An Umbrella Program for the Physically and Mentally Challenged
and Their Families and Friends

2010-2011 Shepherd's Flock Calendar

What is Shepherd's Flock?
An intergenerational religious education program that has as its focus children and young people who are  physically and  mentally  challenged as well as their families.  Shepherd’s Flock will offer faith formation and sacramental preparation to these children and young people.  It is grounded in respect for human dignity, a viable and supportive faith community and a commitment to justice for the differently abled.

Opportunities for Fellowship for Families and Siblings

Shepherd’s Flock will celebrate our children and their families at four Liturgies in the Chapel throughout this religious education calendar year. The Masses are joyous occasions where all are welcome. Children and their siblings will serve in the various ministries.  Potluck dinners are scheduled after every Mass so that families can continue fellowship.

All Masses are held on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. in the Chapel of St. Ignatius followed by a Potluck in the Neale Room at 5:15 p.m.

Classes

Classes meet on a bi-weekly basis in the Peter Faber Room.  Each class will be structured to begin as a whole group with music and/or dance and prayer.  Then children will be placed into break-out groups with their catechists.

During classes, parents meet in the Upper School Library.  Various programs and presentations will be planned for the parents in a relaxed setting. 

Vision of Shepherd's Flock Parents

All children, who present themselves personally or through their parents will have a religious faith formation program tailored to their needs. This creates a learning environment and approach to catechesis based on the most current curricula with trained catechists and aids who work together to support the children’s special needs.          

Contact

Judith Brusseau, Pastoral Associate for Faith Formation and Religious Education, 202-903-2807

“All Catholics are called to build a church community that is inclusive of and welcoming to people with disabilities.  The Church must work to increase the public’s sensitivity toward the needs of people with disabilities and support their rightful demand for justice…We are one flock that serves a single shepherd.” (Pastoral Statement on Disabilities, 1978”)