Retreat for persons with disabilities held in two locations of diocese

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
March 16, 2006

Saints Among Us was the theme of a retreat for adults with moderate developmental disabilities that was held in two locations of the Diocese of Sioux City.

Sponsored by the Coalition for Ministry with Persons Having Disabilities, the retreat was held Feb. 25 at Sacred Heart Parish in Sioux City and on March 4 at the Corpus Christi Parish Center in Fort Dodge.

At each of the retreats, the theme of saints was carried over in the various parts of the programming. They discussed saints from long ago - canonized saints of the church - as well as modern-day people with saintly qualities such as Blessed Mother Teresa and Rosa Parks.

The persons with disabilities sat at tables that bore the name of a saint and then they studied the story of that person and in small groups presented a role-play or skit for the larger group. They also discussed what attributes make for a saintly person.

Organizers of the retreat explained that they selected the theme of saints because on one's faith journey, everyone is working toward that goal.

According to Vera Ludwig, co-coordinator of the coalition and diocesan coordinator of family programs, about 40 retreatants and 40 volunteers attended the retreat in Sioux City.

"They are such a strong example of loving God unconditionally," she said of the participants.

Father Dennis Meinen, diocesan homebound contact person and a member of the coalition, was on hand for the retreat in Sioux City.

"The participants get so much out of it, but we (the volunteers) get so much out of it, too. There is so much energy." He added, "They actually remind us who we are. As the body of Christ, we are called to raise up those who may be suffering or those who may be disabled."

Father Tim Johnson, pastor at St. Mary Parish in Remsen, was also on hand for the Sioux City retreat. He helped to facilitate the activities.

Several of the volunteers at Sacred Heart were from Remsen.

Anna Stamat, who works with persons with disabilities at New Perspectives, volunteered to work at the retreat with the group from St. Mary's.

"I see these folks during workshop activities and during work periods, so this is great seeing them in a new light," she said. "I think it is a beautiful thing."

Among the volunteers in Sioux City were youth from Remsen, St. Michael's in Kingsley and Sacred Heart Parish, Sioux City.

Kelsey Schroeder, a freshmen at St. Mary High School in Remsen, acknowledged that she didn't have much experience in being around persons with disabilities.

"I really like it - to see how they view life and their openness to the faith. It's almost life-changing," she said.

Sister Theresa Jungers, OSF, who works at Village Northwest Unlimited in Sheldon with persons having disabilities, volunteered at the retreat.

"It's really important to empower people who have special needs - to see the great uniqueness and giftedness of the people I serve," she said. "They have gifts just like the rest of us."

She liked the activity where the retreatants acted out the skits.

"It gives them new life - just like we get new life when we do things," said Sister Theresa.

Bev Hurni, co-coordinator of the coalition and diocesan director of adult and family ministries, pointed out that about 90 participants and 40 volunteers at the retreat in Fort Dodge.

"We had a great team of volunteers," she said.

She pointed out that while the participants benefit from the day, volunteers generally comment about what they receive through the experience.

"It usually is such an eye-opening experience for them," she said. "In their evaluations, they comment about how much they enjoyed the day and about how much they learned."

Hurni said many people recognize the faith of the persons with disabilities - the simple acceptance that God loves them and all is right with the world.

Jack Bradley, a parishioner at Corpus Christi in Fort Dodge, volunteered for the retreat. Being his first exposure to this retreat, he acknowledged that it was much better than what he expected.

"It was a rewarding time for me," he said. "I was surprised how you could sit down and speak with all of the disabled adults and enjoy what they enjoy. It was a wonderful experience."

The retreatants abilities, behavior and faith impressed him.

"I would like to volunteer again as soon as it comes back here," said Bradley. "I would do it in a second. I would recommend anyone to volunteer at this retreat."

Amy Atherley, who is employed at New Hope Village in Carroll, led the music in Fort Dodge with the help of the New Hope Sign Choir, which is made up of persons with disabilities.

"They love it and they are very proud and they have reason to be proud because it is a skill that not everyone has," she said.

Atherley pointed out that a retreat of this sort allows persons with disabilities to get together with people from other facilities.

"I think it is good that they get to mingle," she said. "Two, I think expressing your spirituality is always good no matter who you are."

Along with other activities such as Saint Bingo, the retreat included a prayer service in which the retreatants participated.

Ludwig and Hurni extended gratitude to the Knights of Columbus for their generous contribution that made the retreat possible.