Most Practical Thing -- GO TO MASS

Okay, you have your list to tell you what your special child needs to be catechized. What next?

START BY GETTING THE FAMILY TO MASS if they are not already coming. If they are coming, get them resources to make it more accessible. This is the "source and summit" of our sacramental life.

If you are a parent reading this, I encourage you, if you are not going because you are worried about an outburst or physical access, JUST SHOW UP. You belong with us.

The sooner and younger the child begins attending Mass, the better -- especially for children with a need for routine and the familiar.

**Warning: I am naive and have not checked what diocese are "liberal" and which are "orthodox." But to the best of my knowledge, based on what I have read myself from the below resources and from speaking with people involved in the below organizations and dioceses, I recommend these resources.**

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops have a number of documents related to the celebration of the Mass and Sacraments with people with disabilities. They can be found at www.usccb.org/publishing/pastoralcare.htm#/disabilities. (At least, they were there the last time I checked!) Also check out the National Catholic Partnership of Disability at www.ncpd.org. These will give you general guidelines to work from.

If you are dealing with a child who has autism, I highly recommend checking out the website for the Diocese of Pittsburgh at www.diopitt.org. They have a number of resources for catechesis for all people with disabilities. But they also have a newsletter by parents of children with autism spectrum disorders -- see www.diopitt.org/education/gleanews2.htm. Their organization is called God's Love Embraces Autism. The newsletter has had very practical advice on how to help children at Mass.

Often it helps to have physical resources for the child with a disability to help them understand and follow the liturgy. There are a number of children's books for explaining and following the Mass. I encourage you to browse through them and find one which fits your needs. If I gave any broad, general advice, it would be to seek a book or resource which does not use a lot of symbolic language or pictures. It is very important to have the pictures and words be very concrete -- things that can be seen or touch. Some children will need a book without too much extra commentary or explanations. This may just confuse and upset them because no one said the things in the book. And it is my OPINION that, in a non-catechetical setting, it is best to have a simple missal when possible. Mass is a time to participate. The other books should be read at home or religious education. It is also often important to find something that is visually uncluttered. I personally recommend We Go to Mass by God's Love Embraces Autism (Diocese of Pittsburgh. To purchase or for information, go to their web site, or e-mail disabilites@diopitt.org.) For more advanced readers, I recommend MagnifiKid (www.magnifikid.com). These weekly magazines follow the Mass, start to finish, with all of the words to the Mass parts and the readings. And, best of all, there are footnotes which explain the "difficult words" and abstract concepts. VERY helpful. There are extra catechetical notes and fun activities, too. This was not designed specifically for kids with disabilities, but are done in a way which is very helpful.

What if you have someone who does not read? Well, then I recommend the use of picture cards. Name brands include PECS and Boardmaker, but you can make your own very easily. MOST children who are in special education programs for the developmentally disabled, and most children with autism use these cards at home and school to communicate, make schedules, and follow tasks. They are small, 1 1/2 - 2 inch square cards with a simple, realistic picture and word. (NOTHING abstract or symbolic.) They are often laminated for durability. I tried to find a set of picture cards for following the Mass, but it did not exist. So I made them. I call the cards Liturgy Cards. (I do not have a publisher, but if you want to be that for me....) The Liturgy Cards are kept on a ring -- which fits in your purse or pocket. There are 22 cards to follow the Mass, plus two blank ones. (You can write on the blank ones with a dry erase marker to add something -- like a baptism or wedding vows.) You can easily remove or reorder the cards to accommodate changes in the liturgical seasons, or for differences between daily and Sunday Mass. Following the cards help the kids learn vocabulary and the rhythm of the liturgy, tells them visually "how much longer" and "what's next" and gives them a visual cue for a change in routine. I'll talk more about picture cards next blog and pop-in a picture of the cards.

Parents, do not be afraid to ask an usher for help or special seating, for example near an exit for a quick escape, right up front where the child can see best, in a spot with reduced visual clutter or next to beautiful stained-glass windows for a comforting, muted light. Do not worry about the child appearing inattentive or needing to get up and step out for a minute. Go ahead and sit in the "crying room" if you have one. Music too loud? Bring earplugs or find a Mass with no music. Problems with intense smells? Ask about the use of incense and sit far away from the Easter lilies!

If the parish is new to them or if they have not brought the young child often, arrange to bring the child to the church when it is empty and take a "tour" to become comfortable with the room -- how it looks, what is in there, what things feel like (the pews, the holy water), how it sounds (echoes, etc.). Practice being quiet. Say a familiar prayer.

Talk to the pastor. I know that the Diocese of Peoria totally rocks and that my priests are the best EVER, but I'm pretty sure that, if parents express a hunger for the Mass, most priests will be more than happy to find a way to help you. (Thank you, my priests! I love you!)

Remember that many children, especially those with disabilities, find routine to be a tremendous source of comfort. We are blessed to have a liturgical Church with such rhythm and repetition. When a child feels comfortable, he can listen and learn. Come to Mass and learn.

Blessed be God.