WAVERLY (SNR) – Rosalyiah Gaytan, a student at Villa Marie Home and School for Exceptional Children in Waverly, celebrated her 10th birthday in a special way Feb. 18.
Rosalyiah was baptized that day by Msgr. John Perkinton and received her first Communion.
The third-grader first asked about receiving the sacraments a few years ago when she began coming to Villa Marie, and was prepared for the sacraments by Sister Loretta Happe, M.S.
Sister Loretta said the girl asked many serious, thoughtful questions during preparation.
Rosalyiah’s sister Donnea Harris was her baptismal sponsor, and Jenny Allamby, executive director of development at Villa Marie School, served as a Christian witness for Rosalyiah’s baptism.
“Rosalyiah has wanted this for a very long time,” Allamby said. “She has a beautiful heart for Jesus and very thoughtful, moving prayers. I am honored to be chosen by Rosie and her mom, Tasha, and work together with Donnea, to help Rosie in the journey God has laid out ahead of her.”
Villa Marie School is a boarding and day school for special needs students, founded by Msgr. James D. Dawson in 1964 and run by the Marian Sisters.
The school serves children ages 6-18 who, due to autism, Down Syndrome or other multiple neurodiversity, find learning difficult and need a personalized education plan. Class sizes are small, and students work in small groups or one to one with their teachers throughout the day.
In addition to academics, students are exposed to programs developed to help with social and life skills, nutrition and cooking, sewing and art classes, healthy habits and physical education. Different strategies are developed to reach each child.
The students and staff attend Mass together each day and students learn about Jesus and saints during their daily theology class. Students at the school come from all denominations; about half the students are Catholic. Sister Jeanette said another student is also preparing for baptism into the Church.
