God’s Special Children’s Mass marks 20 years

By Kim Roberts
Clarion Herald

Knowing from first-hand experience that special-needs children can present unique challenges to parents while attending Mass, U.S. District Judge Jay Zainey and his wife Joy set out to find a way for families to participate fully in Mass.

With that goal in mind, they started the monthly God’s Special Children Mass, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary on Sept. 29 at 2 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Church in Metairie. Archbishop Gregory Aymond will be the principal celebrant of the Mass, followed by a reception hosted by the Knights of Columbus.

“Through our faith and the companionship of other parents with the same challenges, we have gained strength and the ability to overcome many common obstacles in our faith,” Joy Zainey said. “These Masses were started as a way to enable families with members (of all ages) who have special needs to get together on a monthly basis and thank God for the special blessings we’ve received and worship together.”

Monthly schedule

The group usually has a Mass celebrated on the first Sunday of every month at 2 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Church, unless the date falls on a holiday or coincides with a Saints game.

The church at 444 Metairie Road is wheelchair-accessible, and off-street parking is available, making it easy for families to access. Refreshments are served immediately after Mass. The Zaineys believe that since we are all “special” in God’s eyes, everyone is invited to the Mass, whether or not they have a disability.

“Ever since we celebrated that first Mass after Katrina that was attended by more than 400 people, attendance has continued to grow,” Joy said. “My husband and I knew that people were feeling separated from the church since it is difficult to attend Mass when your child is loud or distracting to others. Some parishioners and even priests don’t understand the situation with our special children and family members, but we knew we had to find a way to attend Mass as a family.”

The first Mass

The Zaineys took matters into their own hands and started working with a priest serving at Tulane University at the time and came up with the idea for the God’s Special Children Mass.

“We knew that a lot of these kids don’t qualify to attend St. Michael’s School, and there really isn’t anything else available for our special Catholic children,” Joy said. “So, we needed to do something for the Catholic kids with disabilities to participate in our faith and whose families want to worship, and that is what we’ve done. We’ve opened the faith up to everyone who wants to participate.”  

Jay Zainey said the Masses have been a blessing in giving individuals a chance to participate in the Mass in a way that they have not been able to before.

“We have had the Prayers of the Faithful read through the use of braille, with a talking device and with the help of a buddy,” he said. “Many of these special angels have the opportunity to participate in our bell choir and are altar servers.”

Bell choir resonates

Joy started the bell choir as a way to give those who might not be able to read or serve the opportunity to participate in the Mass.

“I ordered special bells that were color-coordinated from a company online,” she said. “And the participants don't have to read, because everything is done by color. Some follow the color, and some just listen to the music and ring the bells. It is just beautiful.”

Joy said Father Mike Mitchell, pastor Our Lady of Divine Providence in Metairie, has been a big supporter of the ministry. He celebrates most of the Masses, and families look forward to his homilies.       

“It’s just incredible because he really brings a special energy to the altar,” she said. “Since he is an artist, he brings props up on the altar to illustrate his message, and nobody ever looks at their watch because his Masses are so interesting. It’s very easy to listen to and we appreciate his service a lot.”

Jay recalls a story of a young man who suffered from spina bifida attending Mass in his wheelchair several years ago, and Archbishop Aymond was able to confirm him.

“His parents were standing behind him crying, shedding tears of joy as the archbishop confirmed their son,” he said. “They had a wonderful feeling knowing that he was accepted with open arms by our church and spiritual family in the eyes of God."

“It has been a gift for Jay and me to be able to enjoy seeing these kids, teenagers and adults blossom as a result of attending the Masses here,” Joy said. “It is truly God at work having the sacraments available to all God’s children.”

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