Individuals & Families

Sacramental Preparation

No person will be denied the Sacraments based on his or her cognitive ability! Families are encouraged to contact their parish priest and parish DRE for more information. If you need further assistance please contact Mary Monette at [email protected].

Find more information and Adaptive Kits for assisting children and adults living with disabilities with sacramental preparation at https://www.loyolapress.com/faith-formation/special-needs/adaptive-learning-kits/.

Events around the Community

The ACPD will list some events around the community that are organized in support of people with disabilities.  Please note that the events listed here are not sponsored or hosted by the Church.  If you would like to add an event to the list, please submit it to [email protected] for consideration.  Thank you!

God's Special Children

We invite everyone to join us as we celebrate God’s Eucharist at our God’s Special Children, Families and friends Mass, held monthly at St. Francis Xavier Mass on Metairie Road.  Every mass that is livestreamed will automatically run and be accessible while it is being filmed (live); or you can watch it after it is livestreamed- as it is kept on the page.
Here is the link to the God's Special Children's Mass Facebook page, it can be used for all future livestreams: https://www.facebook.com/Gods-Special-Children-153885781305741

Mass for God’s Special Children, their families and friends are usually held on the first Sunday of every month at 2:00 p.m. at St Francis Xavier Church, 444 Metairie Road, Metairie, LA.

Resources:

Louisiana Governor's Office of Disability Affairs Monthly Newsletter

Please click here to access the website.

Religious Education:

Adaptive Program by Loyola Press:  click here.

Inclusive Teaching:

The Adaptive Teacher: Faith-Based Strategies to Reach and Teach Learners with Disabilities by John E. Barone and Charlene Katra, Loyola Press, 2019 

Inclusive Catholic Schools: A Matter of Possibilities by Julia M. Taymans, PH.D. & Michael Termini, PSY.D, NCEA publication, 2018

 
Catholic Schools:
Please click here to access the Archdiocese of New Orleans Office of Catholic Education and Faith Formation website.


Scriptural Stations of the Cross for Autistic People
Father Mark Nolette, a priest with Autism, is the spiritual director of the Mission of St. Thorlak, which is an apostolate that recognizes that all members have gifts to give to the church, especially those with autism.  Father Nolette wrote a book, Scriptural Stations of the Cross for Autistic People, which is available on Amazon for a minimal cost. To find out more information about Father Nolette

Father Mark Nolette, A Priest with Autism | NCPD - National Catholic Partnership on Disability

To buy Scriptural Stations of the Cross for Autistic People

Scriptural Stations of the Cross for Autistic People - Kindle edition by Nolette, Rev. Mark P.. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.
 The theme for the day is “Resilience,” reflecting the strength and determination of individuals with disabilities. 
 
This event will enable disability based organizations to meet and interact with legislators, the Governor’s Advisory Council on Disability Affairs, and state leaders during the 2025 Regular Session to emphasize the importance of their work in their communities.
 
The event will feature exhibitors from various organizations who are pivotal in providing services and support within the disabilities community.