Eleven persons with special needs spent the day at the Texas State Aquarium on May 13, as part of an effort by the Diocese of Corpus Christi to help with their spiritual and educational needs. They started and ended the trip with a prayer of thanks.
Celia Mendez and Dora Marquez, Catholic Charities Directors for the Ministry and Life Enrichment for the Disabled, led the group throughout the day’s excursion. Mendez interpreted and signed for the deaf, as they took a private, guided tour of the facility. Two volunteers, Ada Segovia and Suzanna Perez, helped with managing wheel chairs and walkers.
“We always try to go somewhere, but this year it didn’t look like we were going to get to go until Stephanie [Bonilla] came to visit our office and asked them where they wanted to go,” Mendez said.
Bonilla is director of the Diocese of Corpus Christi Office for Child and Youth Protection, whose duties were recently expanded by Bishop Wm. Michael Mulvey. Under their new mandate from the bishop, the office is to extend support for the special needs community.
“[The trip to the aquarium] was the initial step,” Bonilla said. “Our Safe Environment education and support, as well as connecting the individual with key staff who may assist them further in obtaining pastoral care and promoting their spiritual growth will also be a focus.”
After visiting with some of the clients at the Texas State Aquarium, Bonilla asked them again how the diocese can meet some of their educational and spiritual needs. One client asked for easy to read Bibles; another suggested a computer literacy class.
Mendez said that they are in need of volunteers to drive clients to and from Sunday Mass once a week.
“This is a great first step in developing a supportive relationship with the vulnerable adult population, all with a focus to promoting and respecting the human dignity of every individual,” Bonilla said.