Religious Education for All Children

“Let the Children Come to Me… for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” – Matthew 19:13-14

Mission

reach_webphotoIt is the mission of the Special Needs Ministry to provide support for children with special needs.

The church continues to affirm the dignity of every human being, and to grow in knowledge and understanding of the gifts and needs of her members who live with disabilities. Likewise, the Church recognizes that every parish community includes members with disabilities, and earnestly desires their active participation. All members of the Body of Christ are uniquely called by God by virtue of their Baptism. In light of this call, the Church seeks to support all in their growth in holiness, and to encourage all in their vocations. Participating in, and being nourished by, the grace of the sacraments is essential to this growth in holiness. Catholic adults and children with disabilities, and their families, earnestly desire full and meaningful participation in the sacramental life of the Church.

Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

God Calls us to serve all of his children, including those with:

  • Learning disabilities
  • Down Syndrome
  • Hearing Impaired
  • Visually Impaired
  • Physical Disabilities
  • Autism
  • Asperger’s
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • And a multitude of other special needs

Grant Opportunities

The special needs ministry offers grants to to help cover additional costs incurred to make it feasible for a child or children with special needs to be included in religious education. All grants must be submitted between September 1 – November 1. Your grant will be reviewed by a board and you will be notified if your grant request has been approved by November 15. You can find additional information in the grant application form.

Grant Application

Donate

Your contributions to the Special Needs Ministry will help provide funding for educationally related services in Catholic schools and religious education programs. Contributions also go to an Endowment to ensure that the Foundation can continue to provide funding well into the future.

Consider a Donation