October 9, 2013
Blessings of Inclusion
I experienced two wonderful blessings this week, as we celebrate Inclusion Awareness Month. The bilingual Liturgy at St. John of God in Central Islip was a first for me and for my family. We prayed with Father Chris and the community in Spanish and English and enjoyed the experience immensely. The Special Needs Masses are a gift to us all as people come together to pray, not only with those present at the liturgy, but also for those throughout the diocese with disabilities.
My second blessing came at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Lindenhurst where I met with Father John and the special needs ministry there. The parish has already begun a special needs mass and is looking to the future for what else it can do to include persons with disabilities. The welcoming hospitality of Jesus was certainly in evidence as we first toured the church and then met with the committee. It is indeed a blessing as we continue to work towards inclusion for those with disabilities as the friends of the paralytic did in the time of Jesus.