Programs and services offered through Jericho are funded entirely through donations, fund raising, and partially by the Annual Catholic Appeal through the Diocese of Springfield. Below are a few ways in which you can help us continue to work with people with disabilities.
Wills
Persons who include Jericho as part of their Wills, have their names inscribed on a bronze plaque and placed on the wall of our Eternal Flame at Jericho, which is dedicated to persons with disabilities. The Eternal Flame burns twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Memorials
Jericho has Memorial Cards available for persons who pass away, and for special occasions and anniversaries. These intentions are remembered each day at Mass, and are placed at the Shrine of the Holy Family. Intentions are also remembered in our Perpetual Novena to the Holy Family each day.
Donations
Jericho always welcomes donations of any type, including the sponsorship of benches, buildings, or various religious stations dotting the Jericho landscape. We send out appeals four times per year, including the very popular golf tournament held each summer. The Jericho community wishes to thank all those who have supported us in the past, as well as into the future.
Volunteers
Jericho welcomes volunteers to assist with many tasks, from stuffing envelopes to tending gardens. Contact the main office to offer your services which as always, are greatly appreciated.
Jericho Programs and Services offered by Jericho
Faith and Light Communities - Faith and Light Communities are ecumenical associations of 10 to 30 persons with developmental disabilities, their families, and friends. Communities meet regularly to share the word of God, share events of their lives, share gifts and graces, and to share prayer, praise, and celebration. Communities exist throughout the diocese of Springfield.Guardianship/Advocacy - Helps residents with disabilities grow in life skills for more independent living and fosters assistance to provide meaningful relationships in the community while providing general information about disabilities and ways of pursuing independent living situations in private apartments or homes. We assist parents in developing care plans and offer assistance in contacting agencies for additional planning, find them the help they need that is available from the state or other private agencies, and provide them general information and guidance for persons with disabilities and independent living situations in private apartments or homes.
Religious Rights Advocacy - Seeks full inclusion of all persons with disabilities in the life of the church. Jericho is committed to pastoral education, parish consultation and the formation of parish advocates with persons with disabilities. It actively seeks collaboration with human service agencies who share the common goal of full acceptance of those who serve.
Religious Education - Classes for children with disabilites are held every Saturday morning from 9:30- 10:00 in the Pastor center. The classes run from October to May each year. This class is designed to provide studuents with a well-rounded religious education on which the children and their families can build. A portion of the class is dedicated to preparation for the Sacrament of First Communion, which is generally received for student that have completed the requirements at the beginning of May for each class. The Sacrament can be received at the Jericho Mass or at a parish of the parents choosing.
ASD/ PDD Parent Support Group - This group will begin meeting on Thursday, November 19, 2009 in the Pastoral Center at 6:30 pm. The group is designed to assist parents in dealing with the every day issues of raising a family with a child with disabilities. The group will include a spiritual reflection and include conversations on the healing properties of having a faith relationship with God. This group is not limited to Catholics, and is open to families of any denomination. You may contact Nicole at Jericho (413-538-7450 ext. 109) if you are interested in attending or would like to know more about this group, or send an email in the contact us section of our website, we would love to hear from you.
Lazarus Program - A program designed to assist persons with developmental and/or physical disabilities and the people who care for them, cope with loss and grief. The program is a support system available for grieving persons, during the immediate crisis and as long as support is needed. It also assists in funeral arrangements, funeral expenses, memorial services, and grief counseling for housemates, family, and caregivers.
Rock and Roll Dances - A social program designed to promote interactive skills among persons with disabilities and to assist in their particular needs through the media of dance and interpersonal relationships. Dances are held at the Castle of the Knights on Memorial Dr., in Chicopee. Click here for the dance schedule.
Birthday Cards - Jericho sends birthday cards and a gift to persons with disabilities on the occasion of their birthday each year.To be added to our list please call, or e-mail (ncaron.beca@comcast.net)the following information: name, address, telephone number, and date of birth.
Jericho Updates - Jericho publishes a quarterly newsletter coveringprograms and serviceswithin the Jericho community, the diocese, and relevant area happenings.
Other Services - Retreats and days of recollection; parish consultation; summer activities; swimming; fishing; boating; picnics; hosting the Excelsior Summer Camp.