A collaboration between the Mason LIFE Program, Porto Charities, and diocesan Catholic schools led to a pilot internship program for LIFE students during the 2019-20 school year, said Christine Fowler, Zach’s mom and a director at Porto Charities. Now, several diocesan schools employ people with special needs... "

Let’s explore what it means to have autism and be Catholic, and how we can increase our understanding, compassion and kindness.

The modern church must not only welcome people with disabilities in its community but also seek them out for inclusion in the life of the church.

"The church is truly your home," the pope told people with disabilities. "We, all of us together, are the church, because Jesus chose to be our friend."

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge celebrated the annual Mass for People with Disabilities at Holy Spirit Church in Annandale Sept. 26.

Porto Charities, Inc. has provided grants of over $75,000 to ten Catholic Schools and the Diocese of Arlington to support inclusive education efforts. Schools submitted applications in March of 2021 and were chosen for their commitment to inclusive Catholic education for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Porto Charities recently appointed its first executive director, Lawrence M. Rzepka, a development and fundraising veteran with 35 years of experience and deep roots to Catholic schools. Mr. Rzepka has been part of the non-profit sector for more than three decades specializing in nonprofit management, resource development, strategic planning, external relations and governance. In addition to having served as President of the National Defense University (NDU) Foundation and the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Foundation, he has also held executive leadership positions with the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics Foundation, Gerber Memorial Health Services, and the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network. His other management roles have been with the National Science Teachers Association, Bethlehem University Foundation, Meridian International Center and the Ameson Education & Cultural Exchange Foundation.

Porto Charities, Inc. awards grants to Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia for activities consistent with its mission. The Mission of Porto Charities is to provide children with special needs the opportunity for inclusive Catholic education, and adults with special needs, assistance with meaningful employment in the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. The process is competitive, and awards are given for a one-year period. Applications may be submitted no later than March 1, 2021.

Our Lady of Good Counsel School (OLGC), Vienna, VA has been given a grant from Porto Charities, Inc. to employ Ms. Celeste Fernandes as an instructional assistant. Ms. Celeste will start on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 and work this school year with Ms. Pearson in 3rd grade, room 6.

Bishop Ireton High School, Alexandria, VA developed a position specifically to help move Ireton into a fully inclusive environment, providing a high-quality Catholic education to all students, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The move toward inclusion has been a topic of planning for multiple years at Bishop Ireton and is one championed by Bishop Burbidge as well as our current administrative team.

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge Appoints Dr. Joseph E. Vorbach, III Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Arlington.

Porto Charities, Inc. (PCI) supports new Heart House Production of “HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING”.

A meeting of pastors and principals highlights priorities for local Catholic schools. Pastors and principals met at St. Mark Church in Vienna Nov. 5 to talk about including students with special needs, retaining students and the importance of school safety. The meeting was hosted by the Office of Catholic Schools.

In a first for the diocese, a single Mass was used to honor both Respect Life Month and Disabilities Awareness Month at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Vienna Oct 7.

The National Catholic Educational Association awarded Porto Charities the Seton Award as part of its annual gala at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington Oct. 1.