Read these FAQs about the Disability Ministry Mentorship initiative before applying to learn more about this exciting opportunity.
When will the initiative take place?
The first mentor/mentee diocesan meetings will begin in fall 2024 and continue for two years.
Who can apply?
Any Catholic diocese in the United States with an existing disability ministry at the diocesan level and Affiliate membership in NCPD is eligible to apply.
If your diocese does not have an existing ministry or wants to be mentored over the next two years improving your work for persons with disabilities, send an email to epotts@ncpd.org
What kind of diocese make good candidates for the Parish Disability Mentorship Initiative?
A strong mentor diocese candidate will have an existing active disability ministry at the diocesan level, but has room to grow in their outreach to parishes. They have created supports and actively engage parishioners and some parishes in their diocese.
Why should a diocese consider applying for the Disability Ministry Mentorship Initiative?
At the end of two years, the diocese will have built a congregational community of learners that can accompany one another to ensure that Catholics with disabilities can meaningfully contribute to the vitality of parishes across the United States.
What will the mentor diocese chosen for the initiative do?
Mentor dioceses will work with and be a resource to a diocese developing a disability ministry. Mentor dioceses will meet monthly with their mentee diocese, using the NCPD Disability Ministry Mentorship Guide as a resource.
Mentor dioceses will also identify two parishes to participate in the initiative and develop disability ministries. These parishes will have access to virtual trainings including a live, four-day Summer Intensive course in June each summer. The Summer Intensive is a deep look at parish disability efforts from theological and practical perspectives.
The mentor dioceses and parishes will attend the NCPD conference in 2025. Diocesan mentors will develop a three-year strategic plan for outreach to parishes. Parish leaders will create goals and aspirations for disability ministry in their parish and prepare to assess their parish’s disability needs after the conference.
What will the diocese chosen for the initiative receive?
While serving as mentor to another diocese, mentor dioceses will benefit from ongoing conversations about disability ministry. They will use resources, including virtual trainings to help the diocese further develop their outreach to parishes. The mentor diocesan lead and leads from two parishes will attend the NCPD conference where they will leave with a well-developed plan for outreach (diocese) and goals for ministry growth (parish).
What will participation in the project cost diocese?
This initiative is funded through a grant from the Lilly Endowment that covers the cost of trainings, materials, and conference transportation, lodging, and most meals (breakfast and lunch) for one representative from each participating diocese and parish. Possible costs to a diocese or parish would be related to the work they choose to do to create and enhance the ministry that serves parishioners with disabilities in their diocese.
How do I apply?
Apply on the NCPD website.
What is the deadline to apply?
Applications are due by August 9, 2024.
We understand that it can take time to receive formal letters of support. If you have informal support and are concerned you will miss the deadline waiting for a formal letter, please submit the application and email the letter to epotts@ncpd.org by August 19, 2024.