Continuing a tradition that has lasted for more than three decades, Blessed Sacrament Parish in Springfield is again offering PSR for Exceptional People, a weekly Catholic study gathering for developmentally disabled children and adults. All developmentally disabled individuals — children and adults — who are at least 7 years old and live in the Springfield diocese are welcomed.
The 2016-2017 academic PSR year officially began on Sept. 14, with a Mass. However, there is still time to enroll students for subsequent classes, notes Jane Mosey-Nicoletta, who is a program leader once again this year. The classroom gatherings, which are held on Wednesday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Blessed Sacrament School, run from Sept. 21 to May 17.
Each regular class begins with prayer intentions, giving each student the opportunity to share about the people and life issues that they wish to pray about during the coming week. The group then reviews elements of the Catholic Catechism (such as the rosary, elements of the Mass and the sacraments) and reads and discusses the Gospel lessons for the upcoming weekend Mass, using the Good News magazine. The sessions end on a happy and enthusiastic note with group songs of praise and a sung version of the Our Father.
Mosey-Nicoletta is looking for volunteers to assist with the program. “We strongly encourage any adult or teen volunteers to contact us to help facilitate the program,” she says. “Teens seeking service hours and musicians who are willing to provide accompaniment for group song are especially welcome.” All volunteers are required to have proof of completion of the Protecting God’s Children program through the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.
Springfield Knights of Columbus Council 364 and Chatham Knights of Columbus Council 4179 financially support PSR for Exceptional People. Blessed Sacrament pastor Father Jeff Grant and Deacon David Erdmann provide spiritual support.
More information is available by contacting Jane Mosey-Nicoletta at (217) 971-4179 or leave a message at the Blessed Sacrament Parish office at (217) 528-7521.