REACH – Religious Education for Persons with disABILITIES

> REACH – Religious Education for Persons with disABILITIES

Religious Education Apostolate for Christian Handicapped (REACH)

The REACH program helps students:

  • Play, work, and pray happily with others.
  • Develop a sense of awe, wonder, respect, gratitude and stewardship for God’s creation.
  • Develop a sense of community and worship.
  • Know that God loves, protects and provides for them.
  • Recognize that prayer is talking with God.
  • Explore in active ways the Bible stories that form the Catholic Christian faith.
  • Celebrate their place in God’s family.

The REACH program welcomes children who:

  • Are at least 6 years of age by September 1st.
  • Need a program at a slower pace with simplified lessons and a small student to instructor ratio.
  • Want to feel a part of a faith community.
  • Want to learn more about God’s love.

Our REACH Program

Register here for the 2024-2025 year

Children are grouped according to age and/or ability. Each group has a Lead Catechist, and each student is assigned a Helper Catechist. Classes are held twice a month from September to April. Sessions are from 10:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M and follow a routine. Each class begins with prayer. Students then work on a craft that relates to the day’s lesson. The Lead Catechist then conducts a formal lesson and concludes the lesson with prayer. Finally, all the groups come together for snack time, singing, sharing, and socializing.

One of the special events at REACH happens in December. Families are invited to attend the REACH Advent mass. Students participate in all areas of the mass and prepare a special program. The mass is followed by a reception and a visit from Santa.

The REACH program also provides sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation. The REACH Program has classes for students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing.  Classes are taught or interpreted in American Sign Language.

Click both special event links below that the Diocese of Joliet is offering.

You are cordially invited to the Diocese of Joliet Mass for Persons with disABILITIES on September 29, 2024 at 12:30 p.m.

You are cordially invited to the 2nd Annual Retreat for Parents/Caregivers of Persons with disABILITIES on October 26 from 8am-1pm

Contact

For more information about the REACH program or to register, call the Religious Education office at (630) 615-7614.