Over these past months, our parish’s NCCL Family Ministry and the Siena Ministry have been reflecting and rediscovering a simple truth: the Gospel is a story—God’s story—and each of us is part of it. We carry this story in our hearts, in our homes, and in the way we choose kindness, hope, sacrifice, love and faith. And just as it was handed on to us by those who loved us, we are called to pass it on with joy.

With that spirit, I am delighted to introduce to you a new parish project:

THE LITTLE FLOWER STORY WAGON - A Catholic Parish Fable.

 

This is a lovingly crafted, imaginative story series for children, families, and the young at heart. It follows the Wise Pepper Farmer Giuseppe and his joyful little companions—Pip the Rabbit, Luma the Firefly, and Pastor the Black Dog—as they travel through magical fields, dreamy meadows, and changing seasons carrying powerful stories of saints, kindness, and God’s love.

But - always - behind the whimsical lies something more profound: Why do we tell stories? Because stories form and change us. Because children remember what made them smile. Because faith grows when it is shared with joy. Because Jesus told stories!

 

The Little Flower Story Wagon is one more way for our parish to:

• Hand on our Catholic tradition through a creative, gentle, and accessible form
   

• Give witness to the Gospel in language families can enjoy together
   

• Invite children to see themselves in God’s big story
   

• Help parents talk about faith at home—around the table, at bedtime, or in the car
   

• Celebrate our identity as the Church of the Little Flower, where stories of small acts of love become great offerings to God
   

Our hope is that these stories will spark conversations, inspire prayer, and warm the hearts of children who may be hearing about the saints, virtues, and the love of Jesus for the first time.

In an age when our young people are surrounded by noise, The Little Flower Story Wagon offers a gentle counter-voice—a place where quiet wonder, beauty, and faith meet.

 

A Gift to Our Community

As these stories unfold throughout different seasons, we pray that they become a small tradition in your homes: something your children look forward to do with mom and dad (before going to bed), something that becomes part of their memory of church, something that quietly plants seeds of faith that will blossom in God’s good time.

This ministry is part of our parish’s ongoing effort to nurture evangelization, hospitality, and spiritual growth. Our Siena Ministry for Marketing and Evangelization is helping us bring this vision to life, and we are excited to journey with all of you as it takes flight!

My dear parish family, thank you for being a community that welcomes creativity, joy, and the simple stories that draw us closer to God. May the Little Flower herself, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, guide this humble effort with her childlike trust and her fearless love.