Your compassion matters to Ethan and Catherine

Learn about the Parish Campaign

2026 ShareLife Parish Campaign

$10,184,000

of $15,200,000

67%

of goal

Every parent knows: it takes a village to raise a child. Let us tell you about Catherine and Ethan, and how you were that village for them.

Catherine loves Ethan so dearly. But she confesses, as a mother of a son with special needs, she felt exhausted, alone, and anguished with worry.

Ethan requires intensive, specialized care for Autism Spectrum Disorder. On the very low functioning end of the spectrum, he lost the use of his words at a young age. In his youth, he wrecked furniture and left Catherine bitten and bruised. Support workers wouldn’t assist without her present, meaning she was unable to go even for a quick errand. He would wake up at 3 a.m. and need her by his side. They were desperate for help.

A personalized approach

Thanks to your support of ShareLife, their lives have been transformed. Ethan was welcomed by Mary Centre, a Catholic agency serving people with a developmental disability. Your gift to your parish’s ShareLife campaign funds Mary Centre’s Respite Program, which prevents caregiver exhaustion while helping participants attain their goals.

The dedicated staff at Mary Centre go above and beyond to ensure Ethan thrives. They take the time to build a deep understanding of his needs and provide the personalized support he deserves. He is flourishing in his new community.

“They helped highlight the things he can do,” Catherine shares. “There is no greater wish as a mother than to finally see him happy.”

Your compassionate heart makes all of this possible for Catherine and Ethan. As your parish’s ShareLife campaign continues, we invite you to ensure those with special needs and their families receive care, attention, and love.

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