In the 1978 Pastoral Statement of US Catholic Bishops on people with disabilities, the Church's response to people with disabilities and guidelines as to the parish/diocesan levels are provided. I urge you to read this document if you haven't.
As the statement indicates, the Church has a history and tradition of ministry to people with
disabilities and there is a realistic optimism about the future.
Ministries for people with disabilities are encouraged. Over the years since this statement was issued, ministries have cropped up all over the world. This "grass roots movement" is taking on momentum, as you can see from an earlier post showing a list of such ministries in the US.
It is important to realize, however, that even if your parish does not yet have such a ministry, there are easy steps to take toward inclusion. If you are a person with a disability, serve the Church with your talents and gifts. Others can help to create a welcoming and open atmosphere for such change to occur.
Together we can make the Catholic Church's vision continue to grow.
1 comment:
The vision is growing! I have MS and use a cane and walker sometimes. I am very active in my parish. I'm in the choir, teach CCD and lead a youth group. At first it was hard to break through some misconceptions. People would see me on the walker on a bad day and offer to take over for me and question if I could do things. Maybe they meant well but it made me feel more different. Now they know that I am just another volunteer serving the Church. Your blog will help others. I'm glad you're doing it.
Debbie
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