Program delivers spiritual services for those with special needs
Like so many wonderful things in the world, Outreach in Love started with a mom.
In 1977, Lorayne Olsen was searching for help and for hope. Her 10-year-old daughter, Katherine, had been diagnosed with Williams syndrome, a rare genetic condition that can affect a person physically, developmentally, and intellectually. Despite these challenges, Olsen wanted her daughter to find a way to connect with God. She wrote a letter to then-Bishop Walter F. Sullivan, explaining her situation and her desire for the diocese to have a program that could support families like hers.
Soon, a diocesan-wide survey was conducted, and the results showed a clear need in the community. A new program named Outreach in Love was created.
“Outreach in Love is a beautiful ministry that offers opportunities for individuals with special needs to experience God’s love … meeting them where they are,” said Candace Aud, who has served as Outreach in Love’s coordinator since 2019.
Aud, who is also a school social worker, recalled seeing an advertisement looking for a new coordinator for the program. “I felt as if God was calling me to do this,” she said. “It is hard to describe, but I just felt like it was truly something my heart wanted to do.”
Aud went on to explain that “meeting them where they are” means tailoring activities and discussions to participants’ specific needs. For example, some may be nonverbal, unable to read or write, or have sensory issues. It’s Aud’s job to make sure all of the participants feel welcomed, included, and connected to God.
Dance, sing, play and pray
There are two classes offered, both of which meet at St. Edward the Confessor, Richmond. Participants have a variety of conditions, including Down syndrome, chromosomal malformations, cerebral palsy, or hearing impairment.
Aud and her volunteers plan activities for each class. There is a class for participants mostly under the age of 18, with some exceptions, that meets every other Sunday morning.
The class for adults meets every Wednesday evening and has members ranging in age from 21-80. Many of the adults have been attending for decades, including the very first participant, Katherine Olsen. Though the ministry is sponsored by several parishes in Richmond, Chesterfield, and Powhatan, classes are only held at St. Edward.
Each younger class begins with prayer and music. The children play instruments, dance, and sing, according to their abilities. For students who cannot hold an instrument, there are bell bracelets so they can still join in. Those who cannot read are read to. Those in wheelchairs dance with the help of volunteers moving them around the room. No one is left out.
To teach about the Sign of the Cross, Aud’s daughter sewed crosses for each participant to practice. They also sang songs and watched videos to help the participants learn the proper way to make the Sign of the Cross. Aud uses Bible Bingo and other games to teach participants about important symbols in the Catholic faith.
In the older class, participants read and discuss passages from the Bible and then do an activity, game, or craft based on what they’ve read. They also have prayer time, which Aud said is many participants’ favorite activity. Each class ends as it began, with prayer and music.
“Seeing the resilience, joy, and desire to love others … has truly strengthened my faith in a loving God and has reminded me to find beauty in the unexpected,” said Aud. “This work has also taught me patience, empathy, and the profound value of every person.”
Many of the volunteers have previous experience working with individuals with special needs as either special education teachers, social workers, or caregivers.
Francesca Jones has been volunteering with the younger class for two years. “This is such a wonderful group of young people, and spending time with them and teaching them about Jesus … is a joy,” she said.
Jones brings her two daughters, ages 10 and 8, to help participants pray, read, color, play, and dance.
“It’s important to me that they understand that all people are worthy,” Jones explained. “As they go through their own sacrament preparation, this group is a great way to expand that. I leave it up to them to choose to come, and most weeks, they do.”
Valued by the Church
Nine-year-old Benny Peeks has Down syndrome, epilepsy, and global developmental delay. Five years ago, mom Andrea wrote an email to St. Edward, asking how Benny could still be part of the church community. When she learned about Outreach in Love, she knew Benny belonged.
Explaining why Outreach in Love is so important to her family, Peeks said, “Benny’s older brother is ten, and he sees that the Church values his brother as much as he values his brother. [Even though] he can’t walk or talk, the Church sees the value of God in him. His heart understands even if his brain doesn’t.”
Aud and others helped Benny prepare for his first Communion, explaining the importance of the sacrament in ways he could understand. When the big day arrived, all of the Outreach in Love volunteers showed up to support him.
Kerensa Sheehan’s 13-year-old son, Ryan, also has Down syndrome. A smile always on his face, Ryan is a very active member of the program. “It’s the highlight of his week,” Sheehan said. “The program has helped him develop his love for the Church and for the faith.”
Aud prepared Ryan for his first reconciliation and first Communion as she did with Benny. Ryan is trained to be an altar server, a role he takes very seriously. Several Outreach in Love members participate in special Masses held in April and October where they get the opportunity to serve as ushers, altar servers, and readers.
“He gets to be part of something,” said Sheehan. “The Church shows us that they will always support us.”
“I can tell you that this is an incredible ministry, and I truly believe that there are so many more children and adults that could benefit from it that may not be aware,” said Aud. “The participants are the most beautiful, God-loving, prayerful, and kind people, and they fill my heart every time we meet.”
To learn more about Outreach in Love, contact Candace Aud at [email protected].