St. John Vianney students learn about their “choice muscle”

By K. Adamson

What separates Christians? The everyday choices they make, according to international Christian speaker Mike Patin who spoke with St. John Vianney middle school students last week as part of the parish’s ‘Joyful Faith’ mission.

The students learned that Christians have a responsibility to make the right decisions.  Patin explained that kids have to use their “choice muscle” so they develop a habit of a making the right decisions in every circumstance, with all types of people, even those they aren’t best friends with.

Patin, who has a Master’s degree in Pastoral studies and several other certificates and academic achievements, has spoken to thousands of people in many areas around the world about their faith.

SJV sixth grade teacher Dan Demeter described the presentation this way:

"Through the use of humor, storytelling, music and games, Mike stressed the fact that people have choices, and as Christians, we need to make the right one.  The middle schoolers participated in a number of activities where they had to make choices – some were simple, some were a little tougher.     For the first few activities, the middle schoolers were separated from each other based on their choices.  However, after the last activity, the entire middle school was connected into one, cohesive unit, which was a great visual!  After the activities Mikes talked to the students about making good choices.  He stressed that God will always be there for us even when the choice is hard.  He also explained that we all have a “choice muscle,” that must be used to respect all people, not just those in our close circle of friends.  Finally, Mike closed with the message that we all need to take care of each other. Thanks to Mike, the presentation was a fun and spiritual experience!"