April 29, 2009

Developmentally disabled rejoice in God’s love at Mass with prelate

By John Gleason

“Sing to the Lord” was the theme of the 36th annual Archbishop’s Mass for Special Religious Education.  The April 26 afternoon liturgy was held at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., was the main celebrant.

Welcoming the 300 students, teachers, parents and caregivers to the church, which was decorated with festive balloons, Archbishop Chaput began Mass by saying everyone had come as a family to celebrate with each other.

“Let us rejoice in Jesus’ love that leads us and makes us one family,” he said.

The Mass was concelebrated by Father Michael Pavlakovich, V.F., Father Robert Reycraft, Father Martin Lally, Father John Paul Leyba, Father Darrell Schaffer, Father Alvaro Montero, D.J.S.M., Father James Purfield and Father Roland Freeman, special religious education director, who served as homilist. 

The Scripture readings, responsorial psalm and procession of the word were all carried out by students of the 20 schools and special education communities at the Mass and were acknowledged by Father Freeman during his homily.

“Weren’t they great,” asked a delighted Father Freeman. “Here we heard the story of some of Jesus’ friends who came together, just as we’ve done here today, to share the wonderful gift of experiencing Jesus in their lives.” 

Father Freeman added that in the Gospel reading, Jesus tells the apostles and us to go out and share the good news that he is risen.

“Jesus wants us to know that we can all be like him,” he said. 

“When Jesus comes into our heart,” he added, “he makes us so happy, and isn’t that a wonderful thing?”

In the spirit of the theme, “Sing to the Lord,” each school and community had created a special “choir member,” which was a cardboard cutout of a person in song.  All were brightly decorated and some had pictures of the students on them.  In turn, each group carried their choir member forward in procession and placed them in stands on the altar, ultimately revealing an Easter chorus welcoming the Lord.

At the conclusion of the Mass, Archbishop Chaput stepped forward to express gratitude to all those who give of their time to make the special education program such a success, particularly the associate director, Loretto Sister Mary Catherine Widger.

“There are so many reasons to give thanks for this celebration,” he said. “We should thank … those who prepared for our liturgy and all the caregivers who are extraordinarily generous and, in that generosity, reflect the risen life of Christ in the Church.

“This Sunday is one of the highlights of my service as a bishop,” he added, “because I get to see all you parents and thank you.”