“We are called to recognize in every person with disabilities, even complex and serious disabilities, a unique contribution to the common good through their original life stories. …and to recognize them as persons of equal dignity, as brothers and sisters in humanity.”
Pope Francis’ 2019 message at the International Day for Persons with Disabilities
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.
K-6 REACH classes meet from 8:30am – 9:45am
View Class Dates for 2024-25
- 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
Please contact Lydia Schmitt, Coordinator of Family Faith Formation for Individuals with DisABILITIES, at lydias@olmercy.com with any questions!
Special Events
Mass for Persons with DisABILITIES
March 16th | 2pm at Our Lady of Mercy
We’re excited to warmly welcome individuals and their friends and family to Our Lady of Mercy’s disABILITIES Mass on Sunday March 16 at 2PM! The Mass will be followed by fellowship in the Parish Center.
Please let us know if you are joining us by using the link below!
Faith Buddies
April 13th | May 18th | June 8th
Faith Buddies is offered this fall 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 10AM 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!
Seeking Peer Volunteers!
“Faith Buddies” connects children with disABILITIES with a peer in our parish! Peer volunteers must be 5th Grade or older, complete a Volunteer Application, complete a medical/release form, create a VIRTUS Account (if a teen), watch a small video series & demonstrate kindness, patience and respect toward his or her “Faith Buddy”
Please Contact Lydia at lydias@olmercy.com to register as a peer (must be 5th grade or older).
Seeking Adult Volunteers!
Do you have a gift for teaching? Fluent in American Sign Language? Have a desire to serve individuals with disABILITIES and their families? Any of the above? We are seeking adult volunteers to help with our Faith Buddies program this spring.
Please Contact Lydia at lydias@olmercy.com to register as an adult volunteer.
Additional Resources
For more information on programs and events throughout the Diocese of Joliet for persons with disABILITIES, please visit the DisABILITY Ministry website!
