“Parish liturgical celebrations and catechetical programs should be accessible to persons with disabilities and open to their full, active and conscious participation, according to their capacity.”
With the help of two (2) very qualified volunteers (certified Intervention Specialists) and the support of our Parish leadership, St. Mary’s Berea is thrilled to offer a religious education program that brings the word of God to those children with special needs in a way they will better understand the message being shared. This program is called "GIFTSS from God" (Giving Individual Faith Training to Special Students).
The GIFTSS program is held during the Monday evening PSR time. The class is tailored to students who have not been successful in the regular classroom environment (grades 3-7) and those students who are preparing for the sacrament of Holy Eucharist and need reinforcement of regular classroom teaching (grades 1 & 2). Lessons are tailored to the individual needs of the students, using accepted education standard practices (queues, schedules, folders, etc.). The objective is to provide the “best” tools and setting for each child to learn about our faith.
Our “GIFTSS from God” religious education program is not associated with any state funded education program for children with special needs. It is a purely voluntary effort. In order to be successful it requires the support, and active involvement, of parents and any member of the parish willing to be involved.
If your child is currently supported by an IEP or a 504 Plan we ask that you mark the registration form in the appropriate checkbox. Our GIFTSS team will then request additional information by means of a questionnaire. The GIFTSS Team then schedules an interview with the student and the parents to agree on the most appropriate accommodations. We will work with each Catechist so that they will be better prepared to have the student in their class.
The form needs to be downloaded, printed, completed, and turned in as part of your child's registration packet.
If you have any questions please contact us at:
giftssfromGod@yahoo.com