Parent Testimonials
Thoughts from the De Haai Family:
What were some of your children’s favorite things about Totus Tuus?
Parker and Lucy really enjoyed the daily Mass, especially because they were able to be involved by carrying gifts and alter serving. They both connected with the Totus Tuus teachers and learned a lot from classes. The yarn bracelets they received each day were a great way for them to remember the lessons and share what they learned with us each night. Finally, they loved the lunches and the water fight on Friday.
As a parent, what were some of your favorite things that Totus Tuus provided for your children?
I liked that the VBS experience was richer than in years past. While I have always felt our church does a fantastic job with VBS and I have enjoyed volunteering in the past, I found the Totus Tuus program focused more on a strong Catholic content than on theme. In addition to the classes the kids attended each day, they also went to Mass and practiced in the Rosary in a very hands on way. The teachers were exceptionally trained and were awesome at connecting with and energizing the kids. It was a great week!
What was your biggest surprise that came out of Totus Tuus?
I was worried about the longer days. I had predicted my kids would complain about having to go from 9:00 until 3:00 every day since they love their open schedule in the summer. However, I was completely wrong! They loved it and couldn’t wait to go back each day. The Totus Tuus program is so well scheduled that kids never had time to get tired or bored. The teachers brought a fun energy that kept the kids engaged. As a VBS program, it looks different than what we have done before; however, from everything I saw and heard, it was extremely beneficial as a way to teach our children about their Catholic faith.
What advice would you give to other parents to encourage them to send their own child(ren) to Totus Tuus next year?
I would say, don’t let the new format and schedule fool you. Yes, it’s longer days, but the kids really do enjoy it. Continuing faith education during the summer is important, and Totus Tuus gives kids a week to learn in a fun and interactive way.
Thoughts from the Biondi Family:
Giada’s favorite things from Totus Tuus (K-6 session)
“I liked everything, it was so much fun!”
“How to do the proper things at Mass and understanding why we do them”
“The staff made learning a lot of fun”
“The staff gave us 110% of their fun, energy and attention”
“I want Totus Tuus to come back next year so more kids can learn!”
Lydia’s favorite things from Totus Tuus (middle/high school sessions)
“The interactions with others in the group and all the games we played. I enjoyed learning about vocations and identity.”
Zane’s favorite things from Totus Tuus (middle/high school sessions)
“Beginning of Totus Tuus on Sunday evening we gathered in the church and listened to the Totus Tuus staff sing. I also enjoyed meditating in the youth group room.”
As a parent, my favorite things Totus Tuus provided for my children: Daily Mass, the children got to be active participants! The focus on Sorrowful Mysteries gave my child a great visual. Hearing my youngest child come home to tell me all about the songs, Saints, Mass, Sorrowful Mysteries and the fun she had each day was a highlight. My high schoolers had great conversations and open discussions. They both enjoyed the music and openness of the staff.
My biggest surprise: my children didn’t want it to end and wished more people their age would have attended. This in my opinion was the best summer Catholic learning we’ve had. Fun for all ages.
I encourage everyone with children 1st-12th graders to make it a priority to attend next year. You and your children will not be disappointed! This was a truly an amazing opportunity for our children to learn more about their faith and deepen their relationship with Christ!
Thoughts from the Layton Family:
What were some of your children’s favorite things about Totus Tuus?
Two of Jase’s favorite things were the water games on Friday and when he was learning about carrying the cross.
As a parent, what were some of your favorite things that Totus Tuus provided for your children?
For me, attending Mass following Totus Tuus was very rewarding. Jase was more involved with mass and when I asked him about it he said he understood the Mass better after Totus Tuus.
What was your biggest surprise that came out of Totus Tuus?
Every day was something different, we would talk about the color of the bracelet, and what it meant. He also liked the skit at the beginning of each day.
During Mass this last weekend Jase asked me when he would be able to receive Communion. He previously had no interest but now he can’t wait to receive his First Communion.
What advice would you give to other parents to encourage them to send their own child(ren) to Totus Tuus next year?
I would recommend Totus Tuus to any other parent, not just because it was fun, but my child came home every night excited about God. He has always been involved with following the missal during Mass, but this week he understood what was actually happening.
Thoughts from former K-8 Religious Ed. Coordinator, Tim Stammeyer: 
As a former DRE, what were some of your favorite things that Totus Tuus provided for those in attendance?
The Totus Tuus team was one of my favorite parts of the week because the team members showed how young people could make a difference in the lives of others. The love for Jesus that the Totus Tuus team shared was infectious for the children present during the week. It was great to see how the teachings during the week were sinking in. The team gave the children the knowledge and understanding that the love of God is shown through his holy church. Having the children grow in a deeper love for the teachings of the church is something I think we should desire for all the children among us, and Totus Tuus is a great vehicle for that learning.
What was your biggest surprise that came out of Totus Tuus?
The biggest surprise was how fun the team was. The program was far from sitting in a lecture; rather, it was an engaging and fun time. I think a strength of Totus Tuus is the training they receive and their passion for the Gospel. For the middle and high school session, I was surprised that the team was relatable to the experience of our teens. Their openness and honesty connected with the teens in a powerful way that showed they have value and worth. Having that young adult presence was impactful.
What advice would you give to other parents to encourage them to send their own child(ren) to Totus Tuus next year?
I would encourage parents to give the program a chance. The benefits and grace that have come from the week have been abundant!
