Nazareth HouseNazareth House, a diocesan apostolate with persons having intellectual and developmental disabilities, is a program of religious education, liturgy and advocacy functioning through our the diocese and funded through Catholic Charities.
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Father Pat Cullen, director of Nazareth House, spends time with a student.
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Nazareth House, a diocesan apostolate with persons having intellectual and /or developmental disabilities, is a program of religious education, liturgy, and advocacy funded through Catholic Charities. Approximately 100 children and adults are served throughout the diocese. It is a program, which has as its goal the
incorporation of persons with disabilities into the life of their individual parish community.
While Nazareth House is most frequently thought of in terms of liturgy, religious education, and sacramental preparation, Advocacy is also a component. Many people have been placed in nursing homes or
group home throughout the diocese. It is necessary, therefore, to be present and able to
monitor situations of abuse and/or neglect. This program serves to meet this need, as well.
Nazareth House has been in operation for 51 years. From the beginning there was the
awareness and realization that there were individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (children, adolescents, and adults) who were overlooked and underserved, especially
with regard to their formation and catechesis for the Sacraments.
The goal of this apostolate is to meet this need.
Nazareth House serves the Diocese in Birmingham, Huntsville, and Tuscaloosa but is available to
outlying areas where there is a need. The catechists are teenagers – high school and university.
The following are comments from the annual evaluation submitted by two of the catechists:
“This program has worked great for JL and helped him to receive the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist.
He would have struggled to receive it in a regular program. This program suits him well.”
“I am so happy I spent 4 years here.
I wouldn’t have wanted to spend my Saturday mornings doing anything else.
I am going to miss you all. I’ll make sure to visit!”
It may, also, be of interest to note that the catechists receive weekly service hours for their
participation in the program. They accumulate approximately 70 hours per year.
This fact is noticed with interest when the catechist/s apply for college or scholarships.
All this is done through your participation in the Catholic Charities Appeal.
incorporation of persons with disabilities into the life of their individual parish community.
While Nazareth House is most frequently thought of in terms of liturgy, religious education, and sacramental preparation, Advocacy is also a component. Many people have been placed in nursing homes or
group home throughout the diocese. It is necessary, therefore, to be present and able to
monitor situations of abuse and/or neglect. This program serves to meet this need, as well.
Nazareth House has been in operation for 51 years. From the beginning there was the
awareness and realization that there were individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (children, adolescents, and adults) who were overlooked and underserved, especially
with regard to their formation and catechesis for the Sacraments.
The goal of this apostolate is to meet this need.
Nazareth House serves the Diocese in Birmingham, Huntsville, and Tuscaloosa but is available to
outlying areas where there is a need. The catechists are teenagers – high school and university.
The following are comments from the annual evaluation submitted by two of the catechists:
“This program has worked great for JL and helped him to receive the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist.
He would have struggled to receive it in a regular program. This program suits him well.”
“I am so happy I spent 4 years here.
I wouldn’t have wanted to spend my Saturday mornings doing anything else.
I am going to miss you all. I’ll make sure to visit!”
It may, also, be of interest to note that the catechists receive weekly service hours for their
participation in the program. They accumulate approximately 70 hours per year.
This fact is noticed with interest when the catechist/s apply for college or scholarships.
All this is done through your participation in the Catholic Charities Appeal.
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