Catholic organizations host seminars on disability and inclusion in the Catholic Church 

Clare Kilbane, the director of research and development for McGrath’s Digital Education Program, said in a press release that one important goal is to help leaders understand how “to welcome Church members who experience disability more fully into the life of the Church.” 

“We will look at how … the Church can welcome all members into greater communion and sharing of divine love, and each individual into a deeper relationship with God,” Kilbane said.

“We also plan to explore how methods of inclusion and intentional efforts to promote belonging can transform opportunities for relationship and faith development for all,” she added. 

Kilbane noted that the seminar is geared toward helping the authors of the pastoral letter engage with the experiences of people with disabilities as well as an appreciation for the gifts they have to offer.

The U.S. bishops have offered guidance in the past on inviting persons with disabilities into the Church, building off a foundational pastoral statement published in 1978.

The webinar will conclude with a presentation from Bishop Barron on April 25. 

When asked how individual parishes and communities can be more supportive of persons with disabilities, Katra emphasized the importance of “increased awareness of the needs of persons with disabilities and an appreciation for their gifts.” 

“Seek out training, which is now more readily available than ever, to become better equipped to respond proactively to all persons who desire growth in their faith and to be in communion with the Church,” she suggested. “Take an assessment of parish properties for accessibility. Raise awareness of issues and needs regarding autism and mental health, etc., via prayers of the faithful, in homilies, registration forms, and so on. Consider inviting a person with a disability to serve on a parish committee — faith formation, school, finance, or pastoral council to see your community through new eyes!”

The free online seminars began on March 7 and will continue on March 14 and 21, and April 11, 18, and 25, and are available to the public. To view the schedule or register, visit here. 

For more background on the USCCB’s 1978 pastoral statement, view the March 7 seminar here.