🌟 Brooke’s Story: Finding Grace in the Chaos

Brooke, who adopted her daughter Carolina from Poland, gets real about the challenges of bringing her 14-year-old to Mass. Carolina, who has autism, loves the Eucharist but sometimes struggles with sensory overload, outbursts, and stimming. Brooke shared a viral post that resonated with countless parents, confessing how Mass can feel like a battle some days. Yet, despite the stares and misunderstandings, Brooke’s message is one of hope and perseverance. Catch the entire hour here!

"Anything worthwhile takes work. We refuse to settle for mediocrity. We trust that God uses everything to forge us into saints."

 

Her advice is this: When it feels impossible, “break open the roof and carry your child to Jesus.” 

Kelly’s Ministry: Creating Space for All

Kelly Mantoan, founder of Accepting the Gift, speaks to the broader challenges for families with children who may autism or severe physical disabilities. Her ministry is all about bridging the gap between families and parishes, making sure that every child can access the sacraments. 💒 That's what matters! 

The Struggles: Can you imagine what some parents have to go through? Accessibility, misunderstanding, and the exhausting logistics of just getting through the church doors. It can be so overwhelming! 

The Vision: Normalizing the presence of all God’s children in the pews because the Body of Christ isn’t whole without them.

How Can Parishes Do Better?

The group brainstormed practical ways churches can step up:

Adaptive catechesis for sacramental prep 🕊

Cry rooms and sensory-friendly spaces 🎧

Trained greeters and catechists for families with special needs 

Programs like Oakland Diocese's SPRED, which brings together families of all abilities for joyful Mass experiences.

🌍 Why This Matters

The stakes are high. Families often feel judged or unwelcome and stop attending Mass altogether. We cannot have that as a Church. Brooke and Kelly both stress that creating a culture of welcome isn’t just about programs: it’s about the heart of the parish community. We all have a role to play in building the welcoming Church Christ calls us to be.

💡 Takeaway for the Rest of Us

Don’t judge the outburst in the pew next to you: offer a smile of encouragement instead. 😊

Advocate for adaptive programs in your parish if they don’t exist yet.

So, next time you’re at Mass, look around. That family you think is “too loud” or “too distracting”? They might just be the holiest ones in the room. 

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