Dear Friend,
Welcome to the August newsletter of the Deaf and Disabilities Ministry of Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph!
This morning, we participated in an online meeting – a collaboration between our department, the Special Needs Ministries of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, and the Catholic Diocese of Wichita. It was a Listening Session between directors/coordinators of disabilities ministries and family members (parents and siblings) of individuals with disabilities. It was encouraging and uplifting to share our joys, struggles, and ideas for surviving and thriving during COVID-19.
We also treasure this opportunity to connect with you through this August issue of Together. This issue features an interview with Pat Adams, a long-time participant in SPRED (Special Religious Development), new resources and upcoming events, and it also highlights a new national project to translate the youth Catechism (YOUCAT) into American Sign Language (ASL).
St. Thomas More-Thank You!
Our department wishes to send out a special “thank you” to St. Thomas More Parish for providing a space for deaf interpretation of their Mass during the early days of COVID-19. We’re thrilled that we’ve now returned to our regular parishes on Sundays (see the schedule for remaining Masses in August/September below), but we are so grateful to St. Thomas More for “filling the gap” during those early, very difficult days.
Twiddles Available
If you are unfamiliar, Twiddles® are playful activity/comfort aids that help individuals (of all ages) with a range of sensory-related conditions. They are designed to keep hands and minds active and engaged, or soothed and calmed.
If there is an individual in your parish that could benefit from a Twiddle, please contact us through the email at the end of this letter. We will send one to you- free of charge. (While they remain available.)
Finally, if you have ideas for ministry outreach for the Deaf and Disabilities Ministry during COVID-19, please let us know! To share your thoughts, please contact  Lisa Wagner-Carollo, Deaf and Disabilities Ministries Coordinator, lcarollo@ccharities.com, (816) 659-8262
In Christ,
Lisa Wagner-Carollo, Deaf and Disabilities Ministries Coordinator
& Linda Hopkins, Department Supervisor
Please know that you are in our prayers as you continue to navigate the COVID-19 Crisis.