Autism Awareness Month celebrated at St. John Paul II

A Prayer of St. Francis for Autism
By Tim Tucker

Lord, let thy peace fill me up until I overflow;
That were people cannot speak, I may be their advocate;
That where anyone is rejected, I may extend my arms in welcome;
That where parents are heavy burdened, I may offer a word of comfort;
That where our children struggle, I may lift them up and cheer;
That where some see disability, I may reveal to them extraordinary gifts;
That where others judge, I may share with them my deep gladness;
And that where any are overlooked, I may help the lights of all to shine.

O Giver of These Gifts,
Grant that I may not so much seek to be reassured as to reassure;
To be praised, as to praise;
To be accepted, as to accept;
For it is in all our uncertainty that we are inspired to hope;
It is in great challenges that we discover our greatest joys,
And it is in our community of wanderers that we find the way home. Amen.



Catholic Charities Office of Ministry and Life Enrichment for the Disabled celebrated Autism Awareness month at St. John Paul II Campus on April 12, with Mass, a prayerful walk, a reception in the Cafetorium and those who could stayed for Divine Mercy Sunday afterwards.

The pews at the Immaculate Conception Chapel began to fill as Celia Mendez director of the Office of Ministry and Life Enrichment for the Disabled for Catholic Charities and parents of children living with autism handed out homemade, multi-colored ribbons and stickers to be worn in solidarity of those who live with autism.

Father Patrick Higgins celebrated Mass with the help of Deacon Michael Rauen. Youth with autism, siblings and parents of children with autism participated in the readings, songs and offerings during Mass.

In his homily, Father Higgins said, "Jesus wants us to be happy. He wants to be included in our lives."

Briefly he told the story of St. Faustina and how the Divine Mercy image of Jesus came into being with the words, "Jesus, I trust in you."

"It's not easy for people with a disability to live life," Father Patrick Higgins said during his homily. "Sometimes it's easy for us to believe that God is not listening. Even though it can be difficult, especially when suffering from a disability, we are all called to trust in Jesus, no matter what.

"Even the strongest faith is to no avail without works. a) Ask for mercy–approach him in prayer and reconciliation. b) Be merciful. God wants us to receive His mercy and let it flow through us; c.) Completely trust in Jesus. God wants us to know the graces are dependent on our trust. The Lord loves us. Let us ask him to strengthen our trust in love and guide us through our disabilities," Father Higgins said.

The Alhambras and Sultanas helped with the worship of the Mass and the reception afterwards.

Father Patrick Higgins told those in attendance if they knew someone who has autism there were several families in attendance who are willing to mainstream them in their parishes. "We are grateful to those families," he said.

Another upcoming project of the Office of Ministry and Life Enrichment for the Disabled is hosting a Celebration of Life in memory of Father David Walsh, CSsR on the 10th Anniversary of his death, Sunday, Aug. 2. The celebration begins with Mass at 11 a.m. followed by a reception. The event will be at St. John Paul II High School Cafetorium.

Mendez said that Father David Walsh was a special priest who was a great blessing to all, especially to persons who are deaf, blind and intellectually disabled. For more information call Mendez at (361) 884-0651 or email her at [email protected].

"Help us celebrate the life of Father David Walsh. Please consider placing an ad for the celebration's program. Any other contributions will be greatly appreciated. May God bless you and we hope to work with you toward this beautiful tribute," Mendez said.
Send ad materials to Shannette Hoelscher at [email protected].