A special Way of the Cross

by Moira Cullings
moira.cullings@theleaven.org

OVERLAND PARK — Adults with special needs gathered at Church of the Ascension here on March 22 to walk the Way of the Cross.

“The idea came from watching my brother struggle with his spiritual life,” said Cathy Oxley. “There wasn’t anything for him as an adult — [a] child, yes, but not as an adult just like me.”

This was the second year Ascension has offered Stations of the Cross for adults with special needs. The Stations were led by Deacon John Stanley, and this year included sign language interpretation by Pat Richey.

“The families love what we are doing [to] keep bringing the Way of the Cross back every year,” said Oxley.

Oxley is involved in Ascension’s Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, a community of parents and caregivers of individuals with special needs who come together for advice and support.

That initiative, and events like the Stations of the Cross, have had the full support of Father Gary Pennings, pastor of Ascension, said Oxley.

“He wants to bring back the fallen- away Catholics who left because those needs of their loved ones weren’t even being heard or discussed,” she said.

For Oxley, organizing and writing the handout for the Stations has enriched her own Lent.

“This project I prayed over a lot,” she said. “In that process, I came to understand the passion of Our Lord in a deeper way.”

To learn more about Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, visit the website at: kcascension.org/fwm.