In 2002, then Bishop Griffin challenged parishes to open their arms to include all children in all aspects of parish life. In response to this challenge parishes like St. Catharine, St. Cecilia, and St. Mary’s have developed S.P.I.C.E. programs to meet students’ special needs. Our parish is an extension of the family, the basic unit of the Catholic Church. Just as parents try to do all they can for all of their children, so does St. Cecilia for all its members.
St. Cecilia’s S.P.I.C.E. program recognizes that each of our parish children is a unique individual with different learning needs. The program provides financial support to the school and parish school of religion, in order to assist them in educating students with special needs.
Working together with the support of the S.P.I.C.E. program, the parish community, pastor, administration, teachers and parents help to provide understanding, information, creativity, and willingness to address special education needs. The program raises funds to support the inclusion of children with special needs in our school and parish; assists teachers and staff in their commitment to keep students with special needs in our classrooms; provides the support to embrace diversity in our school and parish.
