Symbols of Faith by Diana Klein is a resource for the faith formation and sacramental preparation of people with intellectual disabilities.
This book is aimed at parents, priests and catechists who wish to understand how to pass their faith on to individuals with intellectual difficulties, and how to help them to develop a relationship with God.
Symbols of Faith was developed in partnership with Caritas St Joseph’s, our lifelong learning centre for people with intellectual disabilities.
Catechists using the Symbols of Faith programme use a variety of resources to support those with learning disabilities. Music is used throughout the sessions, as is art, craft and making food. For example, a group at Westminster Cathedral, preparing for their First Holy Communion re-enacted the Feeding of the 5,000. They each helped prepare a different part of the meal and then shared their food together.
When preparing to make their First Reconciliation another group used symbols of things they might have done wrong but also, with symbols, emphasised the positive things that they had achieved during the past week.
Each session ends with visiting the Special Place, where there is an icon or Prayer focus where a short passage of scripture is read and a concise message given and shared.
All classes are full of music, creativity and much fun and laughter.
We regulary hold training sessions for anyone – priests, catechists, parents – interested in using Symbols of Faith and supporting young people with intellectual disabilities to grow in their faith. Check our events page to see if there is a training course coming up, or email Paul Christian
Each copy is £15.95, which includes a CD with unlimited activity sheets and other resources. To order your copy, please email Paul Christian or Finola Ryan.