To the Editor:
I am proud to be a member of St. Peter’s Parish in Warwick because of its attempts to include all God’s children in its faith formation programs. While there has been scientific research done on autism, there has been little accomplished in the spiritual realm to aid these children and especially their parents who are seeking some religious experience. The response of those who attended the Mass at St. Peter’s on September 13, as reported in last week’s Rhode Island Catholic, was deep and moving, especially in the welcoming spirit of Father Roger C. Gagne, Father Nicholas Iacovacci, and Margaret Andreozzi, coordinator and developer of the program.
It is heartwarming to see a parish reaching out with a religious program to those who may not have felt accepted – to those who have the greatest need for spiritual consolation – to those who will find new strength and hope. They will now be able to attend their Mass designed for their special needs and celebrated by those who have opened the doors with warmth and enthusiasm.
While I am not personally involved with the program, I attended the Mass and was deeply moved by the spirit of warmth, of acceptance, of welcome exhibited by the pastor and his staff – which is Christianity.
Alice R. Hurl
Cranston
