Contact: Joyce Donahue Catechetical Associate
phone: 815-834-4066         email: jdonahue@dioceseofjoliet.org

National Catholic Partnership on Disabilities Live Webinars

(Diocese of Joliet is an affiliate diocese - registration is free to residents)

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UPCOMING EVENTS

October 7, 2012

25th Annual Bishops' Mass

With Persons With Disabilities

Holy Family Parish, Shorewood IL

(a fully accessible site)

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meeting the Diverse Needs of Individuals with Special Needs in the Diocese of Joliet

JUSTICE AND CARE

The 1978 (revised 1989) Pastoral Statement of U.S. Catholic Bishops on People with Disabilities calls for the inclusion of people with disabilities in the spiritual and social life of the parish. The 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act mandates federal legislation to ensure dignity and equal rights for people with disabilities. The 1995 Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities (U.s. Catholic Bishops) call for concrete implementation of inclusion of people with disabilities in the preparation and celebration of each of the seven sacraments. It is estimated that one out of every five people has a disability, whether it is physical, mental, or developmental. This includes people with visual, hearing, and motor impairments. Religious educators have a right and an obligation to impart the religious and spiritual tradition to people with disabilities. It is the mission of this office to continue to meet the challenge the Bishop’s Pastoral Statement gave to us by assisting parish religious education programs within the diocese meet the catechetical and sacramental needs of their student.

GENERAL SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES

National Apostolate for Inclusion Ministry

Info Sheets (Catechetical Tips & More!)

National Catholic Partnership on Disabilities Webinars

(recorded versions of past events and handouts)

Loyola Press - Special Needs Ministry Web Center

St. Mary Curriculum For Students With Autism or Other Developmental Disabilities

Book, Booklet, and Curriculum Resources -   ( Word )    (PDF)

Video Resources -  ( Word)    ( PDF)

Homeschooling Resources

for Parents of Children with Disabilibies

Resources from May 6, 2008 NCPD/NCCL Webinar:

Catechesis for Children & Youth With Disabilities:

Applying the Vision

Being Sensitive: "Handicap" or "Disability"?

Ability Productions - Online and Media Resources

Recommended book:

Autism and Your Church

GIANT HERO

One couple's journey through loving and letting go of

a son with Potter's Syndrome (Disabilities/Pro-Life)

Told by Angie and Cecil Bellephant,

Written by Tracy Ahrens (Kankakee, IL)

"Blessed are the souls whose purpose in life is completed in a few hours. Chosen are the parents to bear these blessed souls."

                                                                 - Naina Batish, M.D., pediatrician

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DEAF MINISTRY
There are three monthly signed Masses with the deaf community that are offered in the diocese.  One is offered the second Sunday of the month at St. Isidore in Bloomingdale at 4:00 p.m.  The second Mass is offered the third Sunday of the month at St. Mary Immaculate in Plainfield at 12:30 p.m.  The third Mass is offered at St. Thomas the Apostle in Naperville the 1st Sunday of the month at 9:00 a.m. 

There are other parishes that have interpreted Masses with varying regularity in the diocese.   The newest of these is a weekly interpreted Mass on at Christ the King Parish, 1501 S. Main Street in Lombard every week at 10 a.m. For additional information, contact the parish at (630)629-1717

It is important to know there is a difference between an interpreted Mass and a signed Mass.  An interpreted Mass is when the interpreter does everything and a signed Mass is when the priest signs and the deaf participate fully in the liturgy.

If you are in need of an interpreter and are unable to find one, or if you know of one who is willing to be of service, please contact Fr. Mark Fracaro at (815) 467-2233.

Evangelization and catechesis for persons with disabilities must be geared in content and method to their particular situation.  Specialized catechists should help them interpret the meaning of their lives and should give witness to Christ’s presence in the local community in ways they can understand and appreciate.  We hasten to add, however, that great care be taken to avoid further isolation of persons with disabilities through these programs which, as far as possible, should be integrated with normal catechetical activities of the parish. 1978 Pastoral Statement of U.S. Catholic Bishops on People with Disabilities