Catholic Charities Ministry now has an Atrium for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

The Ministry & Life Enrichment for Persons with Disabilities Program at Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi was established in 1983. Since then, we have been working hard to create and modify programs that would be effective in the religious formation of children and adults with intellectual disabilities and their siblings. Loyola Press offers excellent resources and programs for faith formation and sacramental preparation that have been very helpful to our ministry.  In 2022, we dared to want more for our clients. 

After learning that the Diocese was offering a course on the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS), we decided to take a closer look and Sister Letizia Lo Re, a Sister of St. Ann and program assistant for the ministry took the lead and signed up for the course. Our experience working with persons with intellectual disabilities is that they have their unique way of learning. Most learn best by seeing, touching, and tasting. After two classes, we quickly realized that CGS offered a unique approach to faith formation that best suited our community.

The more Sister Letizia learned, the more it became evident that our major hurdle would be funding. As the search for answers presented new challenges and roadblocks, our Heavenly Father worked behind the scenes to make our dream a reality.

An anonymous donor interested in sponsoring a client or project contacted our Executive Director, Dr. Michele Johnston, and suggested we apply for a grant. We did, and within a week, we had funding to start the Atrium. Also, Dr. Sandra McCutchon, diocesan formation leader for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, blessed our ministry with a generous donation of needed materials. God is good!

Many of the Atrium’s components needed to be constructed. Upon learning about these needs, a joint effort between Knights of Columbus member Rocky Gudim, G&H Construction, and Michael Hynes, with Hynes Services began to take action. Soon the Atrium began to take form with the addition of a beautiful altar, tabernacle, Ambo, Sacristy Cabinet, and numerous other items.

The preparation of a classroom suited for the Atrium’s new home was made possible through the efforts of Father Peter Martinez, President of St. John Paul II High School. Since our ministry has been holding Mass and Religious Education at St. John Paul II High School for the past 30 years, having a special place dedicated to the Atrium at JPII is a true blessing. 

The rooms, however, required a lot of work, including cleaning, painting, repairs, and a new air conditioning system. Our faithful volunteers came together to clean, paint and make necessary changes, and within two weeks, our new place was ready. Thanks to SwiftAir, we also now have a new AC system. Dr. Sandra McCutchon and Sister Letizia spent many hours setting up last-minute details for the unveiling and blessing of the Atrium, which took place on Oct. 2. It was a very meaningful experience for the parents, children, and all those present. The children are anxious about the first presentation in the Atrium on Sunday, Oct. 9.

We wish to thank our generous donors who have contributed to making our Atrium a reality. We are truly grateful. Our families will find joy and comfort in the Holy place, which you have made possible. This is just the beginning, and we will need your prayers and support as we strive to make the Atrium a beautiful and peaceful place where children can form a strong and nurturing relationship with God.