Fr. Richard Rinn, CSV, Pastor of St. Viator Catholic Community in Las Vegas, takes great pride in the the school’s Micah Program 6:8, which remains the only inclusion program for students with disabilities — at a Catholic school — in the state of Nevada. Parishioners agree and responded generously last month to a collection for the program, now in its 11th year.
Associate Deacon Mike Underwood with Amanda
But Fr. Rinn takes even greater pride in the Micah Program’s impact on the school community.
“When we started the Micah Program, we thought we were doing something special for our Micah children,” Fr. Rinn says. “But what we learned was that the Micah children did something for us. Our students are more aware and more accepting, more generous with care and compassion. I see the same thing in our faculty, staff and families.”
Just ask Associate Deacon Michael Underwood. He is on staff at the parish and helps with sacramental ministry while maintaining an active presence in the school. He recently underwent surgery and as he continues to recover, he made a special connection with one of the Micah students, sixth grader Amanda Hodges.
Today is Deacon Mike’s birthday and the one thing he requested from his colleagues at school was a photo with Amanda.
Deacon Mike told Mrs. Angela Sligar, director of the Micah Program, that on his lowest day after surgery, he was in the elevator leaving physical therapy. When the elevator door opened, Amanda was there and she gave him a big hug. Her unconditional love completely lifted his spirits.
Amanda with her teacher, Mrs. Angela Slingar
Amanda has blossomed during her time at St. Viator and in its Micah Program 6:8, Sligar says. She has attended the school since first grade, following her older brother, Luke. She has been involved in cheerleading and choir, and in class she is reading and navigating her assignments on her iPad independently.
She has grown in confidence, Sligar adds, going from a shy first grader to an outgoing middle school student who loves to greet her classmates and teachers alike. Simply put, her joy is contagious and her teachers — and Deacon Mike — are better for it.