"All persons with disabilities have gifts to contribute to the whole Church.  When persons with disabilities are embraced and welcomed, and invited to participate fully in all aspects of the parish community life, the Body of Christ is more complete."

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Faith Formation Inclusion │ Schools Inclusion │ Ministry with Youth with Disabilities│ Mental Health 

Upcoming Event
We hope you can join us for one of two sessions


Sacraments

Evening Session
For Parents, Teachers, Catechists, Parish Leaders

Join us for a conversation with parents, catechists, teachers, parish staff and clergy about preparation and celebration of the sacraments for persons with disabilities.

Offered in Spanish and English.
This is a free event but RSVP is appreciated.

Details & Promotional Flyer
English  |  Spanish

Other Upcoming Events

Equal in Dignity & Dearly Loved:
The Church and Persons with Disabilities
February 14, 2019

Theology on Tap  Thursday, Febrduary 14, 2019, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at El Vaquero, 3230 Olentangy River Road, Columbus.  Our Catholic faith affirms the dignity of every human person and identifies persons with disabilities as dearly loved by the Lord. This presentation will explore teachings from Sacred Scripture and Church documents about persons with disabilities. We will also examine ways we can welcome persons with disabilities and their families into the life of the parish and community.  Featured speaker Mark Butler is Education Resource Coordinator for the Dominican Sisters of Peace,  parent of two young adults with disabilities, he advocates for the rights of parents and youth with disabilities on local and state levels, and advocate.  For details, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/232603274283253. 

Autism Mythbusters - Autism Awareness Month
April 24, 2019

Autism Mythbusters program on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Martin de Porres Center, 2330 Airport Dr, Columbus, will be hosting an Autism Awareness Month program called “Autism Mythbusters”.  ( https://www.facebook.com/events/368759150619582/) The program will help identify many misconceptions people have about Autism Spectrum Disorder.  It is sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Peace and the Autism Society of Central Ohio.  It is part of the center’s month-long observation AAM19 along with some art shows ( https://www.facebook.com/events/543110186189385/) .  For FLYER Click Here.

Use these bulletin inserts to build awareness.


Bulletin Insert
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
English  |  Spanish


Bulletin Insert
April is Autism Awareness Month
English  |  Spanish
For catechetical resources specific for Autism, click here.


Bulletin Insert
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
English  |  Spanish
Embrace.  Welcome.  Participate.

Ministry With Persons with Disabilities

The Office for Social Concerns works with parish advocates for persons with disabilities and advocates for inclusion of persons with disabilities in the life of the Church and in society.  

U.S. Catholic Bishops' Statements

• Pastoral Statement of U.S. Catholic Bishops on People with Disabilities
• Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities (Newly Revised)
• Welcome and Justice for Persons with Disabilities

National Catholic Organizations

National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD)

NCPD was established in 1982 to implement in parishes and dioceses throughout the United States the 1978 Pastoral Statement of U.S. Catholic Bishops on Persons with Disabilities.  The NCPD website has the following resources at www.ncpd.org:

• Church teaching documents
• Ministry Models
• Online webinars & disability specific resources
• Accessible design & Surveys
• Resources for religious education & catechesis
• Issues of life and dignity

Other National Catholic Organizations

• National Catholic Office for the Deaf 
• CUSA - An Apostolate of People with Chronic Illness & Disability
• Institute for Pastoral Initiatives
• Xavier Society for the Blind

Diocesan Resources

Faith Formation Inclusion
Schools Inclusion
Ministry with Youth with Disabilities
Mental Health

Ministry Spotlight

S.P.I.C.E. Special People in Catholic Eduction

S.P.I.C.E. is a local program designed to raise awareness in parishes of the gifts and needs of persons with disabilities. The program also raises fundings for inclusive Catholic education in Catholic schools and parish religious education programs. 

Catholic Inclusion Network of Central Ohio

The network promotes inclusion in Catholic schools and parishes through shared resources, professional development, and events.