Blossoming from the seeds of faith
Seeds Ministry provides support and catechesis for students and adults with diverse learning needs who have not yet received the Catholic sacraments. The seeds of faith have been planted and nurtured by their caregivers but may need extra help to blossom in full communion within their parish communities.
Seeds Ministry aims to meet the needs of these special individuals by partnering with families and parish staff to bring their sacraments to completion.
What Seeds Offers Parishes, Schools & Families
Consultation
Seeds offers one-time, intermittent, or ongoing consultation to parish pastors, directors of religious education, school leaders, and/or religion teachers who provide sacrament preparation to a wide array of learners.
Resources
Seeds has curated and created a set of resources to help parishes, schools, and families provide sacrament preparation to diverse learners. Many of our resources are free and readily available - just reach out!
1:1 Sacrament Prep
When parishes, schools, or families need direct support to provide diverse learners with sacrament preparation, a Seeds catechist can provide high-quality individual or small group instruction.
“I offer my enthusiastic support to the Seeds ministry. Over the years, people approached me seeking religious formation for special needs children... Seeds offers this support to families seeking the unique formation needed for special needs children. It is a great gift to parishes and families.”
Fr. Harry Buse
“One of Holden’s favorite activities is Mass. It bothered him terribly to not be able to participate in Communion. Watching him receive his first Holy Communion, his face beaming with joy and reverence, is a memory that I will never forget.”
Tara, Mother
“With Grayson’s struggles with speech, we weren’t sure how he could successfully prepare for his Holy Communion and Reconciliation. With Janet’s instruction and faith in his abilities, we were able to make this possible with our parish priest. What a gift it has been for Grayson and our family.”
Lisa, Mother
“The preparation was thoughtfully tailored to Leo’s level of understanding and ability. It met him right where he was, which helped build his confidence and made the experience more meaningful for him.”
-Cara, mother
“She loved every minute of her sessions and we all saw her joy on Confirmation day.” -Sharon, mother
“It was a wonderful blessing for Sara to receive her 1st Communion. She really enjoyed the Seeds classes. But most of all, she now loves receiving the Body of Christ with the church congregation.”
Lori, mother
“I offer my enthusiastic support to the Seeds ministry. Over the years, people approached me seeking religious formation for special needs children... Seeds offers this support to families seeking the unique formation needed for special needs children. It is a great gift to parishes and families.”
Fr. Harry Buse
The Heart Behind Seeds
Seeds Director, Janet Sobczyk, approaches sacrament preparation with the heart of a parent and an educator. She is the mother of five, and her youngest has Down syndrome. As a Certified Catholic Religion Teacher holding a Bachelor of Science in K-12 Special Education, Janet has made a meaningful impact as a substitute teacher, media/library teacher, religion teacher, and campus minister at Madonna before founding the Seeds ministry. Janet shared on EquipCast how her daughter, Monica, a person with special needs, was able to receive the sacraments. She also shared the vision and mission of Seeds and how it began.
Growing in Faith, Together
At Madonna Ability Alliance, we believe that supporting individuals and families means nurturing the whole person - mind, body, and spirit. Seeds Ministry provides trusted resources and assistance to help those with diverse abilites experience the full life of the Church.