More than 300 people attended the Mini Holy Family Fest Aug.16-18 at Belle Prairie, organized by members of the Haven of Mercy Area Catholic Community. Participants came from nearby, around the diocese, outstate and across the U.S. Included were 11 newborn babies, nine priests, five seminarians and nine staff members from the Apostolate for Family Consecration (Catholic Familyland in Jefferson County, Ohio).
Julie Laflamme, one of the organizers, said, “Our Mini Holy Family Fest encourages families to encounter Jesus. The AFC supports and challenges families to grow together in holiness with these retreats, vacations and other resources.”
Mass was celebrated each day, and the rosary was prayed evenings around the campfire. Families prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet, with adoration and reconciliation throughout the weekend. Luke Spehar, an internationally known musician, played for teens and also led an evening praise and worship session.
Laflamme said the weekend campout offered activities for people of every age, with a nursery and childcare area available. In addition to the daily speakers for all, adults had morning programs.
In the mornings and evenings, guest speakers worked with youth from middle to high school, in small group sessions and fun activities. One teen said, “I loved all the speakers, especially women’s talk and learning more about my charisms.” Another wrote, “I enjoyed the large group games and hearing the testimonies from the speakers.”
An elementary student said, “I liked how the seminarians taught us a lesson in the church and did adoration with us. And I loved playing Gaga ball with them.”
Laflamme, said, “Seven summers ago I went to AFC (Catholic Family Land) and wanted other families to experience the joy that we experienced. Then after Kimberly Zimmerman and Kay Kahler went, they got the ball rolling to start one in the Little Falls area and I jumped on board.”
The planning team, also with Cindy Loidolt and Jason Becker, worked for the last 10 months to find speakers and plan activities that AFC would implement.
The families shared suppers and continental breakfasts. Most camped in tents or campers, others opted for rooms at the TEC Center while some needed to return home.
Families enjoyed a coffee shop and Catholic bookstore, brought in by Proud Catholic Company, and Mercy Tree Adventures, a Catholic family that taught Gospel lessons through tree climbing, with a perspective like Zacchaeus.
The Mini Holy Family Fest camp out for Catholics cost $250 per family of four. Next year’s event will be the third weekend in August.
Laflamme said, “I want to help families grow in holiness, grow in truth, grow in authentic friendships, grow together to become fully alive in Christ. I want them to thrive, not just survive. I want families to become disciples, get to heaven and ultimately become saints.”
(Featured image: Families join together to pray the rosary around the bonfire. (photo submitted)