Special Needs Faith Formation

The Special Needs Ministry focuses on sacramental preparation for all children with disabilities or need for specific curriculum adaptations. We work closely with the families enrolled to ensure we meet the needs of their children and accomplish the goals set at the beginning of the year. Our students vary in age and abilities every year, so we get to know each one before classes to ensure we are prepared to have their adaptations ready when classes start. The objective of this formation is to prepare our students to complete their sacraments of initiation, Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation, and/or to continue strengthening their relationship with Christ and His Church.

Classes are held every Sunday during the Faith Formation Class Calendar from 9:15 am to 10:45 am. Our class structure is molded to have a consistent routine throughout the year and we prepare the environment and activities to stimulate all sensory needs throughout the class. The program length is recommended to each family according to their children’s understanding of the preparation.

The Ministry welcomes anyone willing to participate in supporting our students regardless of their experience working with children with disabilities and special needs. If you are interested in working directly with our class, the team would love to set up a meeting with you to talk more about the class dynamic and figure out strengths and what areas of support you can help with, as well as answer any questions you might have for us.

Training

All volunteers are required to go through the Safe Environment Program.

Before classes begin, the Special Needs Ministry will host a workshop on August 17th, 2024 on how to support students with disabilities and special needs for all catechists interested. More information will come as the date approaches.

Potential volunteers would be welcome to meet the students during our initial family interview and depending on the class comfort level they may sit in to observe one of our classes at the beginning of the year.

Our priority is to provide fruitful and individualized support to our students. The roles of our volunteers are different according to the strengths and comfort levels of each person. We also invite potential volunteers to branch out our ministry in other Faith Formation programs by providing support to the students who benefit from a traditional classroom setting but still need accommodations (such as children with dyslexia, mild learning disabilities, ADHD, Autism, etc.). 

If you feel the call to serve in this ministry or would like to know more about it please reach out to us for more information.