“Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”
~ Matthew 25:40
Download the Autism Schedule for Feb. 2012 – May 2012 (PDF) Class Schedule
In the Fall of 2008, St. Peter’s Faith Formation Program launched its brand new addition to our Faith Formation offerings: Autism & the Sacraments.
This new approach to faith formation is peaceful, welcoming & innovative – adapting to each child’s individual learning style – in a compassionate, loving & inclusive environment. The program is tailored to children on the autism spectrum, those with developmental delay(s) and children who are non-verbal.
The response to this one-of-a-kind program in the Diocese of Providence has been wonderful – families from every corner of RI & beyond have enrolled!
Each Year we celebrate a number of beautiful Masses with our Autism & the Sacraments families; an opening Mass in the Fall, a Mass of Peace in the winter, and a closing Mass each Spring.
If you are interested in having your child enroll, please call Margaret Andreozzi, elementary faith formation coordinator, 401/461-5691 to be placed on a waiting list for our program.
In the Fall 2009, we added 7 new students ages 7 & 8 to start another Year One Autism & the Sacraments Program, adding to our already existing 18 students. And in the Fall of 2010, we added 6 more bringing us to a total of 31 students! We are pleased to say that this year 9 of our previous year students have been transferred into our regular sacrament classes.
Christmas 2011
We had another wonderful Christmas Mass for the families in our Autism Program and once again were able to witness the beautiful expressions on the children’s faces as they experienced Jesus in a very special way. The Mass included decorating a Christmas tree, followed by a gathering with cookie decorating, snacks and mingling for parents and teachers.
A sincere thank you, on behalf of your St. Peter’s parish family, to all the parents for the beautiful example of dedication and love you show for your children as you continue to guide them and live out the real meaning of Christmas. And thank you teachers, staff and especially Fr. Gagné for the sacrifices that are continually being made in order to make this priceless Faith Formation program possible.
Follow link to see Pictures from the St. Peter’s Autism Christmas Mass 2011»
As The St. Peter’s Autism Program continues to expand and grow, we are pleased this year to have Chiropractor, Dr. Gary Brodeur (Brodeur Family Chiropractic) working with our parents and children in educating and encouraging them in the area’s of health and well being. He says:
“Over the years I have cared for many children in my practice who fall somewhere along the spectrum and have seen amazing changes in them. More recently I have felt called to serve this growing part of our population and have begun working with the families involved in the St. Peter’s Church faith formation program: Autism & The Sacraments.” ~Dr. Gary
Read the full article: Autism and Chiropractic
Our Autism Faith Formation Program has gone national!
Our program received national recognition on Feb. 25, 2009, when Associated Press reporter Ray Henry published his wonderful article, “Autistic Offered Religious Education” following his visit with our class! Complete with photos and interviews with the class, the article has been shared all over the United States (even in Hawaii!).
Opening Mass – Fall of 2011
We had a beautiful gathering of eager children and their families attend our opening Mass on October 8th. Together we celebrated Our Lady of the Rosary entrusting our children and upcoming efforts to her care and protection. We are looking forward to another great year of learning and growing together!!
Christmas Mass 2010
