-
Everyone is special and is to be loved, respected and understood always.
We love to highligh of our parishioners
who submitted their stories, so we can get to know them,
honor them and find blessings in how God made all of so special!
Meet Cindy!
Hello! My name is Cindy and I have Down Syndrome. I live in independently in a group home in Plymouth with three other roommates and have been together over 20 years.
I attend a weekday lifelong learning program called CHOICE in Maple Grove.
Before COVID, I worked at Davanni’s, Arby’s and Life Time Fitness and loved it!
I have been active in Special Olympics of MN for over 30 years and in 1999 I was chosen as one of 4 gals from the MN swimming delegation to go to the World Games in North Carolina. We took first place in the 4 x 100 relay.
Look for me still wearing my MN team jacket with pride!
My favorite things are shopping at Dollar Tree, eating pizza, going to McDonalds, celebrating my birthday and enjoying my favorite beer (Diet Mountain Dew). I also like playing with my friend’s cat. I have taken dance for 16 years, done the Polar Plunge fundraiser for Special Olympics, swam with the dolphins in Florida, and visited Mickey and Minnie at Disney World many times! I have also volunteered at Feed My Starving Children.
I have been a member so St. Joseph’s for my whole life. Thanks to my religion teacher,
Ginny Gerads, I made my first communion and was confirmed at St. Joseph’s. We usually attended the 9:30 Mass at the Little Church except when my family served coffee, donuts and punch after 10:00 Mass. My job was pouring the punch for the parishioners!
I have one younger brother and one younger sister, two nephews and two nieces.
I like going to my nephews’ baseball games and my nieces’ dance recitals.
I also enjoy going on daily car rides to French Park with my dad.
Meet Angie!
Hello, my name is Angie! I am super friendly, outgoing and have a lot of friends!
My home in Plymouth is at Fraser, a supported group living environment.
During the week, I attend CHOICE in Maple Grove for exposure to vocational,
recreational and volunteering activities.
I also love to volunteer whenever needed at Choice and Fraser for various jobs.
My favorite things to do are to listen to music, do arts and crafts (especially coloring), cooking, watching movies and fishing. I like going out to eat and spending time with family and friends. I also participate in Special Olympics swimming, bowling and golf. Like many,
I had hoped to go on vacation last year (a Disney cruise), but it was canceled due to the pandemic, but I’ll get there yet!
Prior to COVID, I worked at Fastenal and hope to go back soon. I started helping at
St. Joseph’s once a month handing out bulletins and bringing gifts to the altar.
This is something I really love to do and I get to see so many friends.
My family says I brighten the day with my smile!
Meet Elizabeth!
Hi there, my name is Elizabeth and I love St. Joseph's! I was baptized here by Fr. Robert Hazel, received my First Communion from Fr. Terry Rassmussen and was confirmed by Archbishop Bernard Hebda!
I love my life! I live with my parents in Plymouth, am attending my post high school
third year of transition school working at Children's Hospital & Clinics Mpls,
and am a crew member at Culver's, a host at Applebees and also work at my dentist office.
It is so fun to bring people their meals and keep the dining areas clean.
Two times, I almost fell over when I received $20 tips (that's a lot of money)!
Special Olympics is my go-to for fun and friends! Since 2010, I have participated in track, basketball, bocce, golf, tennis, swimming, bowling, poly hockey, SOfit and the Polar Plunge.
I also participate in St. David's programs and dance with True Gems, an adaptive group.
I love being with my family, going on walk-n-talks, volunteering for many different organizations and of course game night!
Many other interests keep me busy as a participant and Ambassador for:
Special Olympics, Down Syndrome Association, Gigi's Playhouse Center for Down Syndrome, Harrison's Playmakers, Best Buddies, Pacer, and Arc's Value Village.
I am a volunteer model, a spokesperson, fundraiser and champion for all of these organizations! I was guest speaker at the first MN Best Buddies Gala
with 400 people and have spoken at many fundraisers since.
I am proud to have lectored for many years at the SJCC, crowned the Armstrong High School Snodaze Queen and chosen as their commencement speaker.
My mission is to speak out for people like me to make a positive difference in the world:
more kindness, more support, more opportunities, more love!
Meet Ryan!
Hi, I'm Ry Guy! I am full of life and am a fun-loving guy with Down Syndrome.
I live with my family in New Hope and have graduated from transition school where I worked as a greeter at the school Coffee Shop.
My greatest passions are sports and my family.
I am involved with West Metro Miracle League baseball, that's the organization Harmon Killebrew created for children with special needs the opportunity to play baseball. I also love playing basketball with the ICAN hoop charitable organization that teaches fundaments of the sport to kids with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics is also very important to me and I have participated on many teams and won many awards in track, basketball, bowling and unified flag football!
My interests are many! I belong to Boy Scout Troop 67, New Hope Lions Charter and am working on my Life Rank (I already earned by Star Rank!). I love going summer camping, hiking, camp fires, swimming, canoeing, playing Gaga ball and working on my merit badges. Did I not mention .... DANCE DANCE DANCE! Even when there is no music, I like to boogie and people say I'm really good! I have been dancing with an adaptive group since I was 8.
At home, I'm lucky to have man's best friend, I love kisses from Connor my dog. I also enjoy going to movies with my Dad and Brother, and shopping of any kind with my Mom.
Meet Joe!
Hi All! I have an amazing story that shows God is always with us!
At birth, I was given 24 hours to live due to delivery complications.
I fooled all the medical teams and life experts along the way and am still living a very good and strong life at the age of 34.
Due to my physical disability, I have a very strong belief in my faith along with my Dad John and Mom Judy, who encourage me that nothing is impossible. I am a 4-star athlete in Special Olympics, excelling in track, bocce, swimming and bowling. I have gained countless awards, medals and ribbons in regional and state events.
I am also an avid sports fan for Minnesota sports and a season ticket holder for the Twins baseball and Vikings football organizations. My dad and I are always on the go for just about everything that comes around.
Due to the pandemic, I still keep my mind sharp with talking on my assisted speech device, keeping track of family birthdays, current news and sporting events. Ask me anything and I will come up with an answer for you that most likely will make you smile!
I live by my Dad's excellent advice to "stay strong, say my prayers, live one day at a time - enjoying all 24 hours, and never ever give up, Amen."