LIFELONG FAITH FORMATION OPPORTUNITIES

In their 1989 Pastoral Statement on People with Disabilities, the United States Catholic Bishops describe the way in which catechesis should be structured to bring Catholics with disabilities into the fullness of Christian life.

     "Evangelization and catechesis for individuals with disabilities must be geared in content and method to their particular situation...great care should be given to integrate them into normal catechetical activities of the parish"

These programs have been developed to supplement programs within a parish or to meet the specific needs of the people served:

• The BUFFALO CATHOLIC DEAF APOSTOLATE is located at Resurrection Parish at Union and Como Park Blvd. in Depew. Father Conrad Stachowiak ministers as the Director of Ministry for Persons with Deafness along with Sister Conchetta LoPresti, the pastoral minister. Sister Conchetta may be contacted at deafcounselor@gmail.com or by calling 601-8887 (cell). Mass is interpreted in sign language every Sunday at 10:30AM and on holy day vigils at 7:00PM. Adult and child Sacramental preparation, social events, religious education for children with deafness, Sacrament of Reconciliation, marriage, wakes and funerals, home and hospital visitation, Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick are offered. Contact Father Conrad at (716) 683-3712 or 681-0846 (TTY)

• The CATHOLIC GUILD FOR THE BLIND serves individuals who are blind or visually impaired, including those with new vision loss. The Guild strives to assist its members in achieving dignity and independence at home, in the workplace and in the community. Volunteers provide transportation and accompany persons with blindness and vision loss to activities. The Guild sponsors five activities during the year including:  Days of Recollection, Lenten Services, Mass and Communion Breakfast, Christmas Party, and Summer Picnic. The group is open to new members and new volunteers. For more information, contact Sr. Peg Gallagher at 225-1846 or margaret.gallagher@ccwny.org

• CIRCLE OF FRIENDS is a social group for parishioners with disabilities at St. Mary Parish in Lancaster that meets the third Monday of the month from March through December at 7:00PM. For a schedule of gatherings, click here  For more information, contact Donna Michaels at (716) 683-4749

• A EUCHARISTIC SERVICE for recipients of mental health services and care givers is held the second Friday of each month at 7:00PM at St. Joseph University Chapel at 3275 Main St., Buffalo. This twenty minute service is designed for those who feel more comfortable in a less confining, less populated and shorter service. For more information, contact Sr. Jeremy Midura at (716) 833-0298 or jmidura@yahoo.com 

• GOD'S FAMILY:  LEARNING, LOVING AND LIVING OUR FAITH is a monthly faith formation program for all age people with disabilities and their family and friends. The group meets the third Saturday of each month from September to June, from Noon-2:30PM at Baker Hall School, 777 Ridge Rd., Lackawanna. Group home families are welcome. The gatherings include lunch, interactive prayer services, learning of our Catholic faith, sharing our experiences of faith, and taking materials to learn at home. Contact Sharon at surbaniak@buffalodiocese.org or call (716) 847-5514. Click below for:

             God's Family Schedule

             Family Registration

             Group Home Registration

             WNY Catholic Article

• A ROSARY FOR LIFE is recited after the 8:00AM Mass at St. Rose of Lima Church, 500 Parker Ave, Buffalo, on the last Saturday of each month from March through November, followed by a procession to an abortion clinic, public prayer and witness across the street from the clinic. For more information, email prolife@buffalodiocese.org or call (716) 847-2205

• VICTORIOUS MISSIONARIES is a spiritual network for persons with a disability or chronic illness. This group is afflilated to the National Chapter, visit www.vmusa.org  Locally, this group meets monthly from March through December for prayer and socialization in a Christian atmosphere. They also have two days of renewal each year. The group assists with transportation as needed. For a schedule of events, Click here. For more information, call Carol at (716) 694-0514. 

•  ADULTS WITH COGNITIVE DISABILITIES:  APPROACHES TO ADULT FAITH FORMATION click here

     Faith Formation for Adults with Cognitive Disabilities