Chaldean Diocese to Host Special Masses

Chaldean special needs families coming together in faith for Mass and fellowship at St. George Chaldean Catholic Church.

By Julia Kaji

The Office of Life is a Pro-Life ministry dedicated to upholding the dignity and value of every human life. Central to this mission is a strong focus on supporting individuals with special needs and their families, ensuring they feel embraced and valued within the community. The ministry’s Special Needs Committee works to promote awareness and acceptance, celebrating the inherent beauty and worth of every life, regardless of ability.

This year, the Office of Life is hosting three special Masses in honor of individuals with special needs and their families. Led by Bishop Francis Kalabat, these Masses are designed to provide an open and welcoming environment for all families, regardless of distractions or noise levels. Understanding the challenges some families face in a traditional Mass setting, the goal is to create a comfortable atmosphere with soft music, low sound, and dim lighting throughout. These Masses offer parents the opportunity to bring their children without fear of judgment or discomfort, fostering a sense of encouragement and inclusion.

For a long time, there has been a stigma in the community surrounding individuals with disabilities, leading to misunderstanding and the belief that they are somehow less than others. As a result, many parents of special needs children have expressed the challenges they face when attending Mass. This is why the Office of Life has placed a strong emphasis on the special needs ministry, recognizing the importance of acceptance in the community as part of honoring the dignity of all life. Special needs children remind us that our dignity doesn’t stem from our abilities, but from our identity as children of God. As Bishop Kalabat aptly states, “The treasures of our Church are not in wealth or buildings, but in its children, and the most special of its children are those with special needs.”

In addition to these Masses, the Office of Life has been working to gather resources for families with special needs children. We are developing tools and materials for our Catechism and Communion programs throughout the diocese to better support children with disabilities. Looking ahead, we hope to offer more opportunities for these special families to connect. One such opportunity is that Bishop Francis has granted a special Easter Mass dispensation for families or caretakers of individuals with special needs who are unable to attend traditional Easter Masses. As a result, both St. George and St. Thomas Chaldean Catholic Churches will hold a dedicated 11 a.m. Mass for these families. Let us continue to encourage our community to embrace individuals with special needs and disabilities, fostering a culture of acceptance and inclusion.

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Chaldean special needs families coming together in faith for Mass and fellowship at St. George Chaldean Catholic Church.