Masses to celebrate gifts of all people

Globe staff report 
Posted Oct. 3, 2002

CARROLL/SPENCER

Two Masses will be celebrated in October during Respect Life Month to recognize the giftedness of all people. The liturgies are also designed to raise awareness as to how persons with disabilities can serve in liturgical celebrations and other ministries in parishes of the Diocese of Sioux City.

Bev Hurni, director of family ministries and coordinator of the Coalition for Ministry with Persons Having Disabilities, pointed out that the diocese first celebrated a special Mass for persons with disabilities in 2000, during the jubilee year. A Mass was celebrated again last year at the Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City.

Masses this year will be held in Spencer and Carroll. The Spencer Mass will be held at 5:30 p.m., Oct. 12, at Sacred Heart Church. Father Dennis Meinen, homebound contact person, will celebrate the Mass. Bishop Daniel N. DiNardo will celebrate 5 p.m. Mass, Oct. 26, at St. Lawrence Church in Carroll.

Catholics with disabilities, their families and all interested persons are invited to attend. Both services are regularly scheduled parish Masses - anyone is welcome.

"The bishop had said that he would like to see the location of the Mass moved around to raise awareness throughout the diocese," noted Hurni. "We are interested in holding it at other locations next year. We are inviting pastors and parishioners to contact us if they would like to host this Mass."

The main task of the host parishes is inviting people with disabilities to serve in the various ministries for the Mass.

"Hopefully, these are people who either are already serving in these ministries in their parish or as a result of being invited to serve at this Mass, they will continue to be included," she said.

Hurni pointed out that when they refer to persons with disabilities, it could range from persons who were born with a disability or persons who have developed disabilities as a result of age, illness or accident. The disabilities can range from mental to physical.

Some roles that persons with disabilities can take on include lectors, Eucharistic ministers, greeters and gift bearers.

At the Mass in Carroll, there will be a choir made up of a combination of their regular members along with people from the community with disabilities. This is a role that persons with disabilities could be involved in on a regular basis.

"In many indirect ways, people with disabilities often feel excluded in our society. It can sometimes be a result of physical barriers," she explained. "It can send the signal that you don't belong."

With that in mind, parishes must look at such things as the size of the print in the missalettes and whether their sound system can accommodate persons with hearing problems. Assorted parish groups are encouraged to reach out to persons with disabilities and actively seek their participation and gifts.

"Sometimes we can fall into the danger of thinking that just because a person can't walk, they can't do other things. That's not true. A person could still be a catechist, for example, even though they may need to use a wheelchair," stressed Hurni.

She pointed out that parishes may contact the Coalition for Ministry with Persons Having Disabilities to educate parishioners about various disabilities and the ways that persons with disabilities can become more integrated into parish life. In the near future, parishes will be sent a checklist that will help them evaluate service to persons with disabilities.

"We must intentionally send the message that they do belong and that they are a part of this community of human persons," said Hurni. "Jesus is the shepherd to all of us."

Both the parishes in Spencer and Carroll have handicap accessible entrances and parking available.