Catholics drive Ministry for people with disabilities in the US

There is a group of Catholics in the United States that often receives little attention, and a Catholic ministry seeks to change that reality.

Disability Catholics have unique and diverse needs that go beyond wheelchairs ramps or Braille signs. A Catholic with autism may need liturgies adapted to sensory sensitivity; One with intellectual disability may require special guidance for catechesis.

However, many parishes do not know how to respond to these needs or even do not know what they are.

Offering various resources – including a conference this weekend – the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD, National Catholic Association for People with Disabilities) teaches parishes how to fully integrate people with disabilities in parish life.

“From the increase in mental health problems to the growing number of families that face autism, parishes throughout the country are looking for guidance, formation and connection,” he explained to CNA – Ewtn News in English – the executive director of NCPD, Charleen Katra.

Ignorance can be harmful. Katra says that he frequently receives calls from Catholics with disabilities who are denied the sacraments, which goes against the teaching of the Church.

In recent years, the United States Catholic bishops have reaffirmed that “all forms of the liturgy must be completely accessible to people with disabilities.” They have explained that accessibility goes far beyond “physical modifications in parish buildings.”

“People with disabilities have the same baptismal rights to be educated in faith, to celebrate the sacraments and to respond to God’s call,” said Katra.

The good news is that, throughout the country, Catholics want to improve their service to this group. Almost 200 ministers, leaders and Catholics meet at Salt Lake City for the National Conference of Catholic Ministry for People with Disabilities, from August 7 to 9.

Designed to help parishes and ministries to fully integrate people with disabilities in parish life, the conference revolves around the 2025 retirement motto: “Pilgrims of Hope.”

THE OBJECTIVE: That each parish feel like a home

The inclusion and sense of belonging are “crucial”, but only the beginning, Katra explained.

“They open the door to something greater and even more important: to promote the full participation of people with disabilities and move towards communion, a link we experience because we are loved by God and saved by their Son, Jesus Christ,” he said.

One of the outstanding moments will be a panel of people with disabilities that will comment on what Katra described as a “powerful message” of the late Pope Francis.

In 2021, on the occasion of the International Day of People with Disabilities of the UN, Pope Francis told them: “The Church is truly their home.”

“People with disabilities are not simply on the margins of the Church waiting to be invited,” Katra said..

To “equip Catholics to value gifts and respond to the needs of people with disabilities,” the papers will address issues such as mental health, autism, sacramental preparation, inclusive Catholic education, sensory adapted liturgies, public policies and more. The last day a mass will be held with sensory adaptations.

Among the main speakers are Mons. Brendan Cahill, Bishop of Victoria (Texas); Mary O’Meara, director of the Office of Deaf and Disabilities of the Archdiocese of Washington; and Jason Shanks, president of the National Eucharistic Congress, who will share his testimony as the father of a child with a rare genetic condition.

From clergy to catechists and people with disabilities, 180 attendees meet at the Hilton Salt Lake City Center.

Katra is confident that the conference will provide participants with a support network, new perspectives and “a deeper understanding of disability from a Catholic vision”, as well as the most up -to -date resources and good practices for this ministry.

“We are all pilgrims of hope, called to walk together in faith and love. This includes people with disabilities, whose presence and participation enrich the life of the Church,” he said.

Translated and adapted by ACI Press. Originally published in CNA.