CATHOLIC WORSHIP AND EDUCATION
For families living with autism every day, the support of their faith community can be invaluable. Family members need to know that others stand with them, at least in spirit. As Catholics, we acknowledge that all people are made in the image of God, and further, that all baptized people share in the life and mission of the Church. However, when full participation within the Body of Christ is inhibited or prevented, the Church is incomplete and we, as a people, are diminished. In the case of many families living with autism, full participation may require nothing more than issuing an invitation and pursuing it. When families with special needs are included they feel affirmed, accepted and valued, but they also experience this as part of what it means to be a Catholic. When we exclude any person because we think he or she is not able, then we are excluding Christ. Celebrating the Mass and Sacraments can bring a tremendous amount of peace and joy to families of children with autism, and they should feel embraced by their spiritual community.
Courtesy of Ellen Gentzsch, Westchester Foundation for Autism, (914) 741-5019
Mass and Sacraments for Special Needs Children are offered at the Church of the Magdalene
Tarrytown, NY, (914) 631-0529, themagdalene@archny.org
Some information obtained and adapted from The Catholic Advocate and The Pastoral Statement of
U.S. Catholic Bishops on People with Disabilities
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