Laura and Tim Woods have made it their mission to raise their daughter like every other child at St. Paul Church in Pocahontas.
The Woods have a unique role in the parish. Their daughter, Karsyn, 9, has Down Syndrome. They wanted to see Karsyn attend St. Paul School, even though the school had limited resources for teaching a child with special needs. The congregation, school staff and pastor Father Athanasius Okeiyi reached out and made every effort to give Karsyn the best education she could receive.
In May Karsyn made her first Communion with her second-grade class at St. Paul Church.
When she started attending in pre-kindergarten, her mother was hesitant at first.
“I was holding my breath all day, every day until she came home,” Woods said.
Laura Woods said she was scared her daughter might have a breakdown or that the school wouldn’t be able to handle her.
“But we got through it, one day at a time,” she said. “Karsyn is such an amazing little girl; she is just like any other child. Her favorite color is pink, she has memorized every Disney movie and loves to be a princess.”
The family has tirelessly dedicated their lives to their children’s faith and upbringing, striving for the best academically and spiritually. Brother Dalton, 14, is there for his sister, making sure she follows her routines and is taken care of.
“Karsyn is his biggest fan, she cheers him at all of his sporting events and brags about him constantly,” Woods said.
Woods’ religion teacher, Ronda Brown, said, “Karsyn is more than just a special needs child, she has an abundance of love and understanding in Christ. She is like a little old lady in a second-grade classroom, her wisdom is abundant.”
Brown said she is blessed to have been able to work with Karsyn.
“Karsyn has taught me so much and brought so much light into my life,” she said.
Shelly James, Woods’ second-grade teacher, modified and adapted the lesson plans to fit Woods’ needs. Planning out more one-on-one time for her, she kept her engaged and working with a special aide each week. Her classroom was full of children who adored her. They helped her with her assignments and nurtured her when she needed it.
“It’s like a big family,” Woods said.
In June 2011 Karsyn was diagnosed with celiac disease. Not being able to eat gluten, a type of protein commonly found in rye, barley and wheat, meant she would have to avoid taking Communion. It was devastating news to the family because Woods was preparing for her first Communion.
Father Okeiyi and Sister Laura Cathcart, OSB, director of religious education, searched until they found the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Clyde, Mo., who make low-gluten hosts. Woods was then able to receive her first Communion in May. Father Okeiyi has a separate container for Woods’ hosts. When Mass begins, he looks to see where Woods is seated and will consecrate the host specifically for her. Ever since she was young she would run to Father Okeiyi’s line during Communion, so now he makes sure to stand at the head of her line, so that he can give Communion each week.
She was also chosen to crown the blessed Virgin Mary during her first Communion. Brown drew names out of hat when deciding which child would be chosen. The teacher was brought to tears when Woods’ name was called.
“She has such a drive for Christ, it was meant to be,” she said.
When Laura Woods heard of the news, she was overcome with emotion because she too crowned the blessed Virgin Mary as a senior at St. Paul High School.
It took a lot of practice to get Woods ready for the big day.
“She did it beautifully,” Brown said. “Everything was just perfect.”
Every year after the children receive their first Communion they sing a song in front of the congregation.
“Her little face was glowing as she sang that day, she knew every word and she sang it from her heart,” Brown said. “There wasn’t a dry eye in the entire church. She moved us all in such a beautiful way.”
This fall Woods will not be attending St. Paul School. She is transferring to Pocahontas Elementary School. It was a tough decision for the family, but the staff at St. Paul stood behind them, knowing it was best for Woods. Laura Woods said she has never felt so loved by a parish. She grew up there, along with her brother William who also has special needs. Without the help of the parish and staff, Woods’ dream of having both of her children attend St. Paul School wouldn’t have been possible.
“It is such a blessing,” Woods said.
When Karsyn Woods was asked, “What is this host and why is it special?” she answered with a whisper, “It’s Jesus.”
