…in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. (Romans 12)

Families who have special needs members are coming together to plan ways to get their loved ones more involved at St. Max. This webpage is one result of their efforts.

All human beings, including those among us with disabilities, are entitled to rights in faith communities. A life of dignity and respect includes the right to religious formation, friendship, and spiritual nurturing [to serve and be served]. The rights of minorities and the disabled are equal to the rights of all others. As a church, we are accountable to God to protect the rights of all people and to provide spiritual and moral leadership in our community to protect these rights. We exercise leadership by our teaching and by our example of inclusive communities of faith that uses the gifts of all members. (Archdiocese of Cincinnati Office of Evangelization and Catechesis)

Below are areas where persons with special needs are already active in the St. Max Community…as families come together and share their experiences we will continuously update this page.

St. Max Special Needs Networking Group is online at WIGGIO!

Join by sending an e-mail to Mary Montour!

Congratulations Nick Drennan!

Nick's artwork pictured here is in the in the VSA Arts of Ohio Tour, which is a touring show of disabled artists of Ohio. He is one of 10 youth artists. Also, he has been asked to be the honorary chairman of the Autism Walk in Dayton on April 24th.

Nick is a member of St. Max parish and is in the 9th grade. Nick is a typical teen except he has Asperger Syndrome. Asperger Syndrome is known as high function autism. His work, "Super Botley", a comic book was published when he was in the 6th grade.

We at St. Max are very proud of Nick!

NEW!

Monthly Bible Study

Here is a chance to get a spiritual boost by looking at the scripture themes monthly as well as the opportunity to network on how faith feeds your soul during the daily struggles of caring for a loved one with special needs. We will meet on the third Saturday of the month from 8 – 9:30am in the Hospitality Room. Form more information contact Mary Montour at 777-4322 ext. 106 or mmontour@saint-max.org or contact Sheryl Hudson at 310-0883 or Sheryl_Hudson@cargill.com.  Next Meeting is June 19th. 

Read about the special purpose of the Holy Family here.

A Guided Meditation

Click here for a Guided Meditation for parents and caregivers.

Links:

Liturgical Ministry Opportunities

Click on the link to send an e-mail to the coordinator

• Greeters - Greeters are used to welcome people coming to Mass. They arrive 15 minutes early, stand by the pillars and welcome people as they enter the church. After Mass they pass out bulletins. Schedules cover 3 months at a time and you may be used 1-2 times in that three month period. Greeters are especially needed at the 4:30 p.m. Saturday Mass and Sunday 8:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m. Masses.  Coordinator:  Mary Perrino
• Ushers (must be confirmation age or assisting a parent)  The usher seats people and helps them feel comfortable as they enter church. Except for the head usher, others are required to remain at their posts until the Gospel and then may sit with their families. The head usher remains at the rear of the church throughout the Mass. Ushers assist with the collection by passing collection baskets and directing communion. Ushers are responsible for securing the collection. They also are called upon to usher special events for the parish i.e., Confirmation, First Communion, evening Holy Day Masses. Men & women, 16 or older, may serve as ushers. They may choose the Mass they wish to attend.  Coordinator:  Walt Schaefer
• Procession of Gifts (contact Carol Heuser with your preferred date)
• Adoration   He said..."So, could you not watch with me one hour?" (Mt 26:40).  For centuries, Catholics have answered Christ's plea by placing themselves before His presence in the Blessed Sacrament.  Every Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. here at St. Max you have the opportunity to spend an hour with the Lord in adoration.  Coordinator Monika DeRoussel

Religious Formation

A variety of adapted materials are available to families.

• Religious Formation of Youth (RFY)
• 1st Penance Preparation
• 1st Eucharist Preparation
• Confirmation Preparation

Or Contact Mary Montour about adapted materials at 777-4322 ext. 106

Service

These are but a few of the ministry opportunities that exist in the parish.  Click here to view the Ministry webpage.

• Adopt a "Scape"    A ministry that is in need of individuals, families, and groups to maintain a section of landscaping here at our facility.  Responsibilities include weeding, mulching, and nourishing your area.  This ministry will be guided by the facilities manager.  Coordinator:  Larry Witsken  513-777-4322, ext. 110
• Festival  A parish festival is held the 2nd weekend in June. The purpose of the festival is to provide an opportunity for parishioners to become acquainted with one another and to provide additional funds for capital improvements and debt reduction. The festival is a social event requiring many volunteers from the parish to help plan and work during the weekend of the festival. Contact Laurie McKenna or Kevin Ricke

To get involved or for more information Contact :  Mary Montour, Director of Faith Formation at St. Max 777-4322 ext. 120 or call any of the parents listed below

• Sheryl Hudson, parent at 310-0883
• Mary Perrino, parent at 759-5272
• Tammi Stauber, parent at 779-3316