Vacation Bible School (VBS) returns to Our Lady of Perpetual Help this summer from June 16 - 2020, 2025! This year’s theme is True North: Trusting Jesus in a Wild World. VBS is open to students in rising kindergarten through fifth grade for the school year beginning fall 2025.

Registration in now closed as of June 6, 2025, 9am. Spots are filled up at this time. Mary Shields our VBS coordinator. Email her with any questions.

The students will be divided into teams to rotate through crafts, bible adventures, all-star games, and exploring their faith. Students will end the week by attending Mass and will present a show for their parents of what they learned at VBS.

Do you have a child with special needs? We would love to help them join in the fun! Please reach out to Mary Shields to discuss options for accommodation.
 

• Volunteers
• Registration and Payment
• VBS Memories from 2024
• VBS Memories from 2023

Volunteers

Both adult and student volunteers are needed for Vacation Bible School.

STUDENT VOLUNTEERS-Rising 6^th graders to rising 12^th graders may sign up to volunteer for Saint James Vacation Bible School as the ‘VBS crew’. They must be able to work from 8:30am to 12:30pm the entire week. No exceptions. A $30 fee is required to cover the cost of snacks and t-shirt. Students may earn service hours for the week.

ADULT VOLUNTEERS-must complete a background check and Virtus training through the Arlington Diocese before the commencement of Vacation Bible School. 

• If you have completed Virtus training, please check “Yes” on your application and include your birthdate and the last four digits of your social security number so that your training may be verified. 

• If you haven’t completed Virtus training, please check “No” on your application and follow the instructions on the form. If you have not completed a background check through the Arlington Diocese, visit https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/child-protection/ for more details. The Catholic Diocese of Arlington is dedicated to the protection of all children and will strive to maintain a safe environment for children and young people.

Registration and Payment

Vacation Bible School is registration is now full. The links have been removed.

Payment can be made via

• Faith Direct-This is the preferred payment method.
  • You must make your one-time payment online as part of your online registration.
• Check-Drop off or mail a check to the Rectory office at 905 Park Avenue, Falls Church, VA 22046.
  • The check must be made payable to ‘St. James Catholic Church’ with ‘VBS’ on the memo line.
  • Your spot is not reserved until your check is received.

Registration Fees:

• Student Volunteers in rising 6th through 12th grades-$30 per student to cover snacks and t-shirt. Payable online during registration.
• VBS Campers-Rising kindergartener through 5th grade
  • $75 for 1 camper
  • $110 for 2 campers
  • $145 for 3 or more campers

VBS Memories from 2024

Over 85 children attended Vacation Bible School (VBS) at Saint James Church in Falls Church the week of July 15-19 for a fun, faith-filled week with the theme, “Diving into Friendship with God.” VBS took campers deep into an amazing undersea adventure where they experienced the ever-flowing, never-ending love of God. Our teen coaches led our campers every morning in the “diving in” segment talking about God and Friendship, teaching them new songs and the bible point for the day. Campers were reminded that God is a friend we can trust.