Paul, Peoria; St. Paul, Macomb
• July 7-12: LaSalle Catholic Community; St. Mary, Pontiac; St. Malachy, Geneseo; St. Patrick Church of Merna, Bloomington; St. Matthew, Champaign

For more information, visit https://comeandfollowme.org/totustuus/ or contact Carla Wizieck, (309) 671-1550, cwizieck@cdop.org.