To the Parishioners of Saint Joseph’s,

 

I am writing this letter as a former parishioner and volunteer for the Ministry with Persons with Disabilities. When I first moved to Aptos in 1997 and became a parishioner at Saint Joseph’s, I was searching for a way to use my skills as a specials education teacher to serve the parish family. I literally “bumped into” Gay Pollock at a church meeting and, as they say, the rest is history! We began to talk that day about her plans to develop a ministry with persons with disabilities and I was immediately impressed with her enthusiasm and commitment to her dream of inclusion for all. As a special educator, I knew I had met my spiritual mentor!

 

Over the next five years we worked side by side learning and growing in the special needs of the ministry. I can truly say that with each new endeavor we were blessed at the response of the parish, the support of the pastor and the interfaith community. The STARS (an interfaith social program for persons with disabilities) became the catalyst for special needs workshops for parents and catechists, interfaith conferences, sign language interpreters at Masses, caregiver retreats and caregiver support groups. With each new endeavor, I grew in knowledge and faith that whatever is done in His name has no limits and no boundaries! It was with great sadness that I left the work of the ministry and moved to Pennsylvania in 2002. No other volunteer experience in the church or the community has brought the love of Christ so present and fully in my life. I am so grateful for those five years I volunteered for the Ministry with People with Disabilities.

 

I believe that each of us is the Christ that others see in the world. WE as lay ministers in the church are ALL meant to spread his message of inclusion. I had special education training, but to be a volunteer for this ministry requires no special diploma or degree. An open heart and an open mind are all the tools needed to build and maintain what Gay Pollock has so lovingly nurtured for the past twelve years! It is time for Gay to pass on the responsibilities of the Ministry with People with Disabilities to one of You. You are the person this ministry is calling forth to serve. Please pray and consider this request….

 

Peace be with each of you,

 

Kathleen Lang