Change - It's Not Easy!

Nobody really likes change.  It upsets routine.  It makes us uncomfortable.  Luckily, as we grow up we develop coping mechanisms to help us through big changes in our lives. 

For several years, I worked with students who had autism.  Many people with autism struggle with change.  The slightest variation in schedule could throw off an entire day.  This is because, once one thing changes, their routine is off.  It becomes unpredictable.  They don’t know what to expect, and if they don’t have the skills to cope with that, it can lead to meltdowns or other behaviors that their caregivers would deem undesirable.  In these cases, it is important for teachers or caregivers to realize that it isn’t the student’s fault.  He or she is experiencing a BIG emotion, and they are dealing with it the way they know how.

Over time, all of us learn that feelings, no matter what they are, are valid.  We shouldn’t have to justify our feelings, but we do need to take responsibility for how we act on our feelings.  This is a learned skill for anybody, not just people who may be neuro-divergent.

Right now is a time of change for our parish community.  We have been in something of a state of flux for almost a year now, and it has not been easy.  We do need to realize, however, that this change in pastor is not only disrupting for us, but also for the incoming priest.  I would argue it is more disrupting for him.  We only need to meet one new person.  He has to meet an entire community of people.  As such, it is important for us to be understanding and patient, even though that might be difficult for us.

Join us after the 8:30 and 11:00 Masses on August 11th for a welcome reception, and introduce yourself to Father, and until then, keep him in your prayers!