Every human person—no matter how vulnerable or helpless, no matter how young or how old, no matter how healthy, handicapped or sick, no matter how useful or productive for society—is a being of inestimable worth created in the image and likeness of God. St. John Paul II.
Accessibility
An accessible parish community is one where all persons are truly welcomes into the social, educational and liturgical life of the Community of Faith. Opening paths to accessible parish, buildings, programs and most importantly as accessible Heart.
Blind/Sight Impaired Ministry
- Annual Retreat
- Monthly Scripture Group
- Resource for Braille Materials
- Audio tapes of Faith Magazine
- Catholic Inquiry for the Blind Audio tapes distributed world-wide, explaining the Faith
Christians Concerned about Mental Illness (CCMI) - Mental Illness
- Christians Concerned about Mental Illness Support Group
- Network with Support Groups
- Resource for Counseling Referrals
Developmental Disabilities
- Consultation and In Service to Religious Education
- Coordination of Special Religious Education Program
- Retreats for Persons with Disabilities
- Caregiver Retreats
- Consultation to Parochial School Programs
- Annual Mass & Potluck with Bishop
Facilitating Rainbow Homes
Project to provide Christian semi-independent living for adults who have developmental Disabilities
Physical Disabilities
- Consultation on Structural Accessibility
- Promotion of Americans with Disabilities Act
Parish Awareness
- Assessment of Accessibility
- Collaboration with Tomorrow's Parish
- Pamphlets on Responding to Persons with Disabilities
- Training for Ushers
- Advocates in Parishes
- Consultations to Staff
- Presentations to Parish Groups
- Welcome to My World for Youth
What Can You and Your Parish Do?
- Educate and increase awareness of all parishioners about the needs of People with Disabilities
- Make parish buildings accessible and provide handicap parking
- Involve Persons with Disabilities in the liturgy and parish programs
- Provide religious education adapted to the needs of Persons with Disabilities
- Invite Persons with Disabilities into the parish community
- Offer transportation when needed
- Maintain contact through phone calls and visits to the homes of Persons with Disabilities