Faith Formation Release Time Program in Fort Kent Helping Students Grow in Faith through Lenten Field Trips

FORT KENT---A unique collaboration in the St. John Valley enables third, fourth, and fifth graders in Fort Kent to grow in faith and community each day. The St. John Vianney Parish Faith Formation Release Time Program works in tandem with the nearby Valley Rivers Middle School to arrange for children to be released within school hours to participate in religious education. It is a relationship that allowed for a moving experience during Lent. 

“In collaboration with the teachers, we were able to take each grade to St. Louis Church and give them experience of a special devotion,” said Barbara Pelletier, parish catechetical leader at St. John Vianney Parish. “The children participated in the Stations of the Cross, praying the Rosary, and had their own individual prayer time with our Lord.”

Nearly 100 children participated in these special field trips.

“With the help of parishioner volunteers and catechists, the children absorbed the Passion of our Lord, the power of the Rosary, and a most needed time of prayer,” said Pelletier.

Having a willing partner in the school and its administrators has made the program and these faith-enhancing experiences much easier to provide.

“The support given by all the teachers and principal was so endearing,” said Pelletier.  “All the teachers expressed how they thought this was a wonderful experience for the children. We know the behavior of this age group and they can exhibit a lot of energy, but I tell you we could have heard a pin drop when it was suggested for them to take this time to have their own personal conversation with Jesus.”

For many of the children, it was an experience that will resonate perhaps for a lifetime.

“All of the children took advantage of private time with Jesus. On bended knees, each one closed their eyes and participated in their own sincere conversation. This quiet time gave each one a chance to give to God what was on their hearts, and some carry very heavy crosses for such young shoulders.  I could see in this time that some wanted so much to let go of these crosses that it moved them to tears,” said Pelletier.

When departing, the atmosphere was a joyful one. Some students were heard to say “This was awesome” and “I want to come again” as they left to return to school.

“The children left feeling blessed and heard,” said Pelletier. “It was beautiful.”