On Friday, Nov. 3, 2006, St. John the Evangelist school students spent a beautiful sunny morning with the children of Saint Joseph’s House. For two hours, they walked—and wheeled—around the school building and parking lot, chatting in groups and stopping for an occasional water break or snack. Through pledges from family and friends, the St. John’s school students raised over $5,000 in this annual Walk-a-thon for St. Joseph’s House. But the greatest benefit of the day was the time spent together.

St. Joseph’s House is a special work of grace in our midst. To the world, it is a licensed non-profit provider of day- and respite-care for multiply-handicapped children. But to our parish, it is the LaHood’s house—a house of friendship and love.

Life at its Fundamentals
Cubby and Dan LaHood and their children Joe (SJE ’97), Mary Frances (grade 8) and Johnny (grade 3) care for the St. Joseph’s House children in their home on Cody Drive near the school. The family’s passion for this work originally began after the 1988 death of handicapped newborn Francis Edward LaHood.

“After he was born and died, we realized how important these children were and had he lived, who would have helped us in taking care of him?” says Cubby.

Reflecting on the meaning of Francis’ short earthly life, Cubby and Dan also began to look more closely at their faith.

“It was, for us, the beginning of the conversion process,” says Dan, “where we had to consider life at its fundamentals, which we hadn’t really done before.”

Inspired by Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the LaHoods became Lay Missionaries of Charity, and made the decision to devote their days—and many of their nights—to caring for children whose families need help with their care.

“In the Gospel accounts, the most moving episodes of Jesus’ activity with the people he touched

were people who were handicapped,” says Dan. “We can’t do it like he did. We can’t raise anybody from the dead. We can’t make anybody walk. But if they can’t walk, we can lift them. If they can’t put a spoon to their mouth, we can feed them.”

A Part of the Parish
The LaHoods appreciate the opportunity to have the St. John’s school Walk-a-thon because it offers the St. Joseph’s House children another experience of being part of St. John’s parish.

“The parish has provided another community for these children, although not all of our children are Catholic,” says Cubby. “When St. John’s school has an activity, we all attend. It has created a whole new community for them, and a beautiful community.”

Welcoming the St. Joseph’s House children into our midst is a great gift to our parish. How privileged we are to be able to walk—and wheel—together!