Special Needs Totus Tuus Making God’s Love Known to All His Children

Totus Tuus is a Latin phrase meaning “totally yours.” This was the motto of Pope St. John Paul II, expressing his desire to give himself entirely to Jesus Christ through Mary. The Totus Tuus summer program embraces this motto and encourages the young adult missionaries to give their all to the young people they encounter during the summer.

Dedicated to sharing the Gospel and teaching young people about the Catholic faith, Totus Tuus is a weeklong program that provides opportunities for participants to encounter Jesus Christ through participation in the sacraments, learning about the faith, and having fun. Josh Ruoff, Lead Consultant for Special Needs, says that this will be the fifth year that the archdiocese is hosting a Totus Tuus week dedicated to serving participants with diagnosed disabilities and their siblings.

“When the Special Needs Ministry started in 2017, we worked with the Children’s Catechesis Office to design a special needs Totus Tuus week for those individuals with unique learning needs, so that they could fully participate and deepen their faith through the program,” Josh says. “We are in charge of adapting the curriculum, recruiting participants and volunteers, providing snacks and materials, and ensuring the safety and full participation of each individual to the best of their abilities.”

This year, it will be held here at Queen of the Holy Rosary from July 17 through July 21. It will be open to individuals with disabilities from first grade through adult and their siblings. The cost is $40 per person or $60 per family.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in both large and small-group activities. When they arrive in the mornings, the day will start with large-group prayer, music, and games. The rest of the morning and afternoon will be split into small groups, where participants will be led through a topic related to the faith. This year, the topics will include the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary and Salvation History. In addition, throughout the week they will have the chance to celebrate Mass and partake in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

“This is important for the whole Catholic Church because as disciples of Christ, we are called to spread His love and His message to everyone we meet,” Josh says. “We understand the importance of making God’s love known to all His children.”

Stewards are always needed to help the week run smoothly. Ideally, each participant will have their own buddy to assist them with any needs they have throughout the day. It is also important to have a medical professional attend to help with medication and other medical needs.

If you have any questions or would like to serve with the program, contact Josh Ruoff at 913-647-3054 or jruoff@archkck.org. To register, visit archkck18.wufoo.com/forms/2023-totus-tuus-registration/