Featured Resources
A Homily about Mental Illness
Pope Saint John Paul II said this: “Christ took all human suffering on himself, even mental illness. Yes even this affliction, which perhaps seems the most absurd and incomprehensible - configures the sick person to Christ and gives him a share in his redeeming passion. Whoever suffers from mental illness "always" bears God's image and likeness”.1
A Transformational Journey with Hearing Loss in the Church
There’s a lot going on beneath the surface in church for people like me with hearing loss. For years, I felt like I was on the outside looking in until a stranger transformed my life. An amazing tool led me back into the circle of belonging. Why did it take so long? The words that unite us with God and one another are too important to miss. “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear” (Luke 8:8).
Blooming in the Light of God's Love: Serving with Vision Loss
"I share both cultures and can relate to challenges faced by both groups. God calls each of us to bloom in the light of His love. He invites us to serve His children and provides us the graces and skills we need to fulfill our unique purpose." - Ines Chisholm
The Mystery of God and Life: A Story about Mental Illness
"Today I am a 62-year-old woman living with the biological brain disorder bipolar I illness. I have had a series of manic episodes and many years of depression, anxiety, and paranoia. But now for decades I have the benefit of the right medicine, therapy, the support of family and friends, and much prayer with a resolve to forgive. My symptoms are greatly lessened. I am more comfortable." - Judy Barr
Challenges of Deaf Ministry: Father Mike Depcik
People unfamiliar with Deaf people or Deaf ministry may not realize the many complex challenges they face in the Church. This article will discuss a few of them to help readers appreciate both the pastoral workers who serve Deaf Catholics and the faith of Deaf Catholics themselves in spite of limited resources.
A Life Like Yours: Maddie's Story
This video was produced in collaboration with NCPD by the Archdiocese of Washington's Department of Life Issues and the Department of Special Needs Ministries. It premiered at the annual Youth Rally for Life in Washington, DC on January 22, 2010. We commend Peg Kolm, the video's producer, who was the Archdiocesan Coordinator of the Office of Ministry with Persons with Disabilities.
Simple Changes Make a Big Difference: Thoughts on parish access
Becoming a more inclusive church family can be as simple as saying hi. Every church wishes to be welcoming to all of God’s children, but the phrase “disability inclusion” may seem intimidating. As a person with a physical disability, one of the greatest blessings God has given me is the love of two faith-filled parents.
Experiencing Belonging in a Welcoming Congregation: A Personal Journey living with Cerebral Palsy
"Each person entering into a relationship, whether faith-based or secular, brings with them both strengths as well as their own vulnerabilities. An individual must be welcomed into a community on equal footing with all other members of that particular community for there to be true belonging and recognition of the humanity of the person." - Martin Benton
A life of service is never easy. Having autism can make it even harder.
"In my work I have been called 'cold,' 'impersonal' (and far worse) about as many times as I have been told that I am doing the work of God. No matter what people say, I look at each person in the eye and try with everything I can muster to create the empathic connection that seems to come so easily to other people.
"Her reverence was evident": A child with Down syndrome participating in the sacraments
When I think back to my own First Reconciliation and First Communion, I don’t recall as much as I’d like. I remember Sister Ann, and her kindness and light, but my relationship with the Church and my faith was different than the relationship that I see growing in my girls.- ‹ previous
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