Masses celebrate gifts of persons with disabilities

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
Posted Oct. 31, 2002

SPENCER/CARROLL - Masses were held in two locations in the Diocese of Sioux City - Oct. 12 at Sacred Heart Parish in Spencer and Oct. 26 at St. Lawrence Parish in Carroll - to celebrate the gifts of persons with disabilities.

Father Dennis Meinen, diocesan homebound contact person, celebrated the Spencer Mass and Bishop Daniel N. DiNardo presided at the Mass in Carroll.

According to Bev Hurni, director of family ministries and coordinator of the Coalition for Ministry with Persons Having Disabilities, the diocese first celebrated a special Mass for persons with disabilities in 2000, during the jubilee year.

"Bishop DiNardo wanted to celebrate this Mass annually and do so in different parts of the diocese," she said.

The coalition hoped to accomplish three things: 1) celebrate the giftedness of all persons including those with disabilities, 2) create awareness about the needs of persons with disabilities and 3) spread the word that the coalition exists.

In order to raise awareness as to how persons with disabilities can serve in ministerial roles, the host parishes invited people with disabilities to actively participate in the celebrations. For instance, they took on roles as altar servers, gift bearers, hospitality ministers and members of the choir.

Kevin Uehle, a member of the coalition who has cerebral palsy, was one of the gift bearers in Spencer. He attended both liturgies.

"There was very good reception at both locations," he said.

Uehle noted that these Masses let people know that there are disabled people within the church and that these individuals are an important part of the community so they should not be left out.

Vera Ludwig, a member of the coalition, said it was neat to go out in the diocese because it helped spread the word about the coalition. She attended the Mass in Spencer and noted that the people there offered "a very welcoming environment."

"What struck me most was the sense of hospitality that the entire worshipping community offered us," added Carol Kelzer, a member of the coalition who also attended the Spencer Mass. "They showed sincere interest in the coalition."

Connie Barrett, a member of the coalition, signed the Mass for the hearing impaired at both locations.

"Neither Mass was identical," she recalled. "Each one had some spectacular aspects."

Barrett pointed out that when she signs, she sees the faces of the people. In Carroll, she could visibly tell that the people were appreciative that the bishop was there to celebrate the Mass.

"It was emotional for me and many people," said Barrett. "Having the bishop present at the altar was awe-inspiring."

The bishop sent the message relating to the importance of inclusion. He told the people that when people treat everyone well, everybody does well.

In Spencer, Barrett noted that it was the example that Father Meinen, who has multiple sclerosis, provided that made that celebration special. Many people were impressed by the priest and thanked him for celebrating Mass.

Ludwig said that one man came up to her after the Mass in Spencer as they were passing out brochures about the coalition. He told her that his son had recently died as a result of MS. The man was very touched that Father Meinen had celebrated the liturgy that day.

"Father Meinen was a marvelous witness of being willing to serve in the midst of a disability," said Kelzer.

Members of the coalition extended special thanks to Father Roger Linnan and Robin Barber in Spencer and Father Timothy Schott, Marcy Anderson and Michelle Steinkamp in Carroll.

"It was a wonderful experience of the coalition partnering with the parish because we did the publicity out of our office, but it was the local people who did the inviting of people they know from the surrounding area to participate," said Hurni.

If parishes would like to host a Mass next year celebrating the gifts of persons with disabilities they should contact Hurni at (712) 233-7531.