Testimonials from grateful parents

“We found that the inclusion masses are a TRUE blessing.  The shorter times and the very personal smaller mass sizes enabled our autistic daughter to sit through, pay attention to, and learn from the masses.  The relationships that we developed with Father Hugh and the other families that attend are wonderful”!

“I absolutely love our masses at St. Patrick’s, Woodbury, and Holy Saviour Church at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Westmont with ASL. . . I love that the Catholic Church has included our special needs families”.

“We are grateful for these Masses and for the opportunity for Patrick to complete the Sacraments outside of our parish’s religious ed program.  When he was small, we worried that he would not be able to receive Communion or Confirmation since there was no way he could attend CCD.  Mass was also a challenge.  Now he can fully participate in the Catholic faith.  Another great thing is all the wonderful people we have met, who we would not have met otherwise”.

“We are tremendously grateful for the Masses at St. Patrick’s in Woodbury.  We are grateful to have met Sister Bonnie which then lead us to meet Father Hugh and all the amazing families we would have never met otherwise and who have been on our same journey in our Catholic faith.  Everyone has been a blessing in our lives”.

“. . .John and Pam both enjoyed the Thanksgiving Service, I feel blessed that John found your group, thank you for doing this special work.

Through your ministry, I wanted to tell you that the name G.I.F.T.S. has such a positive and powerful message, it is so important that all of God’s children understand that each and everyone  of us bring special gifts and blessings in the world.  May God continue to bless you and your ministry.”

S.B.

“. . . I would like to share my story.  Please pass it on… I personally feel that special needs kids are unfortunately loners( unless they have siblings).  That is the case with my son who is autistic and delayed and unfortunately an only child.  He is gifted in sign language and feels welcome in this parish (Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, Holy Saviour Church) because he can  freely share his gift.   He is very spiritual and he feels very supported here.  He needs to find and make friends socially, which the parish does offer some opportunities, for which we are grateful.”

N.E.

“Thanks for always working for the benefit of children and families with special needs.”

Peace,
N.M.