Parishioners take lead in catechesis for disabled

The catechists weren't being malicious, she said. But they knew that youngsters with special learning needs could be challenging for volunteer teachers.

But as the mother of a daughter with developmental disabilities, Mrs. Hutchison wanted to be sure that her daughter would have the opportunity to attend religious education classes at the family's parish, St. Henry's in Averill Park.

"The parents and teachers needed assistance," she said. "They needed to have support in the class. We've put in place supports."

Making room

After the meeting, Mrs. Hutchison and Marie Robitaille, another parishioner, began working with Ms. Herman on the catechetical program. Mrs. Hutchison and Ms. Robitaille also began outreach to parents with children with developmental disabilities.

Rather than having a set program for children with developmental disabilities, the parish tries to customize its offerings so that the individual child's needs are best met. For some, that may mean one-on-one catechesis; for another child, it may mean having an aide available to help in the classroom.

Rewards

Teaching the class has been a rewarding experience for Mrs. Hutchison.

"The Bible says we should come to Jesus with the faith of a child," she said. "These kids are the epitome of this. They accept faith with no questions. It's built my faith. I've had to learn to just be accepting."

Fulfilling

"The way that I teach, any child can learn," she said. "We have a lot of fun and do a lot of 'hands-on.' [For example,] we made a windsock with red ribbons to teach about the Holy Spirit coming in like the wind."

Mrs. Hutchison has been pleased with the willingness of parents to assist. One parent stays in the class each week in case Mrs. Hutchison has to leave the classroom with one of her students.

Finding help

"The parents have been excellent," she said. "The parents really pitch in."

But she admits that the class she teaches isn't for everyone. "I have a child in the class who has outbursts," she said. "One little girl was sensitive to this, and so she left the class. I explain to the parents that there are special needs kids in the class and that not every child is good for this class."

Teaching a class that has both developmentally disabled children and children without special learning needs provides Mrs. Hutchison the opportunity to start the class off with a lesson about dignity.

"I explain that God makes each of us different," she said. "We all have strengths and weaknesses. We need to applaud the strengths and help each other out with the weaknesses."

Growing

"The intent is there," she said, "and the mechanism is in place to assist. The parish has been receptive. Father Brian [Raiche, pastor] has a sense of vision and is very inclusionary, which is refreshing, and Cyndi [Herman] and Laura [Curtin] are very bright."

Since she and Mrs. Hutchison began their efforts, Ms. Robitaille is pleased to see that the parish changed its religious ed forms to allow a place for parents to make any special learning needs known.

Ms. Herman hopes that these efforts are just the beginning. "I'd like this to continue to grow," she said. "It takes time. We have the desire to meet the needs, and the capability to welcome and invite."

Benefits parish

"It's been fulfilling seeing the growth and willingness of the people to work," she said. "I also enjoy seeing the children go through the sacramental program and return each Sunday."

As a parent of a developmentally disabled child, Mrs. Hutchison is pleased that the parish has been willing to work with families.

"Faith is the most important thing we can give our kids," she said. "Eternity is important. They're bodies are broken now, but this is just temporary. In eternity, they will be perfect and they're going to be with us in heaven."

(09-13-01) [[In-content Ad]]