WARWICK — St. Peter Church continues to make it possible for children and young adults with autism to experience their faith on a powerful level.
After 5 years of educating those who may never have had the opportunity to take part in such an original special needs ministry, young autistic Catholics remain engaged in the faith-filled program that meets their spiritual needs.
Sharing the faith with their children has been a priority for the families of 44 students enrolled in the Autism and the Sacraments Program at St. Peter Church. The program, which began in 2008 with 18 students, is full of young people excited and eager to learn about the Catholic faith. Students come from throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts to attend the faith formation classes. Twenty-five have received their First Communion through the program and, for the first time, eight students will be confirmed this year.
Bishop Thomas J. Tobin wanted to share his admiration and support of those enrolled in the program during his visit to the religious education class last Saturday. Bishop Tobin thanked families and program volunteers for their commitment of time and talent.
“I’ve been looking forward to visiting the program and wanted to share a word of sincere appreciation of those who have come together to make this such a very special program of religious education. Thanks to all the students who are also sharing their faith and their gifts and talents with the rest of us. It’s a wonderful program to see and behold and I know it’s had great success already and that will continue going forward.”
As Bishop Tobin gathered with students and families, he encouraged them to reflect and thank God for all of the gifts he has given.
“Without a sense of faith some how our lives are a little bit incomplete,” he said. “Your participation in the program shows that you value your faith. As we come together today and as we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, it’s good for us to thank God for all of the gifts and blessings that he has given us.”
The program, based on a model created in the Archdiocese of Boston, is tailored to children on the autism spectrum, those with developmental delays and students who are non-verbal.
Margaret Andreozzi, parish elementary and autism faith coordinator, explained that this innovative approach to religious education for children with autism adapts to each child or young adult’s individual learning style in a compassionate, loving and inclusive environment.
Andreozzi added that the families were excited to have Bishop Tobin spend the afternoon visiting with the families and see the students learning the faith in a hands-on way in the classroom.
“We wanted to share with him our program of Autism and the Sacraments,” she said. “As we prepare for our first confirmation class, we feel that it’s the perfect time for the bishop to be here and share the excitement of our faith.”
Robert LaBranch, 15, of Rehoboth, Mass., is in his fourth year of CCD and was all smiles while he worked with fellow classmates in the art room. His mother, Catherine explained that she feels grateful that her son has an opportunity to learn the faith.
“We feel a tremendous sense of belonging, she said. “If he gets some semblance of God and our Catholic faith, I’m grateful. He has gained quite a lot from the program. More than we could have ever imagine. There is such a strong community here.”
Mary Catanese, a parishioner of St. Peter Church, has been teaching religious education for 20 years. She said she knew right away that God was going to lead her to this special ministry. She added that it’s easy to see the impact the program has on the students.
“They came in nervous and now the calming affect it has on them, we know it works,” she said. “They understand, even the ones that can’t speak, you can see it in their faces, especially at Mass. It’s hard to describe, but you can definitely feel it.”
North Providence resident Lincoln Davis explained that his family has felt a tremendous amount of support from the St. Peter community. His son, John-Paul, 13, has excelled in the program for the past five years.
“It’s phenomenal,” he said. “Everyone is very kind. We are all in the same boat. He’s done very well. It’s hard to understand how much. I like the fact that he is being exposed to the faith because it’s apart of our faith. I believe in the power the sacraments give us and I trust in the prayer.”
