East Boston: 'Faith Plus Fun Equals One'

By Bro. Bob Metell, SDB

(East Boston, MA – May 27) – Fr. Steve Ryan always tells youths, “Faith plus fun equals one!”

Let’s think back to when we were all in school. The best teachers we had were the ones who made class fun and interesting. Back in the days of yore, when I started teaching middle school at Mary Help of Christians in Tampa, I modeled my teaching style after the best teachers I had growing up.

At the Salesian Boys and Girls Club, we offer faith formation activities, which are a lot of fun for the kids. We have weekly faith time orientation times and the daily Good Night chats. Often, with the teens, I have a chat on diverse topics and concerns they have.

This year, Fr. Ken Rodes started to offer “Bible Bingo” and other games that included prizes. Kids at the Club can win anything from Twix Bars to Ice Stick Pops when they play and participate.

Earlier this week, we celebrated Memorial Day. For me, as a Coast Guard veteran (and likewise for all veterans, police, firefighters, and EMS members), it is a time to reflect on the many shipmates I served with, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives, “So others may live.” The motto of CG Aircrews, or the Coast Guard slogan, is: “We have to go out but don’t have to come back.”

To truly enter into the spirit of Memorial Day, let us all take some time out to reflect on the countless men and women who made the sacrifice of time and energy to make our cities, towns, and nations safe.