Annual summer camp uses story of Moses as vacation Bible school theme

For the past eight years Catholic Charities’ Ministry and Life Enrichment for the Disabled has been incorporating a simplified version of a yearly vacation Bible school theme into their annual summer camps.

This year the vacation Bible school western theme was about the story of Moses called “SonWest Roundup: A Rip Roaring Good Time with Jesus”. The staff had to improvise some, but the lessons were basically the same—trust in God, he will provide. Participants were also given a condensed version of the Ten Commandments, Celia Mendez, Director of Catholic Charities’ Ministry and Life Enrichment for the Disabled, said.

Each lesson consisted of crafts, games, a presentation and a snack pertaining to that lesson. Mass was held at the Perpetual Adoration Chapel.

The campers put on a talent show in the evening and regaled sideliners with their dance abilities.

There were just as many campers at the Annual Deaf Picnic. Father Thomas Coughlin, Dominican Missionary for the Deaf Apostolate came from San Antonio, and with Father Patrick Higgins concelebrated Mass. Deacon Michael Rowan assisted.

Camp participants Janie Rodriguez and Edward Sanchez made and colored baby Moses ornaments. Mary Cottingham, South Texas Catholic

Rosendo Vásquez led a crew of Knights of Columbus from St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles in Calallen who barbecued brisket and served the campers, who ate, drank, played and swam during the five-hour event.

Many people contributed to help make the summer event a big hit with the campers. Several volunteers came from St. John Paul II High School like students Noah Dimas and Janell Jacinto who enjoy socializing with the campers. Nurse practitioners Patrick and María Ayarzagoitia, have been available for the past seven years in case of a medical emergency. Recreational leader Alfonzo Soliz, Zumba exercise leader and storyteller Denise Underwood; and Myrna Rodriguez who stepped in at the last minute to be the camp leader, all contributed to make the event a success.

Mendez, who asked the campers if there was anything they wanted changed for next year, said they told her “they want the camp to be a week long.”

Celia Mendez, left, helps Eloisa Guerra with one of the many games offered throughout the summer camp. Guerra, who is blind and physically disabled got a high-five for throwing the shoe inside the circle of a hula hoop. Mary Cottingham, South Texas Catholic

“I would not be able to do this without my family. They make it possible for me to do this ministry, because for me it’s not just a job it’s a vocation,” said Mendez, who has several family members who help her every year.

Mendez has two deaf brothers and one deaf sister, so she knows the needs of persons with a disability.

“Nine out of 10 family members don’t sign for their deaf family member—even in my own family,” she said. “Either they don’t know how or they find it easier to talk among themselves—without meaning to. They leave the deaf person out of a lot of conversations. You can’t send them to a regular parish, because there isn’t an interpreter. With this ministry we can cater to their needs. At conventions we hear about other dioceses who don’t do half of what we do here. We are truly blessed.”

“As much as we want our community to be involved in their own parishes it’s not going to happen, because we are already their family,” Dora Marquez, also director of the Ministry and Life Enrichment for the Disabled. Marquez’ own daughter is mentally challenged.

“Many of our members tell us that people in their parish just stare at them. It’s important that we do include them in their own parishes, but at the same time they have to feel safe,” Mendez said.

Every Monday–Wednesday the ministry offers a chance to learn, socialize, exercise or make crafts. The deaf are invited to the Catholic Charities office on Mondays, the visually impaired on Tuesdays and the mentally challenged on Wednesdays.

Mendez says that she is grateful to the Sultanas and Alhambras who help year-round at the monthly receptions at St. John Paul II High School after the 11 a.m. Mass and the Knights of Columbus throughout the diocese who help out with Thanksgiving and Christmas.

“After the camp is over, July is our month to go to the outskirts of the diocese,” Mendez said. We will put on a mini camp at the state school in Taft and Alice. She said that they need volunteers to do outreach to people who are on their phone list “that can’t be reached anymore for whatever reason we haven’t heard from them in a while. We need to make home visits to let them know they aren’t forgotten,” she said.

“In September we are anticipating a trip to Aranzazu Camp for the disabled in Rockport. It’s been around for a while, but it was just too expensive. We got a phone call from them letting us know that we had a sponsor. We can stay for as long as we want and bring as many people as we want,” Mendez said. “They have archery, swimming, a zip line and they cook for us. They also have their own staff.”

“Also next year will be the anniversary of Father David Walsh’s death on Aug. 13. We will be celebrating his memory during the month of July and August,” she said. Details are pending.