by Moira Cullings
moira.cullings@theleaven.org
OVERLAND PARK — A simple invitation to join a community led Katie Morrison to the Catholic Church.
“I have been away from organized religion since I lived in Chicago in the first grade,” said Morrison. “The last couple of years I have realized I missed it.”
Morrison, who has Down syndrome, got involved in multiple programs for individuals with special needs at Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, a United Methodist church.
She enjoyed the groups but felt something wasn’t quite right.
“So, when a friend invited me to an event at the Ascension, I went,” she said. “I felt like I was home.”
Morrison is now part of a group for young adults with special needs at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park. She’s also participating in the parish’s OCIA program, with plans to come into the church this Easter.
“It’s essential to have these groups where we can connect with people,” said Joe Passantino, minister for young adults at Ascension.
“That’s what companionship is — to walk and suffer with,” he said. “It’s not just hospitality, but it’s true companionship.”
Breath of fresh air
Ascension’s group for young adults with special needs meets monthly.
Participants attend parish events together, like the fall festival and fish fry, and have their own activities, like gatherings at The Golden Scoop ice cream shop and “Friendsgiving” potlucks.
It started out with nine families and now has 16 — both from Ascension and other parishes. Around 10-12 of them attend regularly, and parents and caregivers are welcome to stay or drop their loved ones off.
Lorrie Newman, an Ascension parishioner of 30 years, helped start the group. She was inspired by her 25-year-old son Keith, who has Down syndrome and autism and was lacking in faith-based fellowship opportunities.
“I know it was a hole in my son Keith’s life,” said Newman. “So, I figured it was a hole in other people’s lives, too.”
Newman said her three children had multiple opportunities to connect with their faith during high school.
“Then they graduate, and they go off to college,” she said. “For my son Keith, he didn’t go off to college. He had a different path.”
“He went to church with us, and he still goes to church,” she continued. “But there wasn’t anything [else] for him. And he enjoyed the high school youth group so much.
“[Individuals with special needs] fall in the black hole as far as faith formation and community goes.”
Newman is grateful her son now belongs to a group at his parish.
“It means the world,” she said.
Fulfilling connections
Allie O’Neil, an Ascension parishioner and group participant, said the Spring Fling dance has been her favorite activity.
“I like getting together with other people that are like me,” she said. “And I like being social.”
“It makes me feel included,” she added.
The group includes a mentorship aspect, with individuals from the parish’s young adult ministry attending a couple events during the year.
Bridget Schabron was a mentor until she moved to Wyoming this summer.
“I’ve always had a place in my heart [for individuals with special needs],” said Schabron.
She grew up with a friend who had special needs and understands the challenges they sometimes face in connecting with others.
“To me, relationships are one of the most important things in life,” said Schabron. “I’ve always felt it’s important to advocate for people with disabilities and remember they have worth and dignity.
“I think it’s important they have a chance to contribute and a chance to be part of society and not isolated.”
The group, which falls under Ascension’s Fearfully and Wonderfully Made umbrella, is just one way the parish is engaging people with special needs.
Father Scott Wallisch, who’s been the pastor since July, is edified by the efforts.
“I am grateful to all of those here at Ascension who have put in the hard work to make our parish and school a place where those with special needs and their families feel welcome,” said Father Wallisch.
“I hope that God continues to bless our parish with the ingenuity, openness and resources to make this a welcoming place for those with special needs,” he added.
Passantino encouraged other parishes to provide opportunities for parishioners with special needs and suggested they work with parishes in their deaneries to do so.
“It’s definitely personal invitation that’s making this thrive,” he said.
Those interested in learning more about Ascension’s group can reach out to Newman at: lanewman322@gmail.com.
