Redmond TOP to host benefit for St. Jude Church’s Special Needs Mass program

By Mary Stevens Decker • July 20, 2009 1:51 pm

After reading the June 26 Redmond Reporter story about Masses for the developmentally disabled at St. Jude Catholic Church, management at the Redmond TOP Foods store decided to host a barbecue to benefit the special needs program.

A Mariner Day and barbecue for the St. Jude Special Needs Mass program will run from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday, July 28 at Redmond TOP Foods, 7320 170th Ave. NE.

KIRO Radio will be stationed outside of the store from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. From approximately noon-1 p.m., a member of the Seattle Mariners will be in the store to sign autographs and talk to fans.

Redmond TOP will give away prizes throughout the day, with a drawing at 3 p.m. for a Gatorade basketball hoop and basketball, courtesy of Gatorade and Pepsi.

There will also be fun activities for children, according to Tracy Harrington, operations demo coordinator for the store.

The Special Needs Mass at St. Jude Church, held at 11 a.m. on the second Saturday of the month, is the only such ongoing Mass in the greater Seattle area. It is designed for developmentally disabled individuals and their families, who might not feel included or at ease during traditional worship services. Non-Catholics are also welcome to attend.

The Masses are followed by lunch and a chance for the families to socialize and network, in a relaxed and accepting environment.

Harrington commented, “I have spoken to Mary Kellison (pastoral assistant for Faith Formation) at St. Jude Church and she was very appreciative of any financial help we might be able to provide. This one-of-a-kind Mass, providing comfort to developmentally disabled individuals and their families, struck a chord. Not only is it open to all faiths, but we also employ quite a few developmentally disabled, so it hits close to home.”

For more information about the benefit event at Redmond TOP Foods, call (425) 869-2362.

St. Jude Catholic Church is located at 10526 166th Ave. in Redmond. For information about the Special Needs Mass or religious education for special needs students, contact Mary Kellison at MaryK@stjude-redmond.org or (425) 883-7685 extension 121; or visit http://stjude-redmond.org.