FORT LAUDERDALE | Recognizing the heartfelt need of countless Catholics with special needs, who yearn for a greater sense of belonging, Vicky Yardley took it upon herself to organize a special Mass, a sanctuary of love and acceptance, crafted specifically for special needs individuals and their devoted caretakers.
Yardley, who co-chairs the Florida S.E. Chapter of the Columbiettes’ Catholic Action Committee, and serves as vice president of the Columbiettes’ Johnny Hill Auxiliary, is extending an invitation to the entire South Florida community, urging them to take part in a Healing Mass for Persons with Special Needs and Caretakers, to be celebrated Friday, Aug. 4, at 11 a.m. at St. Pius X Church in Fort Lauderdale.
Photographer: JONATHAN MARTINEZ |FC
Kathleen Searless, parishioner at St. Malachy Church in Tamarac, processes out of church holding the hand of her pastor, Father Dominick O’Dwyer, in this file photo taken after the second annual White Mass in Broward County, held in November 2015.
Father Dominic O’Dwyer, retired former pastor of St. Malachy in Tamarac, will preach the homily, and the main celebrant will be Father Jean Jadotte, pastor of St. Pius X. During the Mass, everyone present will receive the sacrament of the anointing of the sick, bestowing upon them divine grace and spiritual healing.
For Yardley, this Mass is a natural extension of her ongoing efforts to create inclusive spaces within the Church. Already having successfully established targeted Masses for first responders (now in its fourth year), veterans, and persecuted Christians, she views this endeavor as an essential continuation of her mission.
To ensure that this Mass for persons with special needs and their caretakers touches the lives of those who need it most, Yardley has personally reached out to over 15 South Florida organizations specializing in autism, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and other conditions. She has also engaged with the Special Olympics and Schott Communities.
Moreover, she has reached out to every parish within the Archdiocese of Miami, asking them to help her spread the message. She created a simple advertisement promoting the Mass, and 12 parishes have confirmed that the ad will be featured prominently in their weekly bulletins.
Yardley emphasized, “I have reached out to every ministry listed in the archdiocese, ensuring that no one is left behind.”
She has also requested the presence of several priests from different parishes, as well as the Knights of Columbus Color Guard. To add an extra touch, she has connected with the Marian Center in Miami Gardens, envisioning a performance by their talented special needs students, who will play the bells. These are just some examples of the moving pieces Yardley is working on to ensure an unforgettable experience for all.
She said she chose St. Pius X Church to host this Mass because of her involvement with various programs alongside the Columbiettes’ Catholic Action Committee. That includes the Archdiocese of Miami’s inaugural Rosary Congress, which she spearheaded last year. The event journeyed through six host parishes, inspiring attendees to embrace prayer, devotion, and deep reflection on Christ’s life and boundless mercy.
Among those parishes was St. Pius X. Recognizing the church’s accessibility for those with mobility challenges, Yardley approached Father Jadotte with a request to host this special Mass. He graciously accepted, thus further illustrating the church’s commitment to fostering inclusivity.
Masses for the sick and health care professionals – sometimes called White Masses – have taken place in previous years in the archdiocese though not since the COVID-19 pandemic. Mercy Hospital in Miami also hosts an annual Mass for the sick on the feast of Our Lady of Mercy in September.
Yardley said the ultimate aspiration for this Mass is to establish an annual tradition. “This is an undeniable need – a need for unity, compassion, and love. Everyone, without exception, is truly welcome,” she said.
IF YOU GO
- Healing Mass for Persons with Special Needs & Caretakers
- Friday, Aug. 4, 11 a.m.
- St. Pius X Catholic Church, 2500 N.E. 33 Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305
By Marcy Knight – Florida Catholic
