Families are domestic churches, the smallest Christian communities, whose daily practices are acts of Christian discipleship. “Parents should, by word and example, be the first preachers of the faith to their children.” (Lumen Gentium #11)
Special Religious Education
Special Religious Education and Pastoral Care for Persons with Developmental Disabilities
The Office of Special Religious Education and Pastoral Care for Persons with Developmental Disabilities provides parish-based religious education programs, tutoring in parishes not hosting specific programs, home visits, and the provision of resources to families, as needed. Liturgy and Sacraments are celebrated in all programs. “Awareness Masses” are also held in some parishes during the regular Sunday liturgy to celebrate and honor the special education families
Pastoral Care
The Special Religious Education Office also provides a ministry of religious nurture to the residents of the Wheat Ridge Regional Center. Because these residents have severe/profound disabilities they benefit best from a program of religious nurture and supportive Christian presence. End of life care and funerals are provided along with ongoing support to Ridge staff persons. Time spent with these residents includes prayer, singing and gentle presence.
Bridge Community Group Home
Catholic Christian group home for 8 adult women with intellectual and developmental disabilities has an opening for one resident. If interested, please contact Risha Dimas at 303-935-4740.
Contact Information and Local Support
- St. Mary, Littleton
Director: Susan Whittaker - Queen of Peace, Aurora
Director: Peggy Pendergust - All Saints, Denver
Director: Greg Hastings - St. Thomas More, Englewood
Director: Sheri Funderburk - St. Jude, Lakewood
Director: Diane Schreiber - Immaculate Heart of Mary, Northglenn
Director: Larry Lindgren - St. Frances Cabrini, Littleton
Director: Teresa Adams - Light of the World, Littleton
Contact: Barbara Schick
For more information about Special Religious Education or one of the parish programs listed, contact Sister Mary Catherine Widger, SL at 303-934-1999.
If you have a family member with a developmental disability and you would like to find out if they can receive the sacraments please contact the Office of Special Religious Education at 303-934-1999.
Sacraments of Initiation
Preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation and Reconciliation takes place at the local level. Please contact your local Catholic parish to learn more about their Sacramental preparation offerings.
Learn more about the Sacraments of Initiation including what the Sacrament is, frequently asked questions, and more!
Saints Among Us
Saints Denver is a website designed to provide resources in support of the restored order of the sacraments of initiation for the Archdiocese of Denver. This site provides general information on restored order, a two year curriculum covering Reconciliation, Confirmation, and the Eucharist, and resources for parents to understand and pray about the sacraments through the Bible.
Archbishop Aquila’s pastoral letter: “Saints Among Us”
“Saints Among Us” introduces the restored order of the Sacraments of Christian Initiation to the Archdiocese of Denver. Please use these pages to gain a fuller understanding of this important pastoral initiative!
Sacramental Preparation Curriculum
Saints Among Us, a two-year curriculum, prepares students for the reception of the sacraments of First Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Communion. This curriculum is designed not only to impart the necessary content of the faith to students, but also seeks to form their hearts as they prepare for these sacraments.
Catechetical Support for Parents
These resources are intended to help parishioners, especially parents of children in sacramental preparation, to learn to pray with the Scriptures and discover the Church’s rich sacramental heritage through the Catechism. Each booklet opens with a basic introduction to lectio divina prayer and includes three sessions that meditate upon a passage from scripture and two passages from the catechism. Each session concludes with large group sharing. Available in English and Spanish!
Sacraments through Scripture: A Still Small Voice
A lectio divina series on the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.
Responding to God’s Invitation
A reflection on how parents support their children by developing their own relationship with God.
