Three years ago Samantha Steves felt as if she were in a “dark black hole.”
At the time, the 23-year-old Catholic was grieving the loss of her grandpa and her childhood cat. Her friends had moved away for college. It felt as if she had no friends at church either, and she wanted to stop going altogether.
Steves has Down syndrome. Although she was involved in programs for kids with disabilities through school and church, she longed to enjoy such fellowship into her adulthood.
She wasn’t alone. After Steves and her mother talked with another parishioner who was experiencing the same challenge with their child, they formed God’s Own Children Ministry and Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church in Bedford. The group aims to provide a community for individuals with disabilities and their families through worship, breaking bread and volunteering.
Steves’ efforts in fostering a place for parishioners like herself and others with disabilities to gather for spiritual and social connection has earned her recognition in 52 Faces of Community, Fort Worth Report’s weekly series highlighting unsung heroes.
“I love being here, and I love all people,” Steves said.
ENJOY READING THE NEWS AGAIN
Discover refreshing, nonpartisan reporting on stories happening in your backyard.
Sandy Steves and her daughter, Samantha Steves, spearheaded God’s Own Children Ministry and Mass at St. Michael Catholic Parish in Bedford. For three years, the group has built a community led by parishioners with developmental disabilities. (Courtesy photo | Sandy Steves)
Since its inception, the ministry is meant to be for and run by members of the group with disabilities. Parents involved are there to help manage money and time, said Sandy Steves, founding facilitator of God’s Own Children and Samantha’s mom.
Over the years, Sandy has seen how much her daughter has grown as a person but also as a leader in helping foster a place of belonging for others with disabilities. What started out as a group of five members has expanded to 15 members who attend the ministry religiously, she said.
“ It blesses you when you come to be a part of it. … Being around this young group of people who are so self-giving, it sets a good example for everybody in the community,” Sandy Steves said.
“ It blesses you when you come to be a part of it. … Being around this young group of people who are so self-giving, it sets a good example for everybody in the community,”
Sandy Steves, founding facilitator of God’s Own Children Ministry and Mass and Samantha’s mom.
God’s Own Children Ministry helps offer a monthly Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church in Bedford. (Courtesy photo | Juan Guajardo, North Texas Catholic)
Every third Monday of the month, about 70 people gather at the parish for Mass led with help by the ministry and a fellowship potluck afterward. Samantha Steves offers the readings of the prayers while other members of the group assume roles as ushers, altar servers and cantors. Others worship in the pews, sporting shirts in various colors with the ministry’s logo.
Attendees of the God’s Own Children Mass worship at St. Michael Catholic Church in Bedford. (Courtesy photo | Juan Guajardo, North Texas Catholic)
The Mass runs like any other, with a few exceptions. A member plays the piano by ear rather than following sheet music. The group learned The Lord’s Prayer in sign language for individuals who are nonverbal or have trouble talking. When sitting still becomes difficult, members can run back and forth behind the pews if they need to.
“Whatever somebody needs who has a special need or disability, we wanted them to feel comfortable and that this was a safe space,” Sandy Steves said.
Anthony Trojcak, a member of the God’s Own Children ministry at St. Michael Parish in Bedford, plays the piano during Mass. (Courtesy photo | Juan Guajardo, North Texas Catholic)
Welcome to 52 Faces
52 Faces of Community is a Fort Worth Report weekly series spotlighting local unsung heroes. It is sponsored by Central Market, H-E-B and JPS Health Network.
At the end of the year, these rarely recognized heroes will gather for a luncheon where the Report will announce one honoree to represent Tarrant County at the Jefferson Awards in Washington, D.C.
The ministry is open to individuals of all ages. While many of members are Catholic, it’s not a prerequisite for joining, Sandy Steves said.
In addition to Mass members of the group volunteer to help out other ministries in the parish and organize a school supply drive each year. In the past the group has donated 90 backpacks filled with school supplies to The Awareness Project, a Hurst-based nonprofit helping families facing socioeconomic challenges. The ministry also has donated school supplies to Midway Park Elementary.
“We really try to get them involved in every aspect of the church and the community, because they set the example. They have such a heart to help and serve,” Sandy Steves said.
The group also routinely gathers for Bible study. While the time is mainly spent learning about Scripture, it also serves as a moment where members can speak openly about challenges they are facing such as the struggle to find a job or grieving the loss of a loved one.
Know an unsung hero in Tarrant County?
Tell us about them by filling out the form below.
Three years ago, Samantha Steves said she never would have imagined that her “dark black hole” would be filled with love and community.
Now, at 26, she loves being at church.
“It’s actually more than about friends,” Samantha Steves said. “It’s about family.”
Samantha Steves and her mom Sandy Steves, founded God’s Own Children Ministry and Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church in Bedford in 2022. The group aims to support individuals with disabilities and their families. (Courtesy photo | Sandy Steves)
Marissa Greene is a Report for America corps member, covering faith for the Fort Worth Report. You can contact her at marissa.greene@fortworthreport.org.
At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.
Tired of shouting? Help us bring facts into focus.
There’s no shortage of opinions out there, but facts are harder to come by. At the Fort Worth Report, we deliver local reporting grounded in truth so that you can make informed decisions for yourself and your community.
Related
Fort Worth Report is certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative for adhering to standards for ethical journalism.
Republish This Story
Republishing is free for noncommercial entities. Commercial entities are prohibited without a licensing agreement. Contact us for details.