OCEAN CITY – In the nave of Saint Frances Cabrini Church, 32-year-old Bill Schramm stood next to his father, a gently curled parish bulletin in his hand.
“You’re doing a great job,” a woman told him gently, smiling as she plucked the paper from his grasp and found her way to a pew.
Schramm looked up silently at his father, who put an arm around him, both wearing Knights of Columbus shirts as they continued to welcome the faithful the morning of April 28.
PHOTO GALLERY: MASS OF WELCOME AND INCLUSION
The Schramms were among the families who attended, or helped serve at, the Saint Damien Parish church for a Mass of Welcome and Inclusion in celebration of Autism Acceptance Month. Sponsored by VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services of the Diocese of Camden, the Mass was the second celebrated in the Diocese in the month of April. The first was at Holy Saviour Church, Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Collingswood.
“In the context of autism acceptance and those with special needs, we are called to recognize that every individual is a beloved child of God, intricately connected to all of us by the divine vine of love and grace,” Deacon David Harkins, who is assigned to Holy Child Parish in Runnemede, preached in his homily.
Deacon Harkins glanced over at his own family in the pews, wife and daughter sitting next to his son, David Jr., who has Down syndrome and is on the autism spectrum.
He asked the crowd to reflect on the day’s Gospel message of John 15:1-8, which talks of acceptance and inclusion. “Jesus speaks to the disciples using the analogy of the vine and the branches, illustrating the importance of remaining connected to Him in order to bear fruit.
“Just as each branch is unique in its shape and form, so, too, are our brothers and sisters with autism and disabilities,” he said. “Each of us has unique gifts, talents and perspectives. Yet we must acknowledge that living with autism and intellectual disabilities do present challenges and obstacles that sometimes lead to feelings of isolation, exclusion and misunderstanding. Not only to the individuals, but to the families and caregivers. That is why this Mass today is so important, for us to recognize that we are all this universal family in our active Church.”
He encouraged the faithful to create an environment where everyone feels celebrated for their differences and empowered to fully participate in the life of the Catholic Church.
“Our Lord teaches us that true discipleship involves bearing fruit, the fruits of love, compassion and acceptance. Therefore, it is our duty to cultivate the spirit of empathy and understanding toward those with intellectual disabilities and their families,” Deacon Harkins preached.
Cultivating a welcoming environment was on the mind of Father Kevin Mohan, pastor of the Parish of Saint Monica, Atlantic City. He concelebrated Mass alongside Father Thomas Newton, pastor of Saint Damien Parish. Father Hugh Bradley, part-time director of VITALity’s Ministry With the Deaf and Persons With Disabilities, served as the main celebrant.
Father Mohan is considering bringing Masses of Welcome and Inclusion to his parish, along with a ministry for those with autism and intellectual challenges. “We are recognizing that we have families in our parish who say they are not able to bring their kids or adult family members to Mass. Obviously, that is a big concern.”
He continued that during the closing prayer, “We asked God ‘that those who are pleased to make new in Holy Baptism may, under your protective care, bear much fruit.’ So many of the people here today are baptized, which is great, but maybe we don’t always think of the second part. With God’s grace, everyone who was at Mass today can bear much fruit. We include people in the Sacraments of Initiation, but they’re also included in the mission of the Church, included in the fruitfulness of the Church.”
Rita Polistina sees that fruitfulness in her granddaughter, Annie Damiano, of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Galloway.
As dozens gathered in the parish hall after Mass for coffee and snacks, Annie, 33, went around the room, introducing herself to everyone she met as her mother, Lisa, looked on.
“I pray for these children with autism who have so much to give us,” Polistina said, emotion heavy in her voice. “My granddaughter is the love of my life. She always has a smile on her face; she doesn’t see the bad in anybody. Instead, she gives her best to everyone and she is happy for her life.”
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