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Faith Formation of Children
with Special Needs
The Ministry with Persons with Special Needs seeks to celebrate the gifts of persons with special needs and to work towards their full inclusion in parish life and liturgical celebrations. One of the ways this can be accomplished is by welcoming all children into sacramental faith formation programs where they can be encouraged to develop their full potential to love God and serve their neighbor.
In order to achieve this goal, this Office will continue to help develop parish programs where children challenged by special needs can learn about their Catholic faith and celebrate it with joy. Available resources will be shared and support given so that this goal can be achieved. Catechist training programs will be offered to those who wish to become part of this important ministry. Please watch this website for details, or contact us directly.
Parish Advocates
The Parish Advocate for Persons with Special Needs serves as a liaison between persons with special needs and the pastoral staff, and between the parish and the diocesan Ministry with Persons with Special Needs. The Advocate assists the parish in assessing needs and in advocating to meet those needs. The Advocate acts to ensure that all are invited to share in the life of the parish, and to participate fully in liturgical celebrations. One way of doing this is through the establishment of an Inclusion Ministry where the gifts of each member, abled and disabled, are shared as they journey together, in establishing the Kingdom of God among us. Another way might be the development of inclusive prayer experiences on the parish level.
The Ministry with Persons with Special Needs will offer practical assistance aimed at facilitating the development of a Ministry of Inclusion on the local parish level. If your parish already has an Advocate, please send his or her name and contact information to marusso@drvc.org. If not, please accept this as an invitation to find an Advocate for persons with special needs in your parish.
Celebrating the Gifts of
Persons with Special Needs
Each year, this Office sponsors a Diocesan Liturgy that allows persons with special needs, and their families, the opportunity to pray and celebrate together. Please watch this website for information about our 2011 Diocesan Liturgy as well as for other spiritually enriching events. Our presence and participation in them is a sign of our great witness to the Church and to the world in which we live!
Social Activity
While recognizing the importance of full inclusion in parish life for persons with special needs, we also acknowledge the importance of social activities where adults can enjoy the company of their peers. A wonderful Ministry of dedicated volunteers already provides dances and parties in various parishes throughout the diocese. Please watch this website for information! |
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