Annual Catholics Can Mass acknowledges contributions of people with disabilities
SANDY — Bishop Oscar A. Solis celebrated the 2022 Catholic Can Mass at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church on Oct. 2.
The Mass, which acknowledges the many gifts and contributions made by people with disabilities, has been celebrated in the Diocese of Salt Lake City since 2011. Awards presented at the Mass recognize individuals who seek to include everyone, among them people with disabilities, in active parish life; and also honor individuals with disabilities who are strong witnesses to the Catholic faith.
This year, Bishop Solis presented Catholics Can awards to Jeffrey Martinez, Kathryn Larson and Dolores Lopez. Concelebrating the Mass was Father Rodelio Ignacio, pastor of Blessed Sacrament. Deacon Dale Dillon assisted. American Sign Language interpretation was provided by Carol Ruddell, a past president of the diocesan Commission for People with Disabilities.
In his opening remarks, Bishop Solis gave special welcome to the members of the diocesan Commission for People with Disabilities. “We have the privilege of honoring some wonderful people who do a beautiful ministry in extending the Gospel to those who are challenged in their lives,” he said.
During his homily, the bishop talked about discipleship and faith.
“To be a disciple it requires action. Jesus makes very clear what we are supposed to do,” he said.
“There is so much suffering all over the world,” such as war, senseless violence, the continuing Covid pandemic and “the tribulations that we face in our lives,” the bishop said. “People may ask ‘How long? When will these trials and tribulations come to an end?’ People may also ask, ‘Where is God in all this?”
The day’s first reading, from Habakkuk, echoed these questions and ended with the admonition that “the just one, because of his faith, shall live.” Bishop Solis asked those at the Mass to believe in God’s promises, adding that “salvation in times of sufferings and tribulations depends on faith; the faith of the person will be his salvation.”
After the homily, the awards were presented by Bishop Solis and Deacon Jeff Allen, chairman of the Commission for People with Disabilities.
Martinez, a member of Saint Marguerite Parish in Tooele who is a Knight of Columbus and a RCIA member, was recognized for his contributions to the parish.
“Mr. Martinez is a selfless individual who is always contributing to the parish. Not only does he help teach RCIA, but he also makes it his mission to check with past candidates as they become active in the life of the parish,” said Monica Villar, a member of the Disabilities Commission who read from the honoree’s nomination form during the award presentation.
Martinez also supports the parish’s elementary school by painting walls, shampooing the carpets, securing bookshelves to the walls, and chaperoning school field trips.
“Mr. Martinez goes out of his way to make simple repairs, bring meals to the sick, household chores, painting decks, planting flowers, shoveling snow, and even wrestling garbage cans each week. He provides transportation to doctor appointments and picks up prescriptions. He checks in with the women to be sure they are OK, and makes sure they can get to church,” Villar said, adding that on a daily basis Martinez picks up the lunches to be delivered at the school.
“Mr. Martinez does all this just because he cares and truly loves serving others. As you can see, he is a wonderful blessing to the St. Marguerite community,” Villar said.
Larson is a member of Saint Helen Catholic Parish in Roosevelt. She is an active member of the parish Council of Catholic Women and RCIA program; she is also a lector and an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. She has been a member of the Diocesan Commission for People with Disabilities since 2002.
“Though challenged with some of her own health issues, she continually strives to make every space and program at St. Helen’s accessible and welcoming,” Villar said. “She’s the best greeter, welcoming everyone to the event. She sells raffle and dinner tickets as well. She is always cheerful, greeting everyone at Mass or at meetings. She is always willing to conduct Communion and prayer services.”
As a “non-Wasatch Front” member of the Commission for People with Disabilities, Larson “brings the concerns of the less populated areas of the state to the diocese,” Villar said.
Lopez, this year’s third honoree, is the diocese’s director of human resources and has been the diocese’s liaison to the Commission for People with Disabilities since 2008.
“As a volunteer commission, it’s been very important to have someone in the diocesan offices to advocate for our needs, as well as carry messages and planning between the commission, the bishop and offices of the diocese,” Villar said, adding that Lopez is “the first contact when someone reaches out with a need at a parish or the diocese. Mrs. Lopez then facilitates the needed support of the parishioner or the parish. She negotiates the commission funding and helps to manage the budget.”
In addition, Lopez has kept the commission informed of disability issues within and outside the diocese, Villar said.
“Mrs. Lopez advocates for individuals, parishes and the commission every day,” Villar said.
Since the Catholic Can Award was instituted, there have been 23 recipients.
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