Fr. Looney opened the new program by sharing one of his ‘Christmas Stories’
By Jeff Kurowski | On Mission
GREEN BAY — Based on the turnout for the first-ever “Kid’s Catholic Story Hour” at Cathedral Book & Gift, more chairs may be needed for the next one on Saturday, Feb. 3.
Approximately 25 children, accompanied by parents and grandparents, gathered on Jan. 6 to hear Fr. Edward Looney read the story “Flowers from the Shepherd Boy” from his book “Fr. Looney’s Christmas Stories,” published in 2022.
Some of the children found space on the floor for a closer view, while others nestled near their loved ones on the provided seating. Kids’ Catholic Story Hour will be offered the first Saturday of each month at 11 a.m. Each guest reader will share a story followed by a faith lesson.
“Libraries do a story time, but you never know what you’re going to get from that,” said Jacob Van Schyndel, general manager at Cathedral Book & Gift, located at 131 S. Madison St., Green Bay, just behind St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. “Having a more faith-based place for Catholic families was the idea. It’s a good environment and good teaching. My own kids are 8 and 6, so as a parent, I thought, ‘Why don’t we have this?’”
Fr. Looney, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawano, and priest celebrant at St. Martin of Tours Parish, Cecil, chose to read “Flowers from the Shepherd Boy” over the other story in the book, “Breakfast in Bethlehem,” because of its connection to the Epiphany. The story begins with the three Magi visiting Jesus and then moves to an encounter between the Holy Family and a young shepherd working in the fields. The boy gives flowers to Mary.
Following his reading, Fr. Looney spoke to the children about the symbolism of the three gifts from the Magi. He also pointed to how we bring our own gifts, including flowers to Mary.
“People will bring roses to statues of Mary,” he said. “During May, they will crown the statue of Mary with flowers, so it’s a devotional thing. That tradition is highlighted and brought out in the story.”
“Fr. Looney’s Christmas Stories” is his third published children’s book. He also wrote “Little Chapels, Grateful Hearts” and “The Story of Sister Adele and Our Lady of Champion.” The current releases of all three were illustrated by Ayan Mansoori. “Breakfast in Bethlehem” and “The Story of Sr. Adele” were published previously, but the originals had gone out of print.
“I’ve never read “Flowers from the Shepherd Boy” to a group before,” he told On Mission. “I don’t consider myself (a children’s author). I just wrote a story. I do find myself reading a lot of children’s books now with the school (at Sacred Heart in Shawano).”
Guests at the story hour also received a special treat: cookies that were decorated to feature the cover of “Fr. Looney’s Christmas Stories.” They were made by Carrie Zehms of From Above Bakery (fromaboveyouthcenterandbakery.com).
Fr. Looney has written nine books total. The others are devotionals, he said, including “A Heart Like Mary’s: 31 Daily Meditations to Help You Live and Love as She Does,” published in 2017.
He also has another possible children’s book in mind, he said.
“Maybe the celebration of Jesus’ first birthday with the Holy Family, how they celebrated it,” said Fr. Looney. “I think that would be an interesting, imaginative story.”
Cece Dresser, 10, daughter of Jessica and Noah Dresser, members of Nativity of Our Lord Parish, Ashwaubenon, said that she liked “Flowers from the Shepherd Boy.” She said she expects it to resonate with her moving forward.
“Sometimes you don’t know (what you learned) until something comes up and then you think ‘Hah, I remember that,’” said Cece, a fifth-grader who is homeschooled. She said she plans to return with her family for future story hours.
Bishop David Ricken will be the guest reader on Saturday, Feb. 3, at 11 a.m. Van Schyndel said that he was able to schedule priests and deacons to read and present for the remaining months in 2024.
“I give them the option. They can pick their own book or we can pick one for them,” he said. “If they pick their own, I ask them to have a couple titles in case (another reader) chose that one first. Most of the priests and deacons are OK letting us pick.”
Bishop Ricken is still deciding between a book about St. Francis of Assisi or one about saints, said Van Schyndel.
“We are very blessed (in the Diocese of Green Bay) to have such great clergy who are happy to do stuff like this when kids are involved,” he said. “It’s a beautiful thing to see young people in the faith because it grows the faith.”