Special Recognition
Steven Fitzgerald
Steven Fitzgerald is a 24 year old young man with Down Syndrome. He became an Altar Server at the age of nine and a Cross Bearer when he was 14. He continues to serve in his home parish of St. Raphael in East Meadow. In addition, he has served with enthusiasm for the past three years at our Diocesan Liturgy.
Thank you, Steven, not only for your willingness to serve, but also for your warm smile and friendly demeanor. The Diocese of Rockville Centre is blessed by your presence and service!
Maria Grace Russo
Maria Grace has been participating as an altar server at St. Frances de Chantal in Wantagh for the past five years. Her favorite role is that of carrying the crucifix at the beginning of the procession. “I hold Jesus up very high. We can all see him,” Maria Grace says, and she does so with a very big smile. As a matter of fact, her joy in serving radiates on her face throughout the Liturgy.
We at St. Frances de Chantal thank Maria Grace for her service with a smile!
Ray Canudo
Some say thirteen is unlucky. Maybe it is for some, but it isn’t for me. To me, it’s only a number. I have been ushering and acting as a greeter in Church for thirteen years. A greeter is a person who greets and hands out the prayer books to the other parishioners.
I have been going to St. Gerard Majella Parish since 1994. One Sunday, Msgr. Bill Hanson, our co-pastor at the time, said during Mass that there was a need for ushers. He gave the date and time that there would be interviews for this. I went and I figured that “the worst that can happen is that I get turned down.” To my surprise, I was accepted and I have been ushering since February, 1995.
You may know that almost all the parishioners at St. Gerard’s really CARE about each other; that is also known as Empathy. A new church building is in the planning at St. Gerard’s and I know I will continue to serve in my ministry as long as I can.
Gina Marie Purcaro
Gina attends a work/school program at Sachem North High School where she is involved in many activities. In addition, Gina shares her time and talents with St. Joseph's Church in Ronkonkoma. Gina is an assistant teacher in the Religious Education Program in the parish as well as a member of the contemporary choir. Gina was the Leader of Song at our first annual Diocesan Disabilities Awareness Morning of Reflection in March.
Did we mention that she has Down Syndrome?
Kevin Christman
Born with cerebral palsy, Kevin uses a motorized wheelchair for mobility. And what mobility he has! His wheels allowed him to attend college and then freed him to achieve a Master’s Degree in School Counseling.
Kevin presently co-teaches a faith formation class at St. Frances de Chantal in Wantagh. His co-teacher, Mr. George Bonnici, describes Kevin as conscientious and, “…better organized than I am. Kevin keeps the class going in the right direction,” says Mr. Bonnici, adding that working along side of Kevin has proved to be a fulfilling collaboration.
Kevin’s enthusiasm for teaching is evident in his voice. He began teaching two years ago, hoping that he would learn from his students as much as teach them. And he has. His ability to relate the curriculum to the lives of his students, allows Kevin to journey with them in an experience of faith.
We thank you, Kevin, for sharing your gifts with the children of St. Frances! May God keep your wheels spinning in His service!
Anthony Luciano
Anthony Luciano, a 36 year old man with Down Syndrome, first came to classes at Our Lady of Grace Church about 27 years ago when he was preparing for his First Holy Communion. Today, he continues to be active in this parish and is known and loved by many. He has been a Eucharistic Minister for 8 years and an Altar Server for 11 years. Anthony is a member of the Knights of Columbus and has achieved the rank of 4th degree Knight. In addition, he is involved with the community garden which helps to feed the hungry of the parish.
Anthony lives in a Catholic Charities Residence at Our Lady of Grace and he and his friends love to walk around the property greeting those with whom they come in contact. He has been a great blessing to the community. He truly shares his gifts and talents with everyone!
Thank you, Anthony, for all of your years of loving service at Our Lady of Grace. Thanks, too, to Lorraine Bustamante, Special Education Coordinator at Our Lady of Grace, for spreading the word about your dedicated and loving service to your parish. You are a blessing to us all!
Erin Hagerty
Erin Hagerty, who has Cerebral Palsy, has used a wheel chair for mobility since age 9. She is outspoken, friendly, and polite with a contagious smile and a good sense of humor. Erin does not concentrate on the loss of strength in her arms and legs or her hearing impairment. She is grateful for what she has.
“God gave me strength to live, breath, laugh and cry, a stubbornness to fight my adversity and encourages me not to give up,” writes Erin, who believes her disability has taught her patience and compassion. Erin knows she has to start each day fresh, “…finding love, happiness and healing in spite of the bad stuff.”
Erin encourages those who are suffering or in pain to pray to God everyday. In addition, she gives some very practical advice. Erin suggests that you get fresh air every day, take a walk, and talk to someone who knows you well. Erin notes the importance of support groups. “God doesn’t want you to be alone,” says Erin. Let go of your pride and work on acceptance. Live by The Serenity Prayer. As you accept what you cannot change, change what you can, and come to the wisdom which allows you to know the difference, you will grow in peace. “Jesus is with me every day giving me strength and he is there for you too.”
Erin, we thank you for your joyous smile and wonderful attitude. It is a source of encouragement for all of us! You are truly an inspiration to your parish family at St. Mary’s in East Islip where your beautiful on-line reflection encouraged others during Lent last spring. We also thank Theresa Roache, Family Life Minister at St. Mary’s, for collaborating with you on it and for encouraging you to share it with all of us!
Michael John Smith
Michael Smith is a parishioner at Holy Name of Mary Church in Valley Stream. He is active in the Holy Name Society and is also a 3rd Degree Knight. Michael is a lead usher and serves at two Masses each weekend. Every Tuesday morning, Michael plays his saxophone at the 8:30 morning Mass. Michael is a sign of unwavering faith and joy to everyone who knows him. His gifts and talents are in no way diminished by his Down Syndrome. Michael, thank you for praising God with your music-and your life!
Margaret Walsh
Margaret Walsh is a parishioner at St. Frances de Chantal Church in Wantagh, where she has worked as a receptionist for the last 23 years. Her job includes the training of new receptionists. In addition to her work, Margaret has volunteered on the Parish Evangelization Team and in the Gifts Ministry. She is a “phone person”, working as a volunteer on the Catholic Ministries Appeal. Along with her Mom, Margaret hosts a Small Christian Community Meeting every two weeks.
Margaret has been a member of the Inclusion Committee since it began six years ago and now serves as Parish Advocate. The cerebral palsy that makes her walking difficult has not hampered her service to the Church-or her smile! We thank you, Margaret, for your generous spirit and willingness to help others!
John Lombardo
John has been a member of the Choristers in his home parish of Blessed Sacrament in Valley Stream for the past 16 years. He audio records the music at choir rehearsals and uses an Optacon to learn the words to the hymns he sings. Blind since birth, his love for the beautiful melodies and harmonies he learned encouraged him to study diligently until the words were truly woven into his heart. His repertoire includes over two hundred selections which he sings with grace and beauty.
John cantors at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Malverne. He has volunteered as cantor for the Diocesan Liturgy Celebrating the Gifts of Persons with Special Needs for the past several years. His beautiful voice enriches our Lturgy as he leads us in song. We thank you John, for becoming a living song as you use your voice to praise God!
If you would like to nominate someone to be included on our Special Recognition page whose disabilities do not diminish their gifts of service to the Church, please email (marusso@drvc.org) or call me at 516-678-5800 ext. 540. Our Diocese is blessed with so many persons who are gifts to us all. Let’s share news of them with each other!
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