LONDONDERRY — Some sang their praises while others simply communicated their faith with a smile, a clap or a nod.

Sunday was a very special Mother's Day for the families of seven local children belonging to the latest crop of congregants from St. Jude Church's special needs confirmation class, who received a personal blessing from Bishop Peter Libasci as they were introduced to their community.

The program began about a decade ago, when the Rev. Robert Couto, the church pastor, noticed the growing number of children coping with various physical and developmental challenges within the community.

“I looked around and we realized there weren't many programs just for them,” he said.

Working closely with religious education director Trish Woodward, the parish developed a unique and successful program. Typically, children in the local parish are confirmed when they reach the 10th grade, but exceptions are made for the special needs classes.

Sunday's newly confirmed group ranged in age from 7 to 21. Many in the group are autistic.

“Obviously, they have a right to be met right where they are,” Couto said. “But we've found that these kids all come to know God on their own terms.”

Couto noted that the program is open to any local Catholics, and the families do not need to be members of St. Jude Parish.

Over the years, Couto has been touched by a series of small miracles.

“One little girl didn't speak at all, but her smile just lit up the entire room,” he recalled. “One day, we were working with her, and she smiled her great big smile and yelled out ‘God!' So I think all of these kids can have a special relationship with the Lord.”

Working closely with special education teacher Terri Mayer, the local children, family members and health care workers meet every other Wednesday evening at the church in preparation for first communion and confirmation.

Some of the recently confirmed children have been in the program for the past two years. All made their first communion on Sunday.

Bishop Libasci greeted the children with a warm handshake and spoke softly to each, explaining the proceedings in words they could understand.

The bishop took off his hat, allowing the kids to get a closer look.

“A lot of kids seem to love the hat. If you really look at it, it looks a bit like a church, doesn't it?” he said to the children, motioning to the two fabric streamers fastened to the rear of his cap.

“These two streamers are like rivers of God's love, flowing out of the church,” he continued. “ And there's plenty to go around for everybody.”

Confirmed during Sunday's mass were Sophie Smull, Patrick Ward, Nate Livernois, Nataniel Berry, Antonio Berry, Brandon Morani and Andrew Marzik.