Friday, 02 November 2012 10:38

Just as the weather is turning into winter, Raschelle Jirak wants youth and parishes to think of summer.
Jirak, coordinator of the Totus Tuus program for the Diocese of Wichita, has opened registration for the Totus Tuus summer program for parishes and for the Totus Tuus summer camp. She is also looking for faith-filled college-aged volunteers for the program that teaches the faith to youth.
Registration opened appropriately enough on All Saints Day, Nov. 1. The phrase “totus tuus” means totally yours.
“Totus Tuus is a catechesis program that is brought to the parishes…for children entering 1st through the 12th grade,” she said. “We are really focused on the sacraments. Children have the opportunity for Mass, confession, adoration, and they get to learn about their faith in a fun and engaging way. This is done through the witness and the example of the college-aged team.”
Jirak said this year’s theme, “Infinite Possibilities are of Faith,” was inspired by St. Thérèse of Lisieux.
Jirak emphasized that a registration is complete only when she has the online information and a deposit. Once received, the Office of Faith Formation will email or telephone to confirm dates.
Totus Tuus offers parish and camp summer programs, but Jirak recommends the summer camp for anyone who can possibly participate.
“This is where they really are immersed in the Catholic faith!” she said. “They get to participate in morning prayer, evening prayer, night prayer, Mass each day, adoration, confession, and hear talks from the camp team who, again, are college age. It’s really through their witness and example that the kids see that it’s cool to be Catholic.”

New program for youth with disabilities
A new four-day Totus Tuus program for children who are six through 13 years old is planned at the end of July at the Spiritual Life Center in Wichita. Registration for the program is at the website.
Want to volunteer?
“If all of this Totus Tuus stuff sounds exciting and you want to be a part of it and you are college-age, I am taking applications for teachers,” she said, directing those interested to the Office of Faith Formation website.

Totus Tuus offers three programs for youth

To register for Totus Tuus or for more information, go to www.catholicdioceseofwichita.org/faith
TT parish program
For students entering 1st through 12th grade, registration now open. Registration is complete when deposit and online registration have been received by the Office of Faith Formation.
TT camp
Registration for students entering 5th through 12th grade, registration now open. Half of the camp fee is due with the online registration and the remaining amount is due two weeks before the camp
TT special needs
For children ages 6 to 13 with mild to severe needs, registration now open. Will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 29-Aug. 1 at the Spiritual Life Center. Cost: $50 per student.
TT teacher applications
For college-aged students looking for a summer job of service and sacrifice.