The doorways of Bethlehem Catholic High School were transformed Feb. 28 by panels of multicolored metallic streamers, delighting children and setting a festive mood for “Shaping Saints,” an event designed for families of the Diocese of Allentown.
More than 50 families participated in “Shaping Saints,” which was billed as an “afternoon of faith, music, and inspiration.” The event focused on the giftedness of parents and children, and the ways in which each individual’s gifts can be recognized and cultivated.
Event emcee and diocesan Digital Media Specialist Lillian Fallon shared her personal experience of parental nurturing.
“My mom and dad really invested in my love for creativity, so I ended up working in the fashion industry. They also invested in my interest in writing, and then I ultimately wrote a book,” she said.
“So the way that you [parents] really speak these truths to your children about the gifts that you see in them can make a drastic impact on their lives.”
Fallon invited the parents in the audience to turn to their children and say, “I see these God-given gifts in you.” Those gifts, Fallon said, are like “little calling cards” used by God to draw children to Him.
The theme of giftedness carried over into the music segment of the event, as Jake and Zach Scally – known collectively as the Scally Brothers – shared their own God-given talents in an immersive set featuring lights, vocals, and a driving rhythm.
“Watching the children dance and sing along with the Scally Brothers and living their best lives was a gift for all in attendance,” said Zelenda Hodgskin, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.
After the Scally Brothers’ performance, families were provided with bottles of holy water. As all sacramentals do, holy water points us to the Sacraments, which unite us to God. This is why the Church encourages the use of holy water in the home and within the family circle.
Parents were invited to bless their children with the holy water while praying, “Sanctify this child, awaken their gifts, and spark a desire to live as saints.” Children were then led in blessing their parents and asking God to “spark grace in them to guide me as a saint.”
Hodgskin said that she was “struck by the sight of families huddled together, hands held, praying for one another.” It was an arresting image in a world that Fallon noted, “is so busy and chaotic that many families don’t often stop to affirm their loved ones.”
The “Shaping Saints” event was graced by the participation of singer-songwriter Marie Miller, who performed for Pope Francis and a live audience of 750,000 at the 2015 Festival of Families.
“The saints were the ones that showed me how to use my gifts for others,” said Miller.
She went on to talk about having successfully formed an indoor soccer team when she was 16 years old. When it came to actually playing soccer, however, Miller admitted that she was “way worse than everybody else.”
“But when I played, I looked super good, because I was playing with amazing women. Even just watching them and practicing with them made me better. And that's what I think about the Saints. They are people who are farther along on the spiritual journey, but that doesn't mean that you can't join in. You don't have to be perfect to use your gifts for others.”
Miller sang the song “Woman,” about three “not perfect” women in Scripture who are “transformed by Christ’s love exactly where they are.”
The “Shaping Saints” event concluded with a Vigil Mass celebrated by Bishop Alfred Schlert and concelebrated by Bethlehem Catholic High School chaplain Father Stephan Isaac.
By Celeste Behe
Photos by Vargas Photography.
