Catholic teen with Down Syndrome set to complete mission to serve in Mass in all 50 states

 (Pixabay)

Here's another proof that we can all serve God, despite our limitations and even despite disabilities.

Back in 2013, teenager Kara Jackson embarked on a mission: to help serve in Holy Masses across all 50 states in America. On July 1, she proudly crossed the 40th state off her list.

Jackson, who has Down Syndrome, was able to help serve during a Holy Mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Northglenn, Colorado, just one of many churches across the US where she has served during her cross-country journey.

In an interview with the Catholic News Agency, the 18-year-old shared that she started this inspiring mission because "God told me to." She recalled how God came to her in a dream one night, telling her to aim to serve in Eucharistic celebrations across the United States.

Christina Jackson, Kara's mother, however, was at first unsure about her daughter's quest. As a parent, Christina was worried about Kara's health, and the fact that she is traveling to unknown areas without any financial support.

"I didn't think it was a good idea," Mrs. Jackson also told CNA, "It was a crazy idea."

However, Kara was very persistent about her goal. This prompted her parents to consult local priests in Middletown, Ohio. One of them, the late Msgr. Paul Metzger, told the Jackson couple that what Kara is aspiring for is indeed possible, since he had done it himself.

After getting this validation, Kara and her parents began travelling across America to fulfill the teenage girl's mission to help serve in the Holy Eucharist.

Interestingly, they do not have any specific parish in mind when they travel.

"God leads us where we're supposed to go," Mrs. Jackson said.

What started out as a teenage girl's dream has also become a pilgrimage for her family.

"I don't think of ourselves as evangelists," Kara's mother said, "but we really are evangelising our faith."

related articles
Indiana signs law to protect down syndrome babies from abortion
Indiana signs law to protect down syndrome babies from abortion

Indiana signs law to protect down syndrome babies from abortion

Christian mother writes open letter to doctor who told her to abort her Down syndrome baby: \'She\'s perfect\'
Christian mother writes open letter to doctor who told her to abort her Down syndrome baby: 'She's perfect'

Christian mother writes open letter to doctor who told her to abort her Down syndrome baby: 'She's perfect'

News
Druze convert and family killed in Syrian violence
Druze convert and family killed in Syrian violence

He was killed for being a Druze, rather than for his Christian faith, according to an Open Doors partner.

Will the Church of England save the Tories?
Will the Church of England save the Tories?

The Church of England has often been described as "the Tory Party at prayer".

Age verification on pornography websites welcomed
Age verification on pornography websites welcomed

The average child in the UK will first see online pornography at age 13.

Bishop of Sheffield to head Orgreave inquiry
Bishop of Sheffield to head Orgreave inquiry

Bishop Wilcox acknowledged the “weight of expectation” surrounding the inquiry.