Commemoration of the Pastoral Statement on Persons with Disabilities
You make each living person in your image
…Your gift of love and commitment to the human race
…A seed to build a community of interdependence and respect for all life
As we celebrate the U.S. bishops’ proclamation of welcome and inclusion,
open our hearts to their words
Commit us to their proclamation that “There can be no separate Church for people withdisabilities. We are one flock.”
Guide our hands to build access and welcome
Guide our minds to understand the power and wisdom of human vulnerability
Guide our actions to create parish communities open to the gifts of each individual
Give us courage to stand up to the forces willing to destroy life because they fear disability or
make judgments about its “quality.”
Give us understanding that your body is incomplete if people are left behind
Give us an appreciation of the role we must play in spreading your good news to all we meet
We praise you Lord for all of your good gifts
We thank you for those pioneers who have worked tirelessly
to carry out the bishops’ prophetic vision of 1978
We give thanks for loving parents who welcome and nurture their children
We appreciate all those living with disabilities who contribute their time and talents even in the
face of obstacles or rejection
Guide us always Lord in your way
Amen
Based on the Pastoral Statement of U.S. Catholic Bishops on People with Disabilities
Prayer to Foster Belonging
Creator God, we are your people. We look to the future with optimism and with faith in You, as we pursue our call to provide justice and fullness of life for all people with disabilities.
We pray that every man, woman and child may develop their potential and meet You in themselves and in one another.
May we enjoy a totally welcoming community, with You as our center, joined hand in hand with our sisters and brothers. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen
Based on the Pastoral Statement of U.S. Catholic Bishops on People with Disabilities
We are One Flock
God bless those who open doors:
With faith ,with love, with knowledge,
Assuring all your people may worship here. . .
God bless those who welcome all your people
To the celebrations and obligations
Membership within your Church
God bless those who feel excluded.
Give them faith
Give them love
Give them the knowledge
Of your welcome
Open our hearts
To move swiftly
Within your grace;
To hear your message in silent words;
To glimpse your glory beyond our sight;
To find your wisdom in simple truths;
To Accept our Weakness in your strength.
Let us join Christ
in breaking down those walls
Which separate us, one from another.