Disabilities Masses held in two locations

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
October 27, 2005

JEFFERSON/SAC CITY - The Diocesan Coalition for Ministry to Persons having Disabilities held Masses for persons with disabilities Oct. 22 and 23. The first Mass was held at St. Joseph Church in Jefferson on Oct. 22. The second Mass was held at St. Mary Church in Sac City on Oct. 23.

"Sue Wind and Deb Lundberg did such a good job of planning the Masses with their pastors that everything went smoothly and everyone felt welcomed and included," said Bev Hurni, director of adult and family ministries for the diocese and a member of the coalition.

"It was just wonderful. It was very spiritually uplifting for the parishioners," said Sue Wind, the organizer of the Mass in Jefferson. "It was an experience for the participants in that they normally do not get to do these activities that they did during Mass."

The various ministries that the disabled people were able to help with at St. Joseph's included ushering, lectoring, carrying a book to the altar, passing out bulletins and brochures, being an altar server and carrying gifts to the altar.

"They were active participants in the Mass other than just sitting there and watching," said Wind, also a coalition member. "They were so proud of their accomplishments. The ones that were readers practiced their readings over and over again so that they would be able to do this successfully."

According to Wind, the participants had most likely never been asked to help with Mass before and were pleased to be able to participate.

Father Dennis Meinen, who has multiple sclerosis, was the celebrant at both of the Masses and gave the homily. Another person present at both Masses was Connie Barrett, a member of the coalition, who provided sign language.

Father Don Ries, pastor at St. Joseph's, concelebrated the Mass in Jefferson. Father Lawrence McCarty, pastor at St. Mary Parish, concelebrated the Mass in Sac City.

She added that there were people from Panora, Carroll, Fort Dodge and Jefferson. There were 17 participants that were mentally or physically challenged adults. Wind pointed out that there were five coalition members present at the Mass in Jefferson.

"I feel it is important to raise awareness that the facilities that we have are not necessarily accessible," said Wind. "For example, for Father Meinen to get up on the altar - there are steps there and he uses a scooter. I am hoping it brought this issue to the forefront - our facilities are not necessarily handicapped accessible."

Most parishes now have handicap entrances with a ramp; however, many of them have steps leading to the sanctuary. A ramp could include more people in the ministries of lector and eucharistic minister, as well as being helpful to some of the priests, Hurni explained.

"I think the whole entire Mass gave many messages to the people who came to Mass - not the participants, but the parishioners who were observing. To see these people whose abilities are far less than the normal person's abilities sends the message that anyone can participate in these various ministries," said Wind.

Following the Mass in Jefferson, a meal was provided with a donation from the Knights of Columbus.

"I really appreciate the Knights helping us in that way," said Wind. "Ruth Naberhaus from Scranton and Betty Piepel organized the meal. It was a very nice touch."

Deb Lundberg, who planned the Mass in Sac City, noted that there were five people with disabilities who participated in the Mass including herself and Father Meinen.

"We were happy to be able to have the disability Mass in our church due to the fact that it is handicapped accessible," said Lundberg. "Everyone was happy to make the accommodations that needed to be made."

A parishioner made a ramp to allow Father Meinen to make his way to the sanctuary. Lundberg pointed out that the building is accessible but the sanctuary is not.

"The people were very happy that we had it there because they were not aware that the Sioux City Diocese had such a ministry," said Lundberg. "They are happy that our church is accessible for them to come to Mass."

There were two ushers that were also greeters from the Howard Center in Sac City. Howard Center is a place for physically and mentally disabled people.

The person that brought up the offertory gifts was also disabled as a result of a stroke. He just uses one hand and was able to carry the bread and wine to the altar.

"I was amazed at how he was able to carry the gifts with one hand," said Lundberg. "The comment my mother made was, 'Deb, he has probably been using one hand for lots of years and is used to it.' I think it made people more aware of how they do adapt to get things accomplished."

Lundberg, who is also disabled, was the lector for the Mass.

"Father Dennis spoke about the purpose of the coalition and things that he does on a volunteer basis," said Lundberg. "He wanted to people to know that even though we are disabled that we do want to participate and have accessibility. We need to show our love for one another."

She noted the importance of the Mass is that "people are not aware of the fact that some people's disabilities are invisible. People do have a hard time and do need special accommodations. They need to be aware so that they can help in times of need."

After the Mass, there were donuts, juice and coffee provided by the Knights of Columbus. Lundberg also had a resource table available for people to pick up information on different services provided in the area.

"We really appreciate all the assistance from local folks including Deb, Sue, Father Ries, Father McCarty, Rosemary Paulsen and of course, Father Dennis and Connie Barrett," said Hurni.