Opening Doors...
To thrive and not merely survive in the years ahead, vital parishes will build inclusive communities that are accessible, accommodating and accepting of all people no matter how differently-abled. The Lord calls upon us to open doors through accessibility. A parish opens doors whenever it takes concrete steps to exercise God's compassion for people with physical, mental or emotional limitations.
In the story of the paralyzed man at Capernaum, Christ demonstrates his desire to welcome and heal all God's people. He shows a particular interest in providing access to those limited by the cultural barriers and biases of the day. "some people came bringing him a paralytic carried by four men, but as the crowd made it impossible to get the man to him, they stripped the roof over the place where Jesus was; and when they had made an opening, they lowered the stretcher on which the paralytic lay. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic "My child, your sins are forgiven." Mark 2:3-7. This is only one of the many stories in the Gosples that illustrates the priority that Jesus places on inclusive community where all are welcome to participate, grow in faith, and serve God's people. Let us begin the journey with the tools provided here.
Often parishes overlook opportunities to communicate what resources are available to assist people with disabilities. Here are universal access symbols and signs. Use these symbols where appropriate, in signage, bulletins and flyers, to alert parishioners to the resources available for people differently-abled.
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
Use resources to improve access to the liturgy and life of the parish for all
Assess building access
For a wealth of resources on opening doors through increased accessibility, contact Sharon Urbaniak, at the Department of Lifelong Faith Formation or call 716-847-5514.
In the story of the paralyzed man at Capernaum, Christ demonstrates his desire to welcome and heal all God's people. He shows a particular interest in providing access to those limited by the cultural barriers and biases of the day. "some people came bringing him a paralytic carried by four men, but as the crowd made it impossible to get the man to him, they stripped the roof over the place where Jesus was; and when they had made an opening, they lowered the stretcher on which the paralytic lay. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic "My child, your sins are forgiven." Mark 2:3-7. This is only one of the many stories in the Gosples that illustrates the priority that Jesus places on inclusive community where all are welcome to participate, grow in faith, and serve God's people. Let us begin the journey with the tools provided here.
Often parishes overlook opportunities to communicate what resources are available to assist people with disabilities. Here are universal access symbols and signs. Use these symbols where appropriate, in signage, bulletins and flyers, to alert parishioners to the resources available for people differently-abled.
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
Use resources to improve access to the liturgy and life of the parish for all
Assess building access
For a wealth of resources on opening doors through increased accessibility, contact Sharon Urbaniak, at the Department of Lifelong Faith Formation or call 716-847-5514.
Opening Doors, inclusive community, evangelization, pastoral planning, outreach