The chimes of handbells rang through Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Moorestown during an early August Mass, offering a moving reminder of the reason for the day’s special gathering. The bell ringers were students from the Persons with Disabilities program in OLGC Parish and exemplified the sense of integration and belonging that was the focus of the Diocese of Trenton’s Holy Innocents Society (HIS) annual workshop.
“Walking Together in Hope: Accompanying Persons with Disabilities” was the theme of the Aug. 8 event, which drew some 60 catechists, parish leaders, therapists, teachers, family members and clergy from across the Diocese. The day began with Mass, celebrated by Father James Grogan, pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, followed by time spent in reflection, formation and the sharing of practical tools, all aimed at recognizing and cultivating the unique gifts and needs of the persons with disabilities community.
“It was a full day – and a hopeful one,” said Dr. Linda Dix, HIS chairperson, who helped organize the workshop. “We left filled with inspiration and real ideas to bring back to our communities.”
A Call to Belong
The keynote address was delivered by Anne Masters, director of the Pastoral Office for Persons with Disabilities in the Archdiocese of Newark. She urged participants to move beyond thinking of persons with disabilities as “recipients of ministry” and instead recognize them as integral members of the Body of Christ.
“Her talk was about fostering genuine belonging,” recalled Laura Connelly, pastoral associate and parish catechetical leader from St. John Neumann, Mount Laurel. “It was refreshing to hear that the goal is not to ‘fix’ or ‘overcome,’ but to embrace each person as they are, and to accompany them.”
Nicole Reinhardt, lead bell choir member, and her mother Eileen rang handbells during the Mass celebrated for the attendees. Courtesy photo
Spotlight on Parish Practices
Other featured speakers offered concrete examples of inclusion in parish life.
• Father Jim Grogan, pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel, described “sensory friendly Masses,” tailored for those who benefit from a low-sensory liturgical environment. He shared handouts and practical tips. (See sidebar.)
• Deacon Stuart Altschuler outlined how to provide Bible study experiences for persons with disabilities, while his wife, Darlene Altschuler, explored sacramental preparation, emphasizing the Church’s teaching that all persons are able to receive the Sacraments.
• Dr. Linda Dix demonstrated adaptive storyboards rooted in the Universal Design for Learning framework and Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences. She showed how visuals – from Gospel scenes to saints’ stories – help students engage and express faith.
• Linda Mueller demonstrated how adaptive kits can be used with preschool children, underscoring the importance of early intervention and support for families.
• Rosemarie Hoye discussed the mutual relationship between parish, catechist and home, reminding participants that family involvement is essential.
• David and Mercedes Rizzo, authors with Loyola Press, spoke about the central role of prayer for persons with disabilities, sharing insights from their lived experience as parents.
Throughout the day, practical demonstrations – like adaptive kits, interactive visual storyboards and “promise boards” that track spiritual growth – showed how parishes can nurture inclusion at every stage of life. Loyola Press provides resource boxes containing i materials such as storyboards to be used for catechetical purposes for those with learning and developmental disabilities.
A Community Effort
The presence of HIS chapter chairpersons from across the Diocese underscored the network of support already in place. Pat Hertz (Southern Ocean), Karen Hemley (Northern Monmouth), and Valerie Hertz (Burlington) gave updates on local efforts, while diocesan staff, including Denise Contino, director of the Department of Catechesis, were on hand to offer guidance and encouragement.
For many, the value of the day was simply being together – priests and parish leaders alongside parents, catechists, therapists, and parish nurses – sharing experiences and learning from one another.
Looking Ahead
The workshop concluded in prayer with Father Jack Bogacz, parochial vicar, who reminded participants that inclusion is not a project but a way of living the Gospel.
That commitment will continue this fall: HIS announced it will sponsor a sensory-friendly Mass October 12 in St. Isidore the Farmer Church, New Egypt, celebrated by Msgr. Joseph Rosie, episcopal vicar of Monmouth County; pastor of St. James Parish, Red Bank, and the spiritual moderator for the society. The liturgy will be followed by games and refreshments and is intended as a community celebration of faith and fellowship.
As participants left Moorestown, many carried folders of resources and heads full of ideas. But more than that, they carried hope.
“Everyone went home happy and filled with inspiration,” Dr. Dix said. “Our mission is simple but profound – to walk together, with and for persons with disabilities, and to witness the love of Christ that includes us all.”
The Monitor thanks Dr. Linda Dix for providing information for this story.
Sensory-friendly Masses have a place in the life of the Church