Retreat a success

David Amico noted that St. Henry's parish in Averill Park was well-prepared to host the event because it has done intentional outreach to include children with disabilities in its religious ed program for several years.

The Diocese has traditionally sponsored retreats for persons with developmental disabilities, but working with their families as well was a new concept.

"We do a fine job reaching out to adults, but [including families] is something we've needed to strengthen more," Mr. Amico explained.

The retreat day included music; a puppet show on stories from Jesus' life, presented by youth from Westerlo Baptist Church; a discussion of the parable of the loaves and fishes, and how Jesus feeds all people, bringing them together as one family; and making family banners. The retreat also featured a liturgy, during which the families and their banners were blessed.

"We're trying to model what we hope all our parishes will be: places of welcome and inclusion," said Mr. Amico. (KB)

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