“If only you knew what was in my heart!”

So exclaimed Saint Margaret of Castello (1287-1320) many times throughout her life as a Dominican tertiary. Only after her death was this saying of hers elevated to supernatural stature: her autopsy revealed, embedded in her heart, three miniature pearls upon which were engraved images of Christ, the Blessed Mother, and Saint Joseph. An integral member of her community in Castello, Italy; a fearless catechist, prophet, and minister to prisoners; a woman born with blindness and a physical disability; a newly canonized Saint: Who was this extraordinary woman with pearls in her heart? And what does she have for us, tasked with accepting the gift of individuals with special needs? 

Dear parent,
We recognize that there are all kind of minds and all kinds of learners, many of whom face very real challenges when it comes to education.  We hope primarily that you recall that catechesis is not an academic pursuit exclusively or even foremost—but rather an “echoing-down” of the teachings of faith, which is often best accomplished by simple modeling.  Prayers, Masses, liturgical feasts and fasts, over and over again through the years—this will be the most effective catechesis for any child.

Elementary children in K through 5th grades are invited to join a weekly small group on either Sunday mornings or Tuesday afternoons. Each are led by mothers with a variety of special needs experiences and sensibilities, devoted to making your child's time at the parish fruitful. Our curricular materials have been selected for their simplicity, flexibility, and authenticity. A thoughtful preparation will invite plentiful, powerful opportunities for encounter with Christ well-suited to a variety of children.

K-1st grades use the Image of God series to lay a foundation in faith. 

2nd graders typically prepare for the sacraments of First Penance and First Communion with the Signs of Grace series as well as some supplemental materials. (Please see our considerations for Sacramental Readiness in the sidebar to the left of this page.)

3rd-5th grades use Accepting the Gift to delve deeper into foundational principles of the faith and into the lives of the saints, our best role-models, during a 3-year rotation. 

6th grade+ students desiring Confirmation will work with the Signs of Grace: You Are Sent materials to gain familiarity with the Church and the graces and gifts poured out during this final Sacrament of Initiation. 

While our middle and high school programs are under development, we would be happy to work with you to develop a plan tailored for your older child-- or any child not readily suited to this standard progression.

We also support any family who would prefer, for whatever reason, to pursue homestudy-- using the same very family-friendly resources. 

Please reach out to the office to learn more. We look forward to speaking with you!

Sincerely, 

Laura Danner
Pastoral Associate for Youth & Families
 

Join us for a special Mass and reception for families with children with special needs annually in April, coinciding with the feast day of St Margaret of Castello—the patroness of our efforts. FLYER


Learn about her incredible life and faith through the following videos or by borrowing some of the resources available at the parish.