An Inclusive Community
To thrive and not merely survive in the years ahead, vital parishes will respond to the spiritual hungers of all people. Thriving parishes will be inclusive communities, accessible, accepting and accommodating all people to participation and ministry. The words from the United States Catholic Bishops Pastoral Statement on People with Disabilities (1978) sum up our goal:
“The same Jesus who heard the cry for recognition from the people with disabilities of Judea and Samaria, 2,000 years ago calls us, his followers, to embrace our responsibility to our own disabled brothers and sisters in the United States, The Catholic Church pursues its mission by furthering the spiritual, intellectual, moral and physical development of the people it serves. We call upon people of good will to examine their attitudes toward their brothers and sisters with disabilities and promote their well-being, acting with a sense of justice and the compassion that the Lord so clearly desires. Further, realizing the unique gifts individuals with disabilities have to offer the Church, we wish to address the need for their integration into the Christian community and their fuller participation in its life.”
The Lord calls upon us to open doors through accessibility, open minds through awareness, and open hearts so that all people no matter how differently-abled can exercise their baptism in ministry.
What can you do?
Feel comfortable with persons who are differently-abled
Host an inclusive event
Try ten easy ways to welcome people with disabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
Read more about: |
The Simple Truth (about us all)...
Would your church welcome Johnny and encourage him to share his gifts to enrich the Body of Christ?
Let us help you open wide your doors for people of all abilities to actively participate in the life of your parish community. For more advice and a wealth of resources, contact Sharon Urbaniak at the Department of Lifelong Faith Formation or call 716-847-5514. |
disability, differently-abled, evangelization, new evangelization, parish, Catholic, renewal, innovation, pastoral planning, faith formation, young adults, Millennials, Mosaics