Bill Meiners has been a long-time member of the SPRED group (Special Religious Education for the Developmentally Disabled) at St. Thomas More. He also serves as a Eucharistic Minister and is a member of the Knights of Columbus. On July 27th, 2021, we were blessed to have Bill lead a prayer for the Catholic Charities staff meeting. His sister-in-law, Whitney Meiners, works at Catholic Charities/Kansas City-St. Joseph. We are grateful that he agreed to be interviewed for this issue!

Lisa Wagner-Carollo, Deaf and Disabilities Ministries Coordinator

LISA: Can you tell us about yourself? For example, what are three important things we should know about you?

BILL: I love swimming. I joined the swim team. I like freestyle and backstroke. And butterfly. My favorite is the freestyle.

I have three sisters and four brothers. I love them.

I like to get together with my family. My family is most important. And friends.

Family and friends.

L: How did you become involved with SPRED at St. Thomas More?

B: I got involved through Donna Melgaard and Becky Turner.

L: What do you like about it?

B: I like it. It’s fun. We talk about religion. We talk about the holy stuff. God.

L: Can you tell me about your involvement with the Knights of Columbus?

B: Yes, we do charity work. We raise money. And of course, I’m involved with the Vitae Foundation. I help with a golf tournament every year.

I’m also a Eucharistic Minister. At church.

L: How did you become a Eucharistic Minister?

My friend Donna Melgaard got me started on that. I’m serving God and serving other people. I’m also an usher. It feels good. It makes me feel happy.

L: Is there anything you’d like to add?

B: I lost my Dad– five years ago. I miss him. I hate to talk about it as much ‘cause it makes me feel sad, a little bit.

A long time ago, I was involved in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Eagle Scouts.

Also, I went to the Institute for the Achievement of Human Potential in Philadelphia. I have Down syndrome. I met other people kind of like me and I learned things. They gave us a home school program for us to follow.

Most important is my mom. I love her. Last week, we went down to the Lake of the Ozarks. We play cards together. Double solitaire. I like taking walks with her.

I also have nieces and nephews. I’m a Godfather, for two of them.

L: Do you like being an uncle?

BILL: Oh yes, definitely!

For more information on the Deaf and Disabilities Ministry, email ddm@ccharities.com or call them at 816.659.8262
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