Autism, the Holy Father, and Loyola Press

Joe Paprocki Special Needs

Holy Father at autism conference 2014

Recently, Pope Francis hosted a three-day conference at the Vatican (sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Pastoral Health) titled “The Person with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Animating Hope.” Over 600 experts from nearly 60 countries gathered with several hundred parents and children affected by autism.

Loyola Press was proudly represented by Tom McGrath (Author, Speaker, Vice President for New Product Development) and Joellyn Cicciarelli (Director of Curricula Development), both of whom are intimately involved in the development of some wonderful products and resources for children with special needs, including the soon-to-be-released Adaptive Finding God Program.

Tom says that, “Our partners at the National Catholic Partnership on Disabilities played a strong role at the conference. Jan Benton (pictured below) reported on the state of the situation in North America regarding autism. She highlighted the work of publishers who have created faith formation resources to help those with special needs prepare for the sacraments, including Loyola Press with our Adaptive Sacramental Prep kits.”

I am so proud to be associated with Loyola Press’s efforts to provide such wonderful resources for children and families affected by special needs.

Tom McGrath with Loyola Press's Adaptive First Eucharist Preparation Kit
Tom McGrath with Loyola Press’s Adaptive First Eucharist Preparation Kit
Joellyn Cicciarelli taking a well-deserved break from the conference to do some sightseeing in Rome
Joellyn Cicciarelli taking a well-deserved break from the conference to do some sightseeing in Rome
Jan Benton of the National Catholic Partnership on Disabilities speaking at the conference.
Jan Benton of the National Catholic Partnership on Disabilities speaking at the conference
The Holy Father convenes the conference in Paul VI Hall
The Holy Father convenes the conference in Paul VI Hall.
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About Joe Paprocki 2742 Articles
Joe Paprocki, DMin, is National Consultant for Faith Formation at Loyola Press, where, in addition to his traveling/speaking responsibilities, he works on the development team for faith formation curriculum resources including Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts and God’s Gift: Reconciliation and Eucharist. Joe has more than 35 years of experience in ministry and has presented keynotes, presentations, and workshops in more than 100 dioceses in North America. Joe is a frequent presenter at national conferences including the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, the Mid-Atlantic Congress, and the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership. He is the author of numerous books, including the best seller The Catechist’s Toolbox, A Church on the Move, Under the Influence of Jesus, and Called to Be Catholic—a bilingual, foundational supplemental program that helps young people know their faith and grow in their relationship with God. Joe is also the series editor for the Effective Catechetical Leader and blogs about his experiences in faith formation at www.catechistsjourney.com.

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