Brian Rizzo is one cool dude. In 2008 when he was 14 years old, he was working on his Eagle Scout badge. Because his younger sister lives with autism, he developed a special needs library for his church parish. Like I said, one cool dude.
But Wait, There’s More!
Turns out, that project was only his first contribution to the special needs community. He then worked with his parents to develop learning tools to help children with special needs prepare for their First Eucharist. Because of Brian, the Adaptive First Eucharist Kit can now be purchased through Loyola Press.
Marla Murasko and Special Moms Entrepreneur Club
Special Needs Ministry: Adaptive First Eucharist Kit came to my attention via a blog post by Marla Murasko at Special Moms Entrepreneur Club. One Sunday, her family’s parish announced upcoming confirmation classes. She searched for materials that would allow her son (only 5 1/2 at the time, but as parents of kids with special needs know, it’s best to start looking early) to further his religious education when he was older.
Take a Look at What’s in the Adaptive First Eucharist Kit!
Though I am not Roman Catholic, I was impressed with the contents of the Adaptive First Eucharist Preparation Kit. Each kit includes:
The Adaptive First Eucharist Kit for children with autism or other special needs includes eight pieces:
- My Picture Missal Picture Book and Mass Picture Cards are for use at Mass. They help the child maintain focus and actively participate in the Mass.
- Bless Yourself Matching Puzzle helps the child learn how to make the Sign of the Cross. This activity can be paired with parent or catechist modeling so it becomes a gross motor imitation task.
- Who Is Jesus? Instructional Story introduces the child to Jesus as the Son of God and relates God’s family to the child’s family.
- Communion Is Not the Same as Food Matching Puzzle helps the child distinguish between the Eucharist and ordinary food.
- How to Receive Communion Matching Puzzle shows all the steps of receiving Communion reverently, providing a guide for the child to practice. This learning tool may be taught with sequencing or modeling.
- I Receive Communion Social Story is a book that reinforces the reverence and proper steps of receiving Communion.
- Helper Guide includes tips on how to use the kit.
- A backpack so the child can transport the items from home, faith formation sessions, and Mass.
Every Denomination Needs Someone with Brian Rizzo’s Vision
If every Christian denomination had someone with Brian Rizzo’s vision, the church could share the hope of Christ with many more children who have special needs. We need to work together as Christians to spread the word about resources for special needs ministry across denominational lines. So if you know of products for special needs ministry or people who make them, leave a comment. Let’s help Brian reap a mighty harvest for the Kingdom of God.
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