Members of the Friends of Jesus, a ministry for those age 15 and older who have special needs, meets twice monthly at St. Ladislas Parish in Westlake. Little Friends of Jesus, a similar group, was organized for younger children.
At its Aug. 29 meeting, the group enjoyed a picnic at Bradley Nature Park in Westlake. In the pavilion, FOJ members, their families and guests had pizza, salad, side dishes, cookies and cake to celebrate summer birthdays. Outside the pavilion, they played games like corn hole.
As the evening ended, they had a sing along with guitar music provided by Jim Pipik, director of the parish’s contemporary choir. FOJ members are familiar with Pipik and the other parish music ministries because the group has sung with each of the choirs and at various parish Masses about every six weeks. Most recently, they sang the closing song on Aug. 13 at the installation Mass for the new pastor, Father Mark Latcovich. Bishop Edward Malesic was the primary celebrant and noted how much he enjoyed the group’s singing. Several FOJ members posed for photos with the bishop after Mass.
“This is a very special ministry,” said Roselle Popiel, whose adult daughter is an FOJ member. “I hope this encourages other parents to do something like this. It brings our parish alive.”
The ministry began within the past couple of years while Father Don Snyder, who retired in June, was pastor. He embraced FOJ, as did Father Latcovich when he arrived.
Deacon John Travis, who works closely with the group, said FOJ members are becoming integrated in existing parish ministries, which enriches the lives of parishioners and FOJ members. He noted how the group is helping these special parishioners find a way to share their talents with the parish community.
The group has participated in the parish service days, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Donut Sundays, church cleaning, hospitality and more.
FOJ members made cards recently for people in area nursing homes like St. Mary of the Woods in Avon.
“After that, we decided to see what else we could do,” said Carol Duffy, who describes FOJ as a beautiful way to highlight people’s different talents. She mentioned one member who is autistic and sometimes plays guitar at Mass with the choir.
Parents whose adult children are FOJ members said the program has helped enrich their children’s lives. Two proudly noted their children received their first Communion during the past few months after completing sacramental preparation.
“Confirmation is next. There are people waiting for that door to open,” Duffy said, adding St. Ladislas is truly her family’s parish home now. Her 29-year-old son Danny was one of those who just received his first Communion at a private Mass. He also attended the recent Sensory Mass at St. Bernadette Parish in Westlake for those with disabilities.
“It was the first time he wanted to go up and receive Communion with us,” she said.
Judy Reitmeler said Jenna, her 31-year-old daughter, enjoys sorting food and clothing donations for the St. Vincent de Paul Society. She also helps to clean the church.
“This is a joyful, vibrant ministry that I think more parishes should have,” said Father Latcovich, who arrived at St. Ladislas in July after spending two decades leading the diocesan seminaries. “It was a pleasant surprise.”
Dianne Corrigan, director of women’s ministry, calls it “one of the most life-giving ministries I’m involved with.”
Corrigan, Deacon Travis and Darryl Costin Jr. comprise the FOJ Leadership Committee. They said parents shared stories of the joys and challenges of raising their children with disabilities, which then were shared with the parish.
This was a gift to the parish. The Friends of Jesus are welcomed now. Before, not many knew about them. John (Deacon Travis) and I did not expect what a gift this was to the whole parish.” She said FOJ members joined the choir and people would stay until the end of Mass to applaud them. “Some were tearful,” she added.
Corrigan said this population is underserved and underappreciated, which makes FOJ such a valuable program.
Another parent, Ed Stevens, said some FOJ members didn’t speak much and some need wheelchairs. Since becoming involved with the group, he noticed his own son 27-year-old Brady, who has special needs, opening up and embracing life.
“The parish welcomes and accepts them which is so important for us as parents of special needs children,” Stevens added. He credits the volunteers who keep the ministry active.
“I like the get-togethers,” Brady Stevens said. “I like to talk about Jesus and how he loves me. I made my first Communion and I made friends. I love the people and I liked seeing the bishop. I really like Father Mark. He’s like my brother in Christ,” he added. Brady also talked about how he enjoys volunteering as an usher at Mass.
Deacon Travis recalled one FOJ members who was nonverbal and has begun speaking. “He says, ‘I want Jesus’ when he wants to go to church. They are developing relationships and they get energy from each other.”