NCPD is periodically in the news via diocesan or national publications or radio and television interviews. Please view articles and videos below regarding the mission of NCPD and/or disability ministry at-large.
When Life Comes full Circle
Inspired by her devotion to ministry with persons with disabilities and the 2024 Eucharistic Congress, Noelle (Collis DeVito)wanted to create a space where children of all abilities could come together with their parents to encounter Jesus. She modeled her practicum to provide this encounter of the Eucharist through integration of diverse considerations, including multiple-intelligence learning theory, sensory-oriented experiences, a family model design and a Montessori feel, with the hope that the program would be reproducible and offer best practices for parishes who are exploring solutions for new catechetical approaches. Encounter the Eucharist culminated with a sensory-friendly and child-oriented Eucharistic Adoration that was a true example of pure devotion to Jesus in a beautiful and accessible way.
Catholic Disability Ministry is Personal to Me
Catholic teaching has long affirmed the inalienable dignity of all people, regardless of ability, but the church’s ministry to people with disabilities is still developing. Lori Weider, the chair of the National Catholic Partnership on Disability’s Committee on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and the mother of two adults with disabilities, said, “Nationally, I feel like there’s been a lot of improvement in accepting and welcoming and including people with disabilities, but there’s still a lot of work to be done.”
Over the Barriers
Charleen Katra, executive director of the NCPD, talked with The Pillar about inclusion at the Eucharistic Congress:
What is the mission of the National Catholic Partnership on Disability?
We work to make sure that the Church is fully accessible for people with any kind of disability — physical, emotional, behavioral, intellectual, developmental, etc. — to be able to participate and belong in the Church, to find a home in the church, and to live a sacramental life, with full participation and belonging.
When the bishops wrote their first pastoral statement for disability ministry in 1978, they called the NCPD into existence, and we began in 1982 at the national resource for the U.S. Church to oversee training and provide resources to our Church leadership in particular. We serve families directly, and parish leadership, as well as diocesan offices in the U.S.
Our focus here at this conference was to give a presentation on ensuring access to the Eucharist for all. For people with any developmental or intellectual disability, we want to make sure that there are no barriers to receiving sacraments and living a sacramental life.
Article on NCPD "Where Faith & Disability Meet" Panel: With a Mother's Heart
Catholic mothers share their unique experiences with disability in webinar.
In an article by the Catholic Review, an NCPD panel discusses the experience of disability through the eyes of mothers.
Catholic organizations host seminars on disability and inclusion in the Catholic Church
A CNA article notes that the University of Notre Dame’s McGrath Institute for Church Life and the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD) are together hosting six online seminars in March and April to help develop pastoral guidance regarding the experiences and needs of persons with disabilities.
The online series, “In Communion: Advancing the Full Participation of Persons with Disabilities in the Church,” launched on March 7. Each seminar highlights a different angle on communion and participation and features three to four speakers.
The seminars were launched in light of an upcoming pastoral statement on disability and inclusion in the Church that was announced in June of last year. The USCCB Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth, headed by Bishop Robert Barron of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, will lead the drafting process.
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US Catholic Pastoral Leaders Welcome Vatican Document On Human Dignity
OSV article on “Dignitas Infinita” (“Infinite Dignity”), released April 8 by the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, recounts the biblical and magisterial basis for the Catholic Church’s understanding of human dignity as inherent, since it ultimately flows from the human person’s creation “in the image and likeness of God” and redemption in Christ.
The document, written by dicastery prefect Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, was approved by Pope Francis March 25, following a five-year course of preparation that “reflects the gravity and centrality of the theme of dignity in Christian thought,” the cardinal wrote in his opening presentation.
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NCPD featured on Interview During March for Life
Executive Director Charleen Katra was interviewed on EWTN during the 2024 March for Life.
Click here for the segment.
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Sheboygan Parishes Debut Sensory-Friendly Masses
How can the Church make it easier to worship and to access the sacraments for families with ASD diagnoses and members who have sensory-processing issues?
Following months of soliciting parishioner input, study, and training, the Sheboygan Southside Catholic Parishes are starting to address that question by offering sensory-friendly Masses.
These Masses, which will be offered quarterly, feature dimmer lighting, softer music, adapted homilies and visual aids. But the “sensory-friendly” designation comes from more than a simple adaptation of the church’s physical environment. They signal a concerted effort on the part of the parishes to embrace each and every member of the Body of Christ, exactly as he or she was crafted by the Creator.
To prepare for offering the sensory-friendly Mass, the team underwent online training through the National Catholic Partnership on Disability.
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Archbishop Gudziak: As bishops tackle mental health crisis, parishes can bring comfort through community
"In October, the U.S. bishops launched the National Catholic Mental Health Campaign, led by Archbishop Gudziak, who chairs the USCCB’s Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, and Bishop Robert E. Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minn., chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth.
The USCCB campaign, announced Oct. 10 to coincide with World Mental Health Day, was developed in collaboration with several organizations, among them Catholic Charities USA, the Catholic Health Association, the National Catholic Partnership on Disability, the U.S. Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, the National Catholic Network de Pastoral Juvenil Hispana, the National Institute for Ministry with Young Adults, and the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers."
Read the full OSV article here.
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National Catholic Mental Health Campaign
"Several organizations have joined in support of the campaign, including Catholic Charities USA; the National Catholic Partnership on Disability; the U.S. Society of St. Vincent de Paul; the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry; and the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers."
Read the full article here in The Message.
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Experts say church can contribute much to mental health conversation, offer hope, healing
On World Mental Health Day Oct. 10, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops launched a National Catholic Mental Health Campaign and novena.
Read the article at this link.
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Updated: White Mass celebrates the faith and gifts of people with disabilities
"more information at the end about St. Rose of Lima Parish's Adaptive Religious Education program.)
Celebrating the giftedness of every person living with disabilities, participants at this year’s archdiocesan White Mass proclaimed – in word and deed – that all people regardless of their differences are valued in the life of the Church and beloved children of God. "
Read article at this link.
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NCPD Featured on EWTN's "Living Divine Mercy Series."
The National Catholic Partnership has been prominently featured on EWTN's "Living Divine Mercy" series. This opportunity allowed the organization to showcase its commitment to spreading the message on disability ministry within the Catholic community and beyond. Through insightful interviews, inspirational stories, and heartfelt testimonials, the National Catholic Partnership's work is being brought to a broader audience, affirming its role in promoting the involvement of faith disability in the Church and society.
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The Mystical Body of Christ
The Message, which is Southwest Indiana's Catholic Community Newspaper, has posted an article by Michele Chronister titled The Mystical Body of Christ. It features a look at the value and incorporation of all Catholics in the Body of Christ, including persons with disabilities.
"God does not view our value in light of our accomplishments. He sees the depths of our value, as beloved sons and daughters of his heavenly Father. Every part of the body is important. We cannot believe this to be true and not welcome and value the membership of persons with disabilities in the life of the Church. Persons with disabilities are not “other” in the life of the Church. They are irreplaceable individuals, without whom the Church is lacking in some way."
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Welcoming students with intellectual disabilities
An article by the Catholic Herald of the Diocese of Arlington Arlington.
“The diocesan strategic plan has a pillar in it for making Catholic education accessible,” said Diane Elliott, assistant superintendent of diocesan Catholic schools. “That immediately, to me, means accessible to individuals with disabilities. So, we are increasing our efforts to help parents who want their children to have a Catholic education be able to meet that goal.”
The schools office recently doubled its budget for Special Education teachers and consulting services. Bishop Burbidge, episcopal moderator of the National Catholic Partnership on Disability, prioritizes welcoming children with special needs.
“We want families and individuals with disabilities to feel like they belong — not that they’re just included,” said Elliott. “That sense of belonging is so important to everyone; it’s what gives us a sense of self-worth.”
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Welcoming All Learners: Parents Urge Catholic Schools to Serve Students With Special Needs
In this article from the National Catholic Register educators offer tips and strategies for parochial schools to be more inclusive to pupils with learning differences.
To read the article click here.
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Towards Full Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities
This article is published in Omnes.
Note: Some information may have been lost/misinterpreted from our responses
Omnes is a media company multiplatform of information about the Church. It offers a window of analysis and reflection on the themes that today occupy the hearts and minds of Catholics: themes that are increasingly complex and universal, affecting all spheres of our Christian, social and civic life... We are interested in offering, along with a review of the events, contextual data.
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Families, Advocates Discuss Ways the Church Can Welcome Persons With Disabilities
See article by NCRegister, click here.
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Diocesan Camp has a Focus on Teens with Disabilities
One particular focus of the camp was inclusivity, especially regarding teens in the diocese with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This aligns with Bishop Burbidge’s passion for serving individuals with disabilities, as he serves as the episcopal moderator for the National Catholic Partnership on Disability. The emphasis on inclusion meant that students with disabilities were integrated into the teams, and their dietary and safety needs were carefully met. This commitment to inclusivity was appreciated by parents and showed the campers the importance of serving everyone within their community.
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Health care, disabilities and Hispanic ministry focus of U.S. bishops' June meeting
May 29, 2023 Link to article.
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Charleen Katra on 'Conversation with Cardinal Dolan'
May 23, 2023. The link is here.
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Radio Interview on Son Rise Morning Show - May 24, 2023
Charleen Katra interviewed on the Son Rise Morning show at timestamp of 1:23:04
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Beth Hlabse of Notre Dame's Fiat Program was interviewed following her presentation at our Affiliate Connect in May.
May 22, 2023. See article here.
"Hlabse said an array of resources for accompanying those with mental illness and disabilities are available through Notre Dame's Fiat program, the National Catholic Partnership on Disability and the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers, as well as the Catholic Psychotherapy Association."
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CNA News Article: This Catholic group supports church leaders, parents to catechize children with disabilities
May 20, 2023. See article here.
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Radio interview on Son Rise Morning Show - May 17, 2023
Link to a radio interview with NCPD executive director Charleen Katra on May 17, 2023 is here.
Interview starts at 1:23:10
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Radio Interview on Son Rise Morning Show - May 10, 2023
Executive Director Charleen Katra on the Son Rise Morning Show at the timestamp of 1:23:20.
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May is Mental Health Month
Article from the Diocese of Norwich highlighting NCPD's support of Mental Health.
Click here. April 17, 2023
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Experts see hope for pastoral inclusion of Catholics with disabilities, also lingering challenges.
March 15, 2023