REACH is Faith Formation for Individuals with DisABILITIES
REACH is offered to individuals with special needs who are in grades K-6. The program follows the Loyola Press Finding God Adaptive Curriculum and meets September through May twice monthly (days and times to be announced), with additional opportunities throughout the year to gather and socialize.
Students are grouped based on age and/or ability. Our catechists are trained and range in experience with accompanying individuals with special needs through Special Education, Social Work, parenting a child with a disability and more!
The REACH program also provides sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation.
Dates/times of K-6 REACH classes meet from 8:30-9:45AM.
Classes for the 2024-2025 school year are as follows:
- September 22
- October 6
- October 20
- November 3
- November 17
- December 1
- December 15
- January 12
- January 26
- February 9
- February 23
- March 9
- March 23
- April 6
- April 27
Registration/payment options can be found here:
Faith Formation Register Here Faith Formation Pay Here
Please contact Lydia Schmitt, Coordinator of Family Faith Formation for Individuals with DisABILITIES, at lydias@olmercy.com with any questions!
Please Join us for These Special Events!
“Faith Buddies” Gatherings on April 14, May 5 and June 2
Faith Buddies is offered this spring for individuals with disABILITIES ages 5 and older. Each individual is paired with a peer from our parish community. Together they meet one Sunday each month (April-June) at the Mass, followed by a social gathering in our Parish Life Center. After the mass, each social gathering will last approximately one hour. Individuals with disABILITIES and their peers will be accompanied by a trained adult supervisor. Parents are welcome to stay on-site for coffee and fellowship with other parents. Registration is required so we may plan to welcome you!
Register Your Child
Please register your child for “Faith Buddies” at this link so we can plan to welcome you and meet any accommodations your child will need.
We are seeking peer volunteers for our “Faith Buddies” Program
“Faith Buddies” connects children with disABILITIES with a peer in our parish! Peers MUST be 5th grade or older. We meet one Sunday of the month (April-June) at the Mass, followed by a social gathering or service project on-site.
Please Contact Lydia at lydias@olmercy.com to register as a peer (must be 5th grade or older).
Additional Resources
For more information on programs and events throughout the Diocese of Joliet for persons with disABILITIES, please visit the DisABILITY Ministry website!