Holy Family Camp is a week-long spiritual experience held each summer for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Campers enjoy a week of prayer, Mass, Reconciliation, lessons, music, swimming, games, crafts, special events and friendship. The staff are volunteers from all over the diocese. Knights of Columbus Councils, Altar Societies, individuals and businesses donate time, money, food and supplies for this annual event.

Canceled for 2020

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Ages 3 to 7:

Young athletes can participate in the Special Olympics Young Athletes program.

Ages 8 years and up:

The Ministry with Persons with Disabilities has a Special Olympics team called the Wichita Saints. Any person with an intellectual disability who is eight years of age or older may join.

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Totus Tuus for Children with Special Needs
Each summer, a session of Totus Tuus for children with special needs is offered at the Spiritual Life Center. This program is designed for children ages 6-13 with moderate to severe special needs. Cost is $50 per child.

Advent and Lenten Retreats
Each year during Advent and Lent, the Ministry offers a half-day retreat for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ages 14 and up. These retreats take place in the Wichita area and in Southeast Kansas. 

The Catholic Advance is available on the Air Capitol Telephone Reading Service. Anyone who is blind, visually impaired or has a print disability (dyslexia, non-reader) may access this service. In order to access the service, an application will need to be completed. For more information, contact us below.

Masses interpreted in sign language:

• Sunday 9:00 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul in Andover
• Sunday 9:30 a.m. at Church of the Magdalen in Wichita
• Saturday 5:00 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi in Wichita (Call church office at 316-722-4404 to confirm need for interpreter.)

Assistive listening devices for those who have hearing impairments are available in many parishes. Ask an usher at Mass to assist you.

Contact your pastor if sign language interpretation is needed for funeral Masses, rosaries, weddings or other special liturgies.

We also offer a monthly newsletter, Ephphatha, for the deaf/hearing impaired community. The three most recent issues can be found in PDF form below, under "Resources," or contact us to begin receiving the current editions via mail or email. 

Mental Health Support Group - St. Francis of Assisi
The St. Francis of Assisi Parish Nurse Ministry has a group for those that struggle with mental health issues and also for those close to them. All are welcome to join. The group meets the first Thursday of every month from 7:00-8:30 pm in Stewardship Hall.No registration required. Feel free to attend one or all of the gatherings. This is a safe place to come learn and share. Address is 861 N. Socora, Wichita, 67212. Call Lawrence Schuckman for more information (316-259-8210).

The Mission of the Holy Family Special Needs Foundation is to foster the human, intellectual and spiritual growth of individuals with disabilities through education, activities and services which help them to be active disciples of Jesus Christ in the Diocese of Wichita.