By Catholic Philly staff • Posted February 24, 2023

Two archdiocesan offices recently hosted a retreat in preparation for Lent offering families with children with disabilities an afternoon of faith and fellowship.

On Feb. 18, the Office for Persons with Disabilities and the Deaf Apostolate along with the Office for Hispanic Catholics hosted “Path of Hope: From the Cross to Resurrection.” It drew over 80 participants to Holy Innocents Parish in Philadelphia.

Throughout the afternoon, parents and family members gathered in small groups in the rectory’s basement and gymnasium to listen to the afternoon’s speakers.

Most Reverend Bruce Lewandowski, C.Sc.R., an Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, was the main presenter for the event.

Volunteers worked with the children and youth doing hands on activities including arts and crafts, interactive games, and music all geared to the day’s theme.

Giovanni Morales leads Mass in song next to art work prepared by the attendees children.

Most Reverend Edward M. Deliman, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, was also present for the day and concelebrated the Mass.

“The retreat was a great opportunity for us to accompany and to be present (as the Archdiocese) with families and children with disabilities, said Kathia Arango, director of the Office for Hispanic Catholics and the retreat’s second speaker.

She added, “As a mother with a child with special needs myself, I found the retreat to be a sacred place where we were able to encounter Jesus in every person as each one of us shared our struggles, joy, blessings, and our stories. It truly was a moment of finding a path of hope.”

Many of the families in attendance noted they hope to continue the dialogue through a Spanish language support group for Catholic families with children with disabilities.

Most Reverend Bruce Lewandowski, C.Sc.R., an Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, poses with a family in attendance celebrating their sons birthday.

Sister Kathleen Schipani, IHM, Director of the Office for Persons with Disabilities, added it was very powerful to witness “Parents, guardians, grandparents, children with disabilities and their siblings joining together for prayer and loving conversation.”

The Office for Persons with Disabilities and the Deaf Apostolate fosters the full inclusion of people with disabilities into the life of the Church and serves as a pastoral resource for parishes and individuals in providing access and welcome to persons with disabilities.

The retreat was “the Church in action,” said Bishop Deliman. “Perhaps only in a small way, but She was walking with her people.”

Those interested in this annual retreat or in the ongoing support group should email OPD@archphila.org.