GARY - As Nataly Garcia approached Bishop Robert J. McClory at the Cathedra with gifts in hand, a beaming smile emerged across her face, and her eyes seemed to radiate with joy, a look reciprocated by the bishop.
“I was very happy that I was able to bring up the gifts- the bread. It was special. The bishop even said, 'God bless you,’” said Garcia, a 32-year-old East Chicago resident, who attends St. Mary.
She was one of nearly 70 other-abled residents, including 44 from Sharing Meadows in Rolling Prairie, and their families from across the Diocese of Gary, who participated in the Mass of Inclusion at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels on March 22.
The Mass was sponsored by Ability Inclusion Ministry, or AIM, which is part of the Office of Intercultural & Other Abled Ministries. AIM’s focus is to engage individuals with special needs with the worship and fellowship of the Church.
AIM representative Emily Hackett explained the importance of the annual Mass of Inclusion.
“We want to show our people with disabilities community that they're welcome and that they're included. We want to take a day to celebrate them and their gifts and what they bring to our diocese and to the Catholic community in general. It's a beautiful thing,” she said.
Other-abled community members served various roles during the Mass, including lector, altar servers and gift bearers.
Hackett shared how people get to witness the joy that resonates from those who attended, especially those who served.
“The kids that serve, the young man that was the cantor, and the young ladies that brought up the gifts- they're so joyful,” she said “They're so happy and excited to be there. It gets us to see that joy that they bring and that excitement and enthusiasm, and to see that they can be part of the Mass just like anyone else.”
George Perosky, 27, of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs in Merrillville, served his eighth Mass of Inclusion, a role he does with reverence, seriousness and joy.
“It's really fun. I do like to help and it's kind of really special to serve with the bishop,” said Perosky. He added that his favorite role is holding the Roman Missal for the bishop because he stands closer to him.
Perosky’s mom, Carol, said he’s been an altar server at their home parish since he was in the third grade.
“I wish more churches included them for servers because I think they get overlooked,” Carol Perosky remarked.
She stressed the lack of activities and gathering for the other-abled community.
“There's nothing out there for them to get together as a group. We've got to start including them more than just once a year,” said Carol Perosky.
The Mass and the lunch that followed were a chance for parents, families, and caregivers to come together. It was an opportunity for parents to see that others are experiencing similar situations, including Ofelia Jimenez, of East Chicago and her family.
“It's very important to us to be here because we had the opportunity to spend time with other families that have people with disabilities and share our experiences, concerns, and just have fun," said Jimenez.
As the luncheon came to a close, many still wanted the party to go on.
“Look, they don't want to leave. They want to stay here because they're having a great time. Nobody wants to leave,” she observed.
Many expressed their deep appreciation for Bishop McClory celebrating Mass and spending time before and after Mass to speak with those who attended.
“I think it's very meaningful and wonderful for everybody- the folks with disabilities and their caretakers and their families- to see their bishop and feel like he's with them, he's accompanying them, and he's there for them,” said Hackett.
She observed special, personal moments between the bishop and the guests.
“It was beautiful. He was walking around holding their hands, leaning in to talk with them. It was very important, and nice, for them that their bishop was taking the time to speak with them and to connect with them,” explained Hackett.
During his homily message, Bishop McClory pointed out the Stations of the Cross. He particularly focused on Stations three and five- Jesus falls for the first time and Simon helps Jesus carry the cross.
“We certainly honor the dignity of everyone here. And we can say that in each of these beloved sons and daughters, whatever limitations might be there, we know that the spark of the Lord's love shines even more brightly. The ability to see those who persevere in the midst of suffering can inspire us.”
Simon’s call to help Jesus is an act that many can relate to, according to Bishop McClory.
“We're called to be Simon. Particularly those of us who have a ministry to help others carry their crosses. Particularly those of us who see someone else who's suffering, someone else who has limitations. And we say, ‘You're not alone. I'm going to help,’” said the bishop.
Rhea Ferrell admitted she often feels like Simon.
Ferrell, from LaPorte’s Holy Family Parish, praised the bishop for infusing the Stations into his homily, especially during the Lenten season. She noted how much his homily spoke to the hearts of those who attended.
Ferrell and her husband, Don, have two special needs children- Anna, 22, and Noel, 34.
“I feel honored to be chosen to care for these two- not to say that it's easy,” she said. “There's days when it's so easy. You're like, oh, I got this. And then there's days when it's a lot – the cross feels a little bit heavier.”
This was the Mass of Inclusion that the Ferrell’s attended and described how touched she was.
“It was nice to see our special needs people appreciated and feel that they're a beautiful part of our Catholic community. As I looked around, what came to my mind was everyone there was perfect… in the eyes of our Lord- made in His image,” she said.
She’s already planning for next year’s Mass.
“This was the first time I was here, and I’m already wanting to come back next year.”
