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Wonderfully Made: Celebrating Unique Gifts and Abilities
In recent years, many organizations have shifted from using the term special needs to special abilities because it emphasizes a person’s strengths, gifts, and potential rather than focusing primarily on challenges or limitations. While individuals with disabilities may require additional support or accommodations, they also possess unique talents, perspectives, and abilities that enrich our communities. Using the term special abilities reflects a more inclusive, person-centered approach that recognizes each individual as a valued person with gifts to share.
Our ministry uses the term Special Abilities because we believe every person is wonderfully made by God and has unique gifts, talents, and abilities. The name reflects our commitment to creating a welcoming community where all individuals can grow in faith, friendship, and belonging.
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Elementary ProgramFirst Communion, Reconciliation, and Continuing Faith Formation
This class is for children who are in Kindergarten thru 5th Grade. Children attending may be preparing for their First Communion and/or their First Reconciliation depending on their individual needs. This class is also for children who have already received First Communion and are continuing their faith formation. Children will practice previously learned skills, as well as expand their understanding of our faith at their individual level and pace. -
Middle School and High School ProgramFirst Communion, Reconciliation, Confirmation and Continuing Faith FormationThis class is for tweens/teens in 6th-12th grade who are preparing for First Communion, Reconciliation, and/or Confirmation. Some teens may participate in both the large group parish Confirmation classes and the small group classes listed below. This class is also for teens who have already received some of their Sacraments and are continuing their faith formation. The teens will practice previously learned skills, as well as expand their understanding of our faith at their individual level and pace.
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What to Expect
- Time: Classes are held one time per month on Sundays from 11-12pm with Mass afterwards from 12-1pm.
- Drop Off: Students are dropped off in Room 3 and 4 of the Hall. The easiest doors to enter the classroom are from the outside between the Youth Room and the Choir Room
- Pick Up/Meet Up: Students will be brought to the Church a few minutes before the 12pm Mass begins to meet their families.
- Mass: Students and their families will have a reserved seating area in the front sections of the church on class days. This is an opportunity for families to meet one another and develop community together. Mass is also a learning time for your child. Some children will be asked to do a “task” during Mass (ie. Point at the Eucharist and acknowledge that’s Jesus). Whatever “task” or skill your child is working on they will do it with you during Mass and the team will be there to support you and your child.
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Registration
- Click to view 2026-27 Calendar
- Cost is $150 per family.
- For registration assistance email [email protected]
- To submit documents, email to [email protected]
- Registration Opens July 1st
Payment:- Checks payable to St. Jude Catholic Church (Faith Formation in memo). Send to 32032 W. Lindero Canyon Rd., Westlake Village, CA 91301
- To pay online by credit/debit card (charges apply), click the pay online button:
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Contact Us
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luciasaintjudetheapostle.orgSpecial Abilities and Older Sacrament Mentor
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Cindy Kozalcindysaintjudetheapostle.orgFaith Formation Director
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About Our Program
In 2012, we began a program for students with special needs as part of our Family Faith program. With the help of Mrs. Lucia Bartlett and her devoted team of adults and teens, we began walking the journey of faith with special needs students. Our program was featured in the June 11, 2015 Acorn Newspaper, click here to read the article.
