Riding on the Cassock Tails of Pope Francis

When I used to work with kids with autism and their families, something that really stood out for me was how misunderstood they were. I mean, long before I knew anyone with disabilities, I would sometimes see someone acting out strangely and either be appalled or scared of them. What makes autism particularly difficult for others to understand is that individuals with autism looks exactly like anyone else. But, they may act very differently. Or, they may act only a "little bit" different, but their quirks may stand out enough that they are misjudged by whoever they meet.

The little kids I worked with stole my heart. I was grateful that I got to know them as a newlywed, before having children of my own, because they taught me so much about stopping to look at the world from the eyes of another. I can confidently say that I am the mother I am today because of those precious little ones.

Something I've struggled with a lot is the fact that my impact is so small. There is only so much you can do to open people's hearts and minds, you know? I wish I could do more to help people to see how important people with disabilities and other special needs are in the heart of the Church. But I'm only one person, and the impact of one person can be hopelessly small.

Unless you're the Pope, which is why his recent talk to families touched by autism had me standing up and cheering:

Everyone should be committed to promoting acceptance, encounter and solidarity through concrete support and by encouraging renewed hope.  In this way we can contribute to breaking down the isolation and, in many cases, the stigma burdening people with autism spectrum disorders, and just as often their families.
This must not be an anonymous or impersonal accompaniment, but one of listening to the profound needs that arise from the depths of a pathology which, all too often, struggles to be properly  diagnosed and accepted without shame or withdrawing into solitude, especially for families. It is a Cross.

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Meet Miss Courtney

I'm not sure how many of you follow Mary over at Passionate Perseverance, but her sweet daughter Courtney has quite the story to share (as does Mary). You can read their story if you click here.

What I love the most about Mary and Courtney is how easy it is to relate to them. Before I had any friends with special needs, I think that I thought of people with special needs as "other." I mean, their experiences were vastly different than mine, and I had no idea what they were thinking or what they could understand. There was almost something scary about that unknown.

But then, I got to know people with special needs and I realized - they are just like any other person. They have pain and joy in their stories. There are things that they understand and things they don't.

Ever since I came to that realization, I've tried to do little things to help others realize that, too. I'm not talking about anything earth-shattering here. Just very small things - smiling at and acknowledging someone with a visible developmental disability. Talking to them the way I would talk to anyone else. I'm in a season of life where I'm primarily taking care of my daughters, but I am constantly aware of what I am teaching them by the way I treat people who are different. Ultimately, I'm trying to teach them that we're all different in some way, and it's important to treat other's differences with the same tenderness that we want out own to be treated with.

Mary and Courtney have truly been a challenge for me. I'm the mother of two girls, and I don't always love them, treasure them, and show them the patience that they deserve. But seeing how Mary and Courtney love each other - it's stuck with me. When I'm tempted to get frustrated over something trivial, I think of them, and of the love they have for one another. It isn't perfect. But it never gives up.

Thank you, Mary and Courtney. Thank you so much for your witness!!

And, if you can, consider donating some money towards Courtney's medical expenses. She is is on her way home to God, at this point, and anything you can do to help smooth over this time for her family would certainly be appreciated. To contribute click the donate button on the sidebar of Mary's blog. And most importantly, keep Courtney and her family in your prayers in this very difficult time.

Sweet Little Nora

I don't know how many of you may have been following the story of little Nora Rose Yusko, a sweet little two year old with Trisomy 18, who recently passed away. If you haven't yet acquainted yourself with her and her amazing story (especially the miracle of her birth), you can start here. Her family viewed Nora's whole existence through the eyes of faith...and it was beautiful to behold.

Nora was a true example of God working through those the world deems little and weak, in order to show His power and love. In her short time on earth, Nora touched the lives of people around the world!

Eternal rest grant unto sweet little Nora Rose, O Lord, and let the perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through your mercy, O God, rest in peace. Amen.

So good seeing some of you at NCCL!

It was so good to meet the wonderful folks who came for the presentation at NCCL! 

I was so encouraged and excited about the wonderful ideas that people brought to our discussion together! I think that, as we go about preaching the Gospel, it is easy to feel so isolated. It's easy to feel like we're the only one doing what you're doing. But you're not! There are so many out there who care very deeply about those with special needs. I fills me with so much joy to see how committed people are to sharing the beauty of the Church!

I'm currently raising my young daughters, so my opportunity to be involved in active ministry are fewer and farther in between than they used to be. But this ministry is still very close to my heart. In meeting with all of you, I realized what I can contribute - another place for us all to come together and be encouraged in the midst of a somewhat challenging ministry. 

That being said...I would love to hear from those of you who are in active ministry right now! I'll be sharing with you stories from my own limited experience, as well as many resources for you as you do go about this ever important work. But how beautiful would it be to hear from others about the work they're doing and the experiences that they've had?? It would be like bringing the experience of the presentation at NCCL to you in your own home or office!!

So, all that being said, if you're interested in writing a guest post for this blog I would LOVE to have you! Click over to my contact info for more information. 

I hope to hear from you soon! And check back for more updates!!

Welcome!

Welcome to our little corner of the internet. :-)

I hope that this is a place you can come to, to find inspiration and resources as you undertake the important ministry of adaptive catechesis.

What is adaptive catechesis, you say? Adaptive catechesis is making the fullness of the faith available to all, regardless of ability or disability. Adaptive catechesis doesn't water down the faith, but makes it accessible in all its richness.

Interest piqued? Excellent.

Continue to check back for resources and reflections. I'll be sharing with you lessons and pictures from The Children of St. Angela Merici program, a curriculum that I developed for use with individuals with special needs. I hope it will be a blessing to you and your parish.

Until then...keep fighting the good fight!