Resources for Mass:
From the USCCB:
If you would like the published booklet, they are available at the Diocese of Youngstown Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry (Contact Therese at 330-744-8451x297, or email Therese here).
Maureen Platt, author of Salt & Light: Church, Disabilities, and the Blessings of Welcome for All, provides a thoughtful article on helping to prepare children and adults with disabilities for sacraments. Salt & Light is available from the diocesan library (see below).
|
Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith Declaration 2024
“Every effort should be made to encourage the inclusion and active participation of those who are affected by frailty or disability in the life of society and of the church” [“Dignitas Infinita” -On Human Dignity, No. 53]. |
From the National Catholic Partnership on Disability:
Featuring Andrea Kaneb, Bob Furtado, and Justin Boatner, who all experience disability. The share their joys and hopes for parishes nationwide regarding access and disability support.
|
Includes resources and links to resources for people with Mental Illness, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing, Physical Disability, and Blindness/Vision Loss.
|
This 12-minute video, "Catechesis and Persons with Disabilities: A Necessary Engagement in the Daily Life of the Church," is excellent team-building viewing as it inspires and encourages us to minister to and with children and adults of all different abilities. The video inspires inclusion of all people in sacramental preparation, liturgical ministries, and community building because everyone is loved and needed in the Church. Video produced by the National Catholic Partnership on Disability for the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization.
For people with visual impairment:
Materials provided at no charge in braille, large print and audio: Free access to over 1,400 titles related to the Catholic Church, religion, spiritual and inspirational themes in braille and audio.
Subscription services include monthly readings, prayers and responses for the Sunday Mass and selected Feast Days and Solemnities, as well as periodicals, faith formation textbooks, and workbooks for children and adults in braille.
Subscription services include monthly readings, prayers and responses for the Sunday Mass and selected Feast Days and Solemnities, as well as periodicals, faith formation textbooks, and workbooks for children and adults in braille.
For People with Hearing Impairment:
My First Eucharist is a comprehensive home preparation process for families. This six lesson program provides the necessary formation prior to the reception of the Sacrament of First Eucharist. The program provides lesson plans, activities, video library that contains lesson videos and glossary of terms in ASL.
University of Dayton Institute for Pastoral Initiatives,
for building inclusion and belonging:
The Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF) from the University of Dayton has courses to help with inclusive ministry in parish life. Check the VLCFF calendar for course availability:
- Bioethical Issues, Including Care for the Aging and Support for Families
- Chronic Illness: Mental Illness, Grief, Trauma Support and Counseling
- Creative Methodologies: ADHD in Parish Life - Pastoral Implications (SN 3)
- Disabilities in Parish Life: An Overview (SN 1)
- Disability across the Life Span: Prenatal Diagnosis – End of Life Care