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Special Needs Ministry Brings Families Back to Church
Confirmed
In Short: The Diocese of Sioux Falls, SD's Special Needs Ministry is supporting families with children who have disabilities, encouraging their full participation in church life.
The Diocese of Sioux Falls, SD's Special Needs Ministry is working to support families with children who have disabilities, ensuring their full and meaningful participation in the sacramental life of the Church.
According to the Diocese, the mission of the Special Needs Ministry is to provide support for children with special needs, affirming the dignity of every human being and recognizing the active participation of all members in the parish community.
The ministry offers grants to help cover additional costs incurred to make it feasible for a child or children with special needs to be included in religious education.
Taylor, a mother whose son Reid was asked to leave sacramental preparation classes and Vacation Bible School due to his special needs, found genuine acceptance through the ministry.
Devore, a key figure in the ministry, noted that sensory-friendly Masses designed for people with special needs like autism are one of the most meaningful parts of their work.
The ministry began as a backyard rosary group and has since expanded throughout the diocese, bringing families back to Mass after years away.
What this adds
The ministry's efforts highlight the importance of inclusive practices in religious communities, addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities and their families.
Background
Recently, an individual with a disability sought an online church community, highlighting the need for accessible and engaging virtual spaces.
What's confirmed
- The Diocese of Sioux Falls, SD's Special Needs Ministry is working to support families with children who have disabilities, ensuring their full and meaningful participation in the sacramental life of the Church.
- According to the Diocese, the mission of the Special Needs Ministry is to provide support for children with special needs, affirming the dignity of every human being and recognizing the active participation of all members in the parish community.
- The ministry offers grants to help cover additional costs incurred to make it feasible for a child or children with special needs to be included in religious education.
- Taylor, a mother whose son Reid was asked to leave sacramental preparation classes and Vacation Bible School due to his special needs, found genuine acceptance through the ministry.
- Devore, a key figure in the ministry, noted that sensory-friendly Masses designed for people with special needs like autism are one of the most meaningful parts of their work.
- The ministry began as a backyard rosary group and has since expanded throughout the diocese, bringing families back to Mass after years away.
What's still developing
- In light of this call, the Church seeks to support all in their growth in holiness, and to encourage all in their vocations.
- Your contributions to the Special Needs Ministry will help provide funding for educationally related services in Catholic schools and religious education programs.
- “In the days that followed, I felt a wide range of emotions — sadness, frustration, disappointment, and a fierce determination to advocate for greater inclusion of individuals with disabilities within the Catholic Church,” Taylor said.
- “The ministry has also strengthened our faith journey in unexpected ways,” Taylor said.
- “Our hope has always been simple: that every individual with special and exceptional needs — and every parent, sibling, and caregiver who walks beside them — would know they are not just welcome in the Church, but that they are an essential part of the body of Christ,” Devore said.
- Adoration at a family retreat. | Credit: Photo courtesy of All Are Welcome “Families know they can move around as needed without fear of judgment,” Devore explained.
- “For many families, Sunday morning isnʼt as simple as getting everyone dressed and going to Mass,” Devore said.
- Two Louisiana Catholic moms with special-needs kids felt isolated so they founded a support ministry that has since transformed communities and brought families back to Mass.
- “My husband and I knew that something needed to change, not only for our son, but for other families who might face similar barriers.” Taylor reached out to her home diocese of Baton Rouge, who put them in contact with the All Are Welcome ministry.
- Currently, 58% of male churchgoers say their congregation has an organized men’s ministry, 23% say there is nothing formal but there are activities specifically for men, 14% say their church has no activities for men and 5% aren’t sure.
- “As a whole, the findings from the research paint an encouraging picture of men’s ministry in churches across America,” said John Paul Basham, director of Lifeway Adults.
- Numerous research organizations have noted a shrinking church attendance gender gap.