walking with our brothers and sisters with special needs
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Special needs inclusion ministry
The Special Needs Inclusion Ministry is an outreach ministry that ensures that families and individuals with special needs experience welcome, support, and spiritual nourishment within a faith community. The Planning team meets once a month (fourth Tuesday) at St. Barnabas' Classroom to discuss needs and opportunities to improve the inclusion of those with special needs and their families in parish programs and events.
Note: November & December 2024 meetings will be held on the 3rd Tuesday instead of the 4th Tuesday due to the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
The Ministry has established monthly play groups (third Sunday of each month), a monthly newsletter, and sensory-friendly Masses on the third Saturday of each month at 4:30 pm at St. Barnabas, with quieter music and no incense.
To get involved, please e-mail us at [email protected]March 2025 Newsletter here.
February 2025 Newsletter here.
January 2025 Newsletter here.
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Play group for special needs families
TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED
Monthly play group gatherings for special needs families on the third Sunday of each month from 4-5 p.m. in Woodstock Park (351 Cypress Street, Alameda).
This is a free, casual drop-in play group for families
of those with special needs. Come early, leave late – it’s a time
for adults and children to enjoy simply being together in a safe,
supportive, non-judgmental space. For more information, contact Agatha Leong at 510-748-9537 or at [email protected].
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Sensory friendly Mass
Need a quieter atmosphere to be able to participate in Mass comfortably? The monthly "sensory-friendly" 4:30 Vigil Mass at St. Barnabas, with softer music and lower sound levels, provides a more welcoming sacred space for those preferring less sensory stimulation. At St. Barnabas Church, 1427 6th Street at Taylor, on the third Saturday of each month. All are welcome.
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SPRED
When accommodation is possible, individuals with developmental delays are encouraged to participate in our other Faith Formation programs. In situations when that is not practical, Special Religious Education (SPRED) enables them to prepare for sacraments and enjoy spiritual enrichment in a specialized small-group setting. Learn more at https://sjbalameda.org/spred
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Family activity and resources
Visit https://sjbalameda.org/family-activity for seasonal resources and activities.
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