Disabled bring their talents to participate fully in parish ministry

Published: 2005-05-23

WANTAGH, N.Y. (CNS) -- When John Lombardo first inquired about joining the choir at Blessed Sacrament Church in Valley Stream, Sister Sheila Ferraz, the music director, said she "had some reservations." Because Lombardo is blind, he could not read from the hymnbooks like the other choir members. "I didn't know how he would remember all the music," she said. Now, more than 10 years later, Sister Sheila, a Sister of Charity of Halifax, calls Lombardo someone "I can always count on." Not only does he know the lyrics to each song, he has memorized all his parts as a bass, and "he learned the tenor parts," she said. The Diocese of Rockville Centre recently honored 250 members of the disabled community and their families, friends and advocates with a special Mass at St. Frances de Chantal in Wantagh. "I sing the words with all my heart," said Lombardo, 52, who leads song as a cantor at Our Lady of Peace Church in Lynbrook in addition to his service with the 54-member Blessed Sacrament choir.

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