Program Overview
People with special needs resulting from physical, emotional, mental or cognitive conditions are all around us in society, at school, at work, and in our families. It can be challenging for these important members of our society to participate in Mass due to physical and social barriers – or even family member anxiety. Celebrating a Mass for People with Special Needs can be the first of many steps toward integrating them into regular weekly or even daily Mass – and more deeply into all of the sacraments and other aspects of parish life. Holding this Mass sends the message that all of God’s children are welcome under the parish roof and that every person is an integral part of the parish family. Celebrating this Mass can be the first step toward integrating the disabled into regular weekly or even daily Mass – and more deeply into all of the sacraments and other aspects of parish life.
Resources available: https://www.kofc.org/en/resources/faith-in-action-programs/life/mass-for-people-with-special-needs/10621-mass-for-special-needs-guidesheet.pdf
News Release – Fillable:
https://www.kofc.org/en/resources/faith-in-action-programs/life/mass-for-people-with-special-needs/10687-mass-special-needs-press-release.pdf
Brochure:
https://www.kofc.org/en/resources/faith-in-action-programs/life/mass-for-people-with-special-needs/10690-mass-special-needs-trifold.pdf
Vertical Poster:
https://www.kofc.org/en/resources/faith-in-action-programs/life/mass-for-people-with-special-needs/10688-mass-special-needs-poster-vertical.pdf
Horizontal Poster:
https://www.kofc.org/en/resources/faith-in-action-programs/life/mass-for-people-with-special-needs/10689-mass-special-needs-poster-horizontal.pdf
Program Requirements
Hold an October weekend Mass (or another Mass at an appropriate time for the council) for People with Special Needs. The Chairman recommends the weekend of around March 21, 2024 which is Downs Syndrome Day. Have the council pay the stipend for one of the weekend Mass intentions and invite selected local organizations with special need individuals to attend the Mass with our parishioners, families and friends (group homes, special Olympics, assisted living facilities, senior citizen organizations, Meals on Wheels, groups devoted to Down's syndrome, MS, wounded vets, etc.). Consider strongly Catholic organizations but don't necessarily exclude others. Certainly, invite all parishioners with any special needs as well. Perhaps have a meal or refreshments after Mass. See if the pastor may want to consider this as a Healing Mass with those Catholics wishing to receive the Sacrament of the Sick as a part of the liturgy.
Resources:
Program Posts