Yesterday was the AUT2RUN event.

We invited all our Elementary Faith Formation families who are in First Reconciliation or First Holy Communion to participate.

Alondra’s family and I registered for the 1-mile walk.

We met at 7:30 a.m. here at Saint Peter Claver, then we carpooled over to Cal State Channel Islands in Camarillo where AUT2RUN was taking place.

There we met Jonene, one of our Elementary Faith Formation Catechists and her family.

Not far from the parking was a huge grass field surrounded by a sidewalk.

All along the sidewalk were pop-ups with all sorts of different support organizations for families.

Because the event was an awareness and fundraiser for children with autism in Ventura County, many of these organizations had different giveaways of toys or sensory things for kids.

On the grass was Starbucks giving away cold refresher tea and iced coffee. Next to them was a booth with a chef making free pancakes. Yummy!

In the middle of the grass were giant Legos and giant bubble makers for families to play with.

There was also a train ride, which was a small tractor pulling a half dozen wagons that were linked together.

It was a great family fun event with plenty to do while the different walking/running races were going on.

One thing that really struck me was the pure joy of the kids and adults with autism.

As I read the first line of this coming Sunday’s Gospel reading, I thought of them.

Jesus said to his disciples: Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. John 14:1

I have seen that autism can be challenging for the person who lives with it and for their family, but yesterday, I saw a simple, pure joy that I wish I had.

Those children and adults with autism reminded me exactly what Jesus said in that Scripture verse – don’t let my heart be troubled.

I have faith in God and in Jesus.

That brings simple and pure joy.

I sure hope many of you families join us next year and have fun supporting families with autism!

Blessings of pure Easter joy!