KJV Luke 15:3-7
(3) And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
(4) What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
All of us are precious in Our Lord's sight and have equal dignity and worth. The parable of the lost sheep emphasizes that one single soul is priceless in God's eyes.
It is important that we all be mindful of a sense of community as we deal with any issue. We need to set aside personal agendas and work together toward unity.
The USCCB has issued the above guideline to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities into the Church as part of the single flock. To follow this guideline, parishes need to address physical accessibility issues, but also need to increase the comfort level of all parishioners by gently providing handicapped awareness, social and volunteer opportunities that help.
We have come a long way from the days where people believed that a person with a disability was being punished by God. Even a short generation ago, people with disabilities were much less visible. Some were hidden away, as if they were a source of shame or a stigma.
In order to move forward, we now need to redefine our perceptions. This applies to all of us.
Those of us with disabilities need to be more visible and participate. We have to speak up about what we need in order to be a part of instead of apart from. We need to exercise patience and yet be pro-active when appropriate.
Parishioners without disabilities may need to increase their awareness of what keeps their parish from being a single flock. It is good to review what is being done that is right as well as looking for areas that may need some improvement. There are checklists available on this blog to see how your parish is doing.
All of us need to practice hospitality - to each other. We need to maintain a welcoming attitude and a willingness to work together, always keeping in mind that we have the common bond of our faith and that we are brothers and sisters in Christ.
2 comments:
I really think we need to change our perceptions to include people. The same barriers exist that did years ago which isn't okay. I don't want my kids growing up in that kind of a world, especially my disabled son. Thanks.
Very nice blog! Just followed Elena's link (My Domestic Church) who referred to you.
This is a good message to get out there. I wanted to let you know about a program that a friend of mine (Bernadette) is putting together;a catechesis/sacramental preparation "guidebook" for children with cognitive and/or developmental disabilities.
Bernadette is interested in hearing from parents who have a child with special needs with regard to how well their parish has been able to serve their children.
Bernadette can be contacted through her website: Morning Light Ministry: http://ca.geocities.com/morninglightministry@rogers.com/
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