Catholic Charities in the process of developing new program for autism support

Parents of children with autism met with Celia Mendez, Director for the Office of Ministry and Life Enrichment for the Disabled, and Yiyi Dean, Grant Writer and Program Development for Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi on March 5.

Rafael and Ann De Castro from Most Precious Blood Parish and Michell Landers from St. Pius X Parish joined several other parents from throughout the diocese to discuss ways to increase awareness of autism and develop a program for loved ones with autism and provide support for autistic family members. The group will meet the first Friday of every month after April.

The group chose Blessed Margaret of Castello as their patron saint and will call the group Blessed Margaret Castello Society.

They discussed plans to celebrate Autism Awareness Month on April 12 at 11 a.m. in the Immaculate Conception Chapel, 3036 Saratoga, on the campus of St. John Paul II. Following the Mass there will be food and entertainment. Everyone is invited to stay for the Divine Mercy at 3 p.m.

"Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi Ministry and Life Enrichment for the Disabled is bringing awareness to the month of April which is dedicated to Autism Awareness Month. We are encouraging all staff from Catholic Charities and the Mother Teresa Shelter to wear the Autism Awareness Ribbon in support of our efforts," Mendez said.