Deacon Manuel Pascua has rarely missed an Ohana Mass since they started being held at St. Raphael Church two years ago. One of the reasons he enjoys it so much is no one notices the distractions. During the service, you
Deacon Manuel Pascua has rarely missed an Ohana Mass since they started being held at St. Raphael Church two years ago.
One of the reasons he enjoys it so much is no one notices the distractions.
During the service, you might hear a voice louder than usual, maybe a outburst now and then, or a child twisting and turning, fidgeting nervously in their seat. Perhaps someone might suddenly stand when everyone else is sitting or need to go outside for a few minutes.
You never know with Ohana Mass.
But you do know that when there is disturbance, people won’t turn and stare. They won’t give a disapproving glance. They will just keep listening to the sermon, singing, praising or praying.
“It’s a pleasant thing to see the people,” said Pascua, who is from St. Catherine Church in Kapaa. ‘“These guys here, they’re special. They’ve very special. It’s an uplifting thing for me.”
The second anniversary of Ohana Mass at St. Raphael was celebrated Sunday. About 50 people attended the one-hour service, with an emphasis on welcoming all people, including those with special needs. It’s described as being “for families with sons and daughters of unique abilities and intellectual disabilities that they may fully participate in worship where they feel accepted and welcomed.”
They are encouraged to do more than attend. They are welcome to be altar servers, lectors, Eucharistic ministers, ushers and greeters.
Jason Felipe, one of the altar servers, has Down syndrome and was on cue for each duty, such as ringing the bell or holding the cross during the entrance and exit.
“It’s really nice when you can see how they do the Mass,” said Fely Kusaka, sitting next to Adell Galvez on the church’s padded pews before service started.
Faye Domingo came to Sunday’s service with her special needs son, Ron. She brings him to church each Sunday, but is especially thankful for the Ohana Mass.
“It’s good,” she said. “He likes it. Oftentimes, he goes to Holy Communion.”
The words of the communion song, “In This Place,” were fitting: “We are gathered at table as one in the Lord, gathered as people who are living the word.”
Most stood. Some sat. But they all sang together.
Chantal Duarte, one of Sunday’s lectors, likes the atmosphere at Ohana Mass.
“Those with limitations, whether physical or mental, they can come, the family doesn’t have to worry,” she said. “They can be themselves and celebrate Mass with the rest of us that are here. It’s very nice.”
In his short sermon, Father Emerson “Boyet” delos Reyes said nothing is perfect in this world. All people will face struggles and challenges, and yet, should thank God daily.
“What matters is, we move on with our journey of faith,” he said.
Coordinator Lorine Paden helped bring the Ohana Mass to Kauai from the Diocese of Honolulu two years ago.
Her nephew has special needs. When he was younger, bringing him to church was easy. But as he got older, it became more of a challenge due to occasional outbursts when he was around loud noises or lots of people.
That would lead to glances and even stares from other church-goers, as if asking, “Can’t you control your child?”
“It’s ignorance. They don’t know why the child is acting badly,” Paden said. “So that’s very discouraging for families with special needs.”
Her family was divided as to whether her nephew should be in church. About then, Paden was introduced to a ministry for persons with disabilities on Oahu. She worked to bring it to Kauai to help others in the same situation as hers.
“I’m sure other families with special needs face discrimination at times,” she said.
Her nephew was in church Sunday, smiling, laughing and for the most part being quiet and well-behaved. If there were any distractions, no one noticed.
An Ohana Mass might include someone with cerebral palsy or Down syndrome or other special needs, or who might need a wheelchair. No matter, they are welcome to be as noisy as they like.
“We accept each other’s families,” Paden said. “Each child is able to be who they are without being discriminated against.”
She urged people to spread the word about Ohana Mass and invite families with special needs members. The next Ohana Mass at St. Raphael’s is set for Jan. 21.
Since there won’t be another Ohana Mass this year, Paden is planning a special weekend that might include a picnic and other activities, and all are welcome.
“I thank God for supporting us and blessing us with this with this Ohana Mass,” she said.
