True
inclusion isn’t noticing someone for their differences. It is noticing
when they are missing.
In answering Pope Francis’ call the St. James Cathedral’s new Faith
Friend program will be a unique blend of children’s faith formation
program and an inclusion ministry. The program's goal is to give
children of all-abilities, ages 7-18, with diagnosed physical, cognitive
and intellectual differences access to parish community, social events,
and faith formation. A unique aspect of the Faith Friends program is the
Faith Peer program. Faith Peers are youth and young adults who have
chosen to live out their discipleship and share some of their personal
time in dedication and service to the goals of the program.
Pope Francis on December 2020 in his response to the United
Nations Theme for the World Day of Persons with Disabilities -
“Building Back Better: Toward Disability Inclusive, Accessible and
Sustainable post-COVID-19 World” - Urged us to Build Back Better:
in reflecting upon the Gospel of the house built on rock vs. sand, he
urged us to rebuild back stronger on top of the rocks of Inclusion and
Participation. Also, the Archdiocesan Pastoral Plan urges us to
Encounter Christ, Accompany Each Other, and Live the Gospel. In
Faith Friends Ministry we believe "the heart of every culture is its
approach to the greatest mystery." We can’t sit by while individuals of
all-abilities are deprived of the opportunity to approach and
participate in the mystery of our faith.
St. James Cathedral's Faith Friends program is a unique blend of our
Faith Mentor faith formation program and parish youth inclusion
ministry. The program's goal is to give children ages 7-18* with
physical, cognitive and intellectual disabilities access to parish
community, social events, and faith formation. Our program generally
runs through the school year from September through June. Features of
our program include:
- Sunday Friends: Twice Monthly Inclusive Social
and Community Activities
- Birthday Club: Celebrate your birthday with
Faith Friends!(Every other month)
- Faith Mentors: Opportunity for one-to-one faith
formation and/or Sacramental Preparation for each Faith Friend,
allowing them to thrive at their own level, instruction provided by
a Faith Mentor with lots of training and support.
- Faith Friends are invited, encouraged, and
accompanied in their participation in activities in St. James
Children's Faith Formation, Youth Ministry and other parish-wide
events, liturgical celebrations appropriate to their needs and
abilities.
- Parent/Caregiver respite time.
For more information please email
Leticia Salazar or visit our program
link at
https://www.faithfriendsstjames.org/
