"Forming Intentional Disciples" and Special Needs

 

 

I am taking part in a weekly book club, reading Sherry Weddell's, Forming Intentional Disciples: The Path to Knowing and Following Jesus.  One of the basic premises is that there is a chasm named "discipleship" between the Church's teaching on the lay apostolate, and people's lived spiritual experience.  I decided to explore the implications of her work in ministry to people with special needs. 

Chapter 1: "God Has No Grandchildren"

 

Chapter One is a little difficult to sift through, and can be discouraging, as Weddell is laying out the grim reality that there seems to be a trickle of people joining the Church, and a hemorrhage of people leaving- either becoming unaffiliated, or joining a Protestant, or other Evangelical congregation.  There is a lot of data that she presents to explore the directions taken and the reasons why, but what most struck me is the hope she presents: there are many people who are "unaffiliated" who are seeking, and open to a religious identity.

At one point Weddell mentions that the 'traditional methods'- children's religious education, sacramental preparation, youth groups, and even Catholic schools do not seem to be effective in the transition through the child and teen years to a personal, adult faith. She points out that "It is the adult's spiritual journey- building upon his or her experience as a child and teenager- that is most likely to translate into a lifelong faith and consistent religious practice" (pg 35).

Our group noted that this is a very individual process, happening in the context of a community... and suggested that what we really need is an "individualized spiritual care plan." Not exactly practical when there is one pastor (sometimes for several parishes!) one youth minister or DRE etc... who are overseeing the faith formation of a parish. 

Yet,  as we talked, one of the common themes that emerged in the shaping of our own 'personal' experiences of faith was a person.  These were people who we saw being faithful in their everyday lives, praying with purpose, attending Mass, taking time for those around them, and keeping faith in the midst of suffering.  We were all drawn to the peace they seemed to have.  What I have realized is that in 'witnessing,' those people in my life were really giving me a model to follow and apply in my life, building the foundation for my own relationship with Christ and with His Church, showing me what love and trust look like. 

We all need this in the different stages of our lives.  We need this example in the roller-coaster ride of experiences our lives can take us on.  Having someone to be with, and to 'follow' provides stability and in stability we find resilience and the tenacity to continue on.  Of course we all know that people are not perfect, which is why we have to recognize that ultimately we are drawn to Christ, and following a model of loving, trusting and hoping in Someone who is bigger than our troubles, who is trustworthy, and who LOVES us first.

Any of us can be a witness.  This is not just the job of a pastor, or teacher, or parent, or youth minister.  Particularly in the case of a person with special needs, when your struggles may be much more apparent than others, so much more powerful can your witness of hope and trust and love be.