Profiles in Childcare: The Church at Tree Lake deaf ministry - Examiner
http://www.examiner.com/child-care-in-waco/profiles-childcare-the-church-at-tree-lake-deaf-ministry
Showing posts with label disability ministry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label disability ministry. Show all posts
Monday, April 25, 2011
Monday, February 5, 2007
Dr. Harold Wilke : passionate advocate for the best in human nature
“Move [us] to discard those old beliefs and attitudes that limit and diminish those among us with disabilities.” - From Dr. Wilke’s blessing at the signing into law of the American Disabilities Act, 1990.
Dr. Harold Wilke was a disability rights activist, minister and pioneer who was one of the founders of the Religion section of the N.O.D. Ordained as a minister of the United Church of Christ, Dr. Wilke served on the faculty at Union Theological Seminary in New Yor. Dr. Wilke was born without arms. He headed The Healing Community, which promotes awareness about access to a life of faith.
Among his published articles is one called “Creating the Caring Congregation, Angels on My Shoulders, among others” for congregations moving toward inclusion.
His NY Times obit ran like this : "passionate advocate for the best in human nature".
Dr. Harold Wilke was a disability rights activist, minister and pioneer who was one of the founders of the Religion section of the N.O.D. Ordained as a minister of the United Church of Christ, Dr. Wilke served on the faculty at Union Theological Seminary in New Yor. Dr. Wilke was born without arms. He headed The Healing Community, which promotes awareness about access to a life of faith.
Among his published articles is one called “Creating the Caring Congregation, Angels on My Shoulders, among others” for congregations moving toward inclusion.
His NY Times obit ran like this : "passionate advocate for the best in human nature".
Friday, January 12, 2007
"Churches neglect older folks - potlucks won't do"
Via Christian Post, this article posits that churches are not including the senior population of baby boomers, including the 50 plus crowd, in their ministry.
I don't find this to be true in my parish. We have many seniors actively and visibly involved in activities, service work and social activities. They are a vital and important part of our staff and congregation.
Many of the parish's programs, including the caregiver program, addresses the needs of the elderly and their families. I have also witnessed an informal network of seniors helping each other out - which I believe meets the needs of some of the independent older parishioners who find themselves "in the same boat" so to speak, facing health issues, changing their housing, dealing with social isolation, etc.
I pray frequently for discernment regarding a ministry for the disabled - and its intersection with elderly issues. They overlap, yet some issues for people with disabilities are different. I have spoken at our caregiver group and worked to build some resources for them on a very very informal basis because I have access to some information. However, those experiences have made it clear to me that parishes have separate ministries for the disabled for very good reasons.
The Catholic church has encouraged people with disabilities to start ministries which are sprouting up, side by side, with programs that are geared more toward elder care and elder needs. This is a positive recognition that there are different needs for those with disabilities. As time goes on, we will see more growth in this area. But those of us with disabilities have to step up to the plate and get active. It will also take time to develop a ministry in an individual parish - unless one single person wants to do it alone.
The joke I use with this is "I can't have an inclusion committee of one!" as I look for others wanting to start a disability ministry. However, I believe, as my Quaker friends say "The way will open".
This is an exciting time of social change as the baby boomers age - one that is rife with opportunities for ministry and service.
I don't find this to be true in my parish. We have many seniors actively and visibly involved in activities, service work and social activities. They are a vital and important part of our staff and congregation.
Many of the parish's programs, including the caregiver program, addresses the needs of the elderly and their families. I have also witnessed an informal network of seniors helping each other out - which I believe meets the needs of some of the independent older parishioners who find themselves "in the same boat" so to speak, facing health issues, changing their housing, dealing with social isolation, etc.
I pray frequently for discernment regarding a ministry for the disabled - and its intersection with elderly issues. They overlap, yet some issues for people with disabilities are different. I have spoken at our caregiver group and worked to build some resources for them on a very very informal basis because I have access to some information. However, those experiences have made it clear to me that parishes have separate ministries for the disabled for very good reasons.
The Catholic church has encouraged people with disabilities to start ministries which are sprouting up, side by side, with programs that are geared more toward elder care and elder needs. This is a positive recognition that there are different needs for those with disabilities. As time goes on, we will see more growth in this area. But those of us with disabilities have to step up to the plate and get active. It will also take time to develop a ministry in an individual parish - unless one single person wants to do it alone.
The joke I use with this is "I can't have an inclusion committee of one!" as I look for others wanting to start a disability ministry. However, I believe, as my Quaker friends say "The way will open".
This is an exciting time of social change as the baby boomers age - one that is rife with opportunities for ministry and service.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
What is the Catholic Church's vision for people with disabilities?
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.
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