Today is the Feast Day of St Joseph Cupertino (1603-1663). Growing up he had ecstatic religious visions and made frequent outbursts and sudden leaps and levitations. This behaviour continued throughout his life and caused him to be ostracised for a time from the religious communities he joined, as they found him too ‘disruptive’. Today, he is venerated as a Patron Saint of people who are neuro-diverse, have learning difficulties or other special needs.
Our Diocesan Cupertino Group is named after the saint. Fr Frank Smith describes what the Group is all about …
THE CUPERTINO GROUP
‘Very simply, we are a group of people who meet once a month to celebrate Mass together with our children who have learning or sensory difficulties. All are welcome. If any child feels like being silent, making a noise, shouting out or screaming, that’s wonderful – the Lord receives it all and turns it into praise and no one in the church is judging.
There are sensory devices and ear defenders if required and musical instruments for the children to use at the final hymn. Some of our families have stayed away from church for various reasons but through experiencing our celebrations together, our hope is that they will become far more comfortable and attend their own parish Masses and community too.
Following our Mass we gather in the hall for crafts centred around the liturgical season – and for tea, coffee and cakes. This is also a great opportunity for parents to talk together and gain confidence and support from each other.
We are now into our third year and blessed to have the intercessions of Our Lady Undoer of Knots and St Joseph Cupertino to back us up!!’
All the Cupertino Masses are at 3pm at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Wetherby.
The next Mass will be on Sunday 29 September 2024…
… after which, the schedule for the rest of the 2024/25 school year is:
___ 2024 ___
20 October 2024
10 November 2024
1 December 2024
___ 2025 ___
5 January 2025
2 February 2025
9 March 2025
6 April 2025
4 May 2025
1 June 2025
6 July 2025
To find out more about the Cupertino Group, please contact Rosie via 07891 951949 or Fr Frank Smith on 01729 822 525.
St Joseph Cupertino: pray for us!
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