Diocesan disabilities commission to sponsor three Masses to raise awareness

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
October 12, 2006

Since the Jubilee Year 2000, the Diocese of Sioux City has held two Masses during Respect Life Month for persons with disabilities. This year three Masses will be celebrated later this month.

Sponsored by the Coalition for Ministry with Persons Having Disabilities, the Masses this year are slated for 5:30 p.m., Oct. 28 at St. Joseph Church in Jefferson with Father Don Ries as celebrant; 10 a.m. on Oct. 29, at St. Thomas Church in Manson with Father Dennis Meinen as principle celebrant and Father Richard Ries concelebrating; and 5 p.m. on Oct. 29 at Cathedral of the Epiphany with Bishop R. Walker Nickless presiding.

According to Bev Hurni, director of the Office of Adult and Family Ministry and co-coordinator of the coalition, the purpose of the Masses are two-fold.

"We want to pray for people with disabilities and we want to raise awareness that not only do they have needs but they also have gifts that they can offer to the parish," she said. "We would like for them to share in the liturgical roles that they are able to."

Vera Ludwig, diocesan director of family programs and co-coordinator of the coalition, stressed the fact that all people are part of the same community. All people are part of the same flock with the same shepherd.

"We like for persons with disabilities to share their gifts and recognize that everyone has gifts regardless of their disabilities or abilities. That is incredibly important. We are all called - through our baptism - to share our gifts," she said.

They noted that these persons may have visible or invisible disabilities and they may be physical or mental disabilities.

In past years, persons with disabilities have served as greeters, gift bearers, lectors, song leaders and more. Once again, persons with disabilities from New Hope Village in Carroll will provide a sign choir at the Jefferson Mass, a parishioner from Manson will provide signing at St. Thomas and Connie Barrett of Sioux City will sign at the Cathedral liturgy.

They mentioned that it was one of the goals of the coalition to add an extra Mass and location this year.

Ludwig said because they want to raise awareness, these liturgies are intentionally held at regular weekend Masses to reinforce the point that they are all one community.

"No matter how often we get information out there, there are still some people who might not know about the work of the coalition. It is a continual process of raising awareness. Maybe someone who didn't have any disabilities got sick and now they have one. They might not have paid attention to the fact that we have these Masses, but now they have a need and now they need support or community," she noted.

Hurni added that studies reveal that one family in three has a family member with a disability.

"And certainly as our population ages, we will have more people with disabilities," she said. "It's part of the human condition."

Catholics with disabilities, their families and all interested persons are invited to attend as well as parishioners from these parishes.

Hurni mentioned that there will be a reception or meal following each Mass.

If persons with disabilities would like to participate at these Masses, they can call Sue Wind in Jefferson at (515) 386-3405, Suzanne Torrey in Manson at (712) 445-2532 or Hurni in the Office of Adult and Family Ministries in Sioux City at (712) 233-7531.