Special Needs Awareness at Parish Masses
- csicomms
- Aug 5
- 2 min read
🌟 A Weekend of Inclusion and Grace
Susan Thian, Catechetical Coordinator
19 - 2 July 2025
With hearts full of grace and a deep desire to build a more welcoming Church, the weekend of July 19–20 was dedicated to raising awareness and fostering inclusion for children and teens with Special Needs in our Parish.
With the blessing of our Parish Priests, Fr Terence Kesavan presided over the Saturday Sunset Mass and Sunday 8am Mass, preaching with passion and conviction about creating a Church where everyone belongs — especially those who have long remained on the margins.
From Awareness to Action: Building a Ministry of Presence and Love
🙏 A Moving Celebration of Love and Unity
The highlight of the weekend was the 4pm Special Intention Mass for the Special Needs Community, con-celebrated by Fr Terence Kesavan and Friar Roland. Families with children and teens with Special Needs, as well as members of the Sign & Light Community, gathered to celebrate this beautiful liturgy — where the Special Needs Community took on active roles as Lectors, Cantor, Reader of the Prayers of the Faithful, and bearers of the Offertory gifts.
What made the celebration even more profound was the joyful collaboration across ministries — a living testament to the Body of Christ working as one. Despite many moving parts, all came together seamlessly by the grace of God.
One unforgettable moment came during the Thanksgiving Hymn, as members of the Special Needs community sang and waved their battery-operated candles, while the deaf community signed in unison — a powerful and tender expression of unity, hope, and love.
💞 A Call to Serve
At the respective weekend Masses, Fr Terence Kesavan extended a heartfelt invitation to parishioners to prayerfully consider serving with the Special Needs Catechetical Team — either as a catechist or befriender.
The response was deeply encouraging: many parishioners approached the Information Desk after Mass to learn more, moved by what they had witnessed.
We give thanks for this outpouring of interest and pray that it continues to bear fruit.
🌱 Moving Forward: The Befrienders Model
As we prepare to launch the Befrienders Model in our parish — a ministry grounded in presence, compassion, and accompaniment — we ask for your continued prayers, support, and openness to journeying with us.
Together, let us continue building a parish that truly reflects the love and inclusiveness of Christ.
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