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.
Print Friendly, PDF & EmailPrint Friendly
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.

Related Articles

No Picture
Liturgy and Sacraments

Come, Let Us Adore – Worldwide Eucharistic Adoration with Pope Francis

Joe Paprocki Liturgy and Sacraments

One of the most loved and famous Christmas hymns is O Come All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles) and it’s great refrain: “O Come let us adore him!” To adore someone is to desire to devote all of your attention to him or her. It means to think of that person as being above all others and to admire his or her beauty. Catholics have a great tradition called adoration. For a good description of the practice […]

Print Friendly, PDF & EmailPrint Friendly
Pope Francis Says posters in English and Spanish
Art and Music in Catechesis

Pope Francis Says… Posters

Joe Paprocki Art and Music in Catechesis

Decorate your learning space with the inspiring words of Pope Francis. Phrases encouraging joy, prayer, and sharing are paired with vibrant illustrations on a set of posters you can print for your classroom walls. Words and images are from Pope Francis Says… and El Papa Francisco dice…, charming children’s books from Loyola Press. The posters are available in English and in Spanish. Suggestions for Using the Posters Read Pope Francis Says… or El Papa Francisco […]

Print Friendly, PDF & EmailPrint Friendly
No Picture
Catechetical Issues & Topics

Save the Date: April 27, 2014 for the Canonization of JPII and JohnXXIII

Joe Paprocki Catechetical Issues & Topics

The BIG day has been set: Pope Francis will canonize (raise to sainthood) two of his predecessors: Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII on April 27, 2014! Here are the details from Deacon Greg Kendra at The Deacon’s Bench. This will be a great opportunity for catechists to teach about sainthood, the canonization process, the papacy, and the many issues that both of these great men stood for, fought for, and spoke about. […]

Print Friendly, PDF & EmailPrint Friendly

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*