This is the most frequently asked question I get in my mailbox. People with and without disabilities ask me this all of the time. So let me answer it here on the blog (and then I can refer people to this post)!
Yes, my parish, St. Charles Borromeo in Skillman NJ, is inclusive.
I'll tell you why.
-I have opportunities to fully participate as a parishioner in all activities and volunteer opportunities.
-Mutual communication exists about any needs for accommodations for my disability. This extends well beyond obvious issues such as a ramp or parking spaces (although those are important) and is addressed on a personal level in a respectful way.
-Our pastor, Msgr. Malovetz, promotes a welcoming atmosphere with an emphasis on community and inclusion
-The pastoral council and parish staff are individually and, as a group, receptive to suggestions regarding plans for inclusion and willing to discuss ways to implement them
-There is a recognition that inclusion is a two way street .
-Inclusion is treated as a spiritual right in our community, not to be withheld from people who are excluded in society
-Social outreach extends far beyond a mere greeting at Mass on Sunday - our clergy and laity are active in many areas of service work and attend to both spiritual and practical needs of others
-Inclusion is practiced as part of our faith life and the teachings of the Catholic church
When you drive up to our church, there is a sign proclaiming that we are a Catholic community. I get tears in my eyes whenever I see it because I spent years looking for a church community that would be receptive to not only my needs, but allow me to use my gifts and talents.
So the answer is - yes, my parish is inclusive. And yours can be too. If it is, that's wonderful. If it isn't, there are ways to work toward that - together - in an atmosphere of mutual respect.
It's been a wonderful journey, but not always an easy one. That's because inclusion takes work - facing attitudes and obstacles and barriers that perhaps people do not even realize exist.
I am happy to extend any help I can to clergy, laity or people with disabilities, their parents, friends or family to make that journey toward inclusion a positive and faith filled one.
2 comments:
The first time I ever visited your parish - it was very new, before the education wing was added, and the landscaping wasn't even complete - that sign that said, "The Catholic Community of St. Charles Borromeo" brought tears to my eyes too.
When Fr. Malovetz (now Msgr) gave me a tour of the sanctuary and explained his choices of an antique apple bucket (?) for the baptismal font, a trestle table from a Revolutionary era inn for an altar - so that even this very new parish had a connection with its roots - I knew it would become a very special place.
Your post tells me that it continues to be the wonderful community I used to visit.
Sr. Edith,
There's a picture of the antique bucket on our church's website actually (I think it's still up)...and yes it is a very special place still. :)
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