FAIRFIELD—This year, the annual Mass for those with down syndrome, their families and friends was celebrated on September 16 at St. Pius X Church. The Mass can best be summed up with one word… “Joy”. For annual attendees, that “Joy” is daily but for many attending weekly Mass, it was refreshing.
As it says in the New American Bible, “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete”(John 15:9-11).
No one can deny the joy and light of Jesus Christ that shines forth from these children with down syndrome. They are truly a gift to our community. They bring happiness wherever they go and to whomever they meet. You see it in the beautiful smiles on their faces and from the families who love them and are trying to be the very best they can be for them.
You could see the “Joy” they brought to all who attended the Mass, the family members, friends, teachers, paraprofessionals and caregivers. It was a lovely sunny day outside and sunshine radiated through St. Pius X Church! We are certainly looking forward to the Mass next year.
The mission of the St. Robert Bellarmine Apostolate is to support and strengthen individuals with Down syndrome, their families and friends through prayer.
The members of the Apostolate live out this mission by:
1.) Praying the intercessory prayers to St. Robert Bellarmine to increase devotion to this saint as a patron for individuals with Down syndrome
2.) Celebrating the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on the feast day of St. Robert (September 17, or the Sunday before or after his feast day) for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and friends
3.) Encouraging Catholic parents to join or to form a MOMs+DADs (Mother of Mercy spiritual Divine Advocate for Down syndrome) prayer/support group at their local parish
For more information about the St. Robert Bellarmine Apostolate contact: strapostolate@optimum.net or visit the website: www.saintfordownsyndrome.org
Looking for another opportunity to celebrate those in your lives with special needs, as well as those who care for them?
On October 7 there will be a special needs mass at Saint Catherine of Siena in Riverside for those families with special needs, autism and all children who need a mass with accommodations and modifications.
The Parish Partners at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Riverside invite anyone who is, cares for, or cares about a person with disabilities or special needs to attend the 12 noon Mass and the lunch that follows on October 7. “We have great hope that the Spirit will kindle in all who attend the desire to foster loving relationships and meaningful partnerships with people with disabilities in our shared faith journeys, in all aspects of parish life,” say the Partners.
