By Sister Theresa Francis Marie De Feo
As a Catholic, I believe that all people are made in the image and likeness of God and that everyone baptized shares in the life and mission of the Church. This belief extends to individuals of every ability level.
Because of this, I felt compelled to support families with special needs in their faith journeys. I developed a ministry specifically for them, aiming to help them grow spiritually and feel welcomed in our church community.
In the Gospel, Jesus says, “Let the children come to me, for the kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.” He holds a special place for children in his heart and desires to be present in theirs. Through our words and actions, we have the opportunity to teach them about our faith and bring them closer to God.
Working with families with disabilities means a great deal to me. It allows me to connect with and share in their lives. These families have embraced God’s plan with unwavering faith, teaching us to love without limits.
This year, on May 11, 2024, St. Bruno’s Parish in Whittier, CA, under my guidance, witnessed fourteen special needs children receive the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation for the first time. It was an incredibly emotional experience for everyone involved, with Fr. Dave Heney serving as the main celebrant.
