The Little Margaret Program

Saint Who?
Saint Margaret of Castello was born into a well-to-do family near Florence, Italy in 1287.

She suffered from severe physical ailments and her family was embarrassed by her and kept her hidden away for many years

Her parents took her to a Franciscan shrine hoping to receive a miracle, but abandoned her when no miracle came.

The community gave her the help to survive. She became a Third Order Dominican—deep prayer life and devoted the remainder of her 33 years to visiting prisoners, helping the sick and comforting the dying.

She was canonized a saint, 701 years after her death on April 24, 2021. She is the Patron saint for pro-life groups and those who are unwanted and abandoned.

•To create accessible opportunities for adaptive catechesis for children (individuals) for whom traditional catechesis program is unrealistic or impossible.

•To provide individuals with disabilities complete access to the life of the Church including the Sacraments.

•To support the parents and families of children with disabilities and help them as a family become active in their Catholic Faith.

Not perfection!
but inclusion and the best possible understanding of the sacraments.

It is for children or individuals who have not had the ability or opportunity to participate in a conventional catechesis program due to intellectual or developmental disabilities.

It is for parents (and their families) who desire to have their children with special needs become full participants in the life and liturgy of the parish and Body of Christ.

•Read the criteria and fill out application to enroll you and your child.

•Obtain necessary documents—proof of need.

•Be ready to make a monthly commitment.

•Be willing to reinforce lessons at home.

•Attend weekly practices in month of May before Celebration of Sacraments.

•Child must be at least 7 years of age (or will be 7 at the induction of sacraments.)

•Child must have intellectual/developmental disability or a diagnosed impediment to learning which necessitates special education.

• The child must be ineligible to attend a typical catechesis program.

•Proof of intellectual/developmental disability:

•A letter from a physician or physical, speech or occupational therapist. 

•A copy of the most recent IEP or equivalent.

•Make a monthly commitment for the instruction of both Child and Parent(s).

•Fee of $50 for the year per child (financial waiver for hardship available). Due on Evaluation date TBD.

•Submit electronic application by August 12.

•Submit proof of disability via email by August 12.

•Children attend instruction monthly—one Sunday each month and reinforced at home daily.

•Help each child gain an understanding of the sacraments to the best of his/her ability.

•At the same time, separately, parent(s) attend a coaching session to enliven and enrich their own faith

•Parents receive tips how to reinforce the lesson of the month at home.

•Create an opportunity for First Penance.

•Prepare and have a Special Mass Celebration of Baptism, First Communion and/or Confirmation next year!

How to get started?

•Fill out application (age min. 14).

•Complete Safe Environment- Certification to work with minors in Catholic Church.

•Be ready to make a monthly commitment.

•Lead Instructor/Aide/Helper

•Active catholic or in OCIA.

By age 8, Caiden had only received the Sacrament of Baptism and no religious instruction. And because he was often sick, it was difficult to attend Mass, let alone be active in any ministry or program at our Parish. Their family often felt isolated and left out.

But desiring Caden to participate fully in the Eucharist and other liturgical celebrations led her to develop the Little Margaret Program. With the help of Core Members and volunteers, they developed an adaptive catechesis program for individuals with developmental/intellectual disabilities.

We are thankful to Monica for this beautiful gift she has given our Parish and the parish families who find themselves in a similar situation and want to be more connected to the Church.