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What is Life Like? | Back to top ‘Thomas
has autism. He went to church for some time with his parents. However, as
he got older he became more noisy and disruptive, usually during quiet
periods at What can be done so
that Thomas and his parents are not excluded? ‘John
is a person with What was it that
enabled Paul to see beyond John’s disability? How can a parish be
enabled to see a person’s abilities rather than disabilities? ‘Fr.
Tom was clearly uncomfortable around people with learning disabilities. A
new family in the parish invited him around to discuss the possibility of
confirmation for Christine, their disabled teenaged daughter. The
experience of Christine’s warmth and joy during that visit was the first
step in Fr. Tom’s transformation.’ How do we see the whole person and not just the disability?
Read more feedback
from Listening 2004 in Not
Easy But Full of Meaning Challenges for the Parish| Back to top The challenge lies not only in serving needs but in enabling people with learning difficulties to contribute to the life and mission of the parish as full members of the body of Christ. Do we succeed in
including people with learning difficulties? Are they invited to all our
social events? How
can we make the liturgical celebration of the parish accessible to
everyone and sensitive to all needs? Do we make the
sacramental preparation for people with learning difficulties relevant and
easily accessible? What resources are available to help us with this
responsibility? How many people with learning difficulties have a ministry, for example altar server or reader, in our parishes? Practical Actions| Back to top Once
people find a way of communicating with each other in a loving way which
respects the dignity and gifts of each and every individual, many of the
issues are able to be resolved. The
priest who welcomes the new baby with learning disabilities in a chat with
the family after Mass, signals the celebration to new life even, perhaps,
in the midst of grieving, which enables other parishioners find the words
to speak to the family. ‘Chris,
father of Jimmy a brain-damaged boy, felt guilt and grief seeing no future
for his son. The example of love and hope from the priest
led the parish to take Jimmy to
their hearts, helping Chris to accept and rejoice in his son.’ The
parish might be able to find an advocate for people with learning
difficulties; a parish council member for example. This person could raise
awareness in the parish by speaking occasionally at a service or events. The
parish could develop a database of information for families to include
signers; car drivers; visitors; audio tape production etc. Deanery sharing
of information on the database could multiply the opportunities. Consideration for carers might include a ‘phone in link to a live Mass each week for those unable to get to the church. Or even a video or computer link to Mass. Prayer and Liturgical Opportunities| Back to top Made
in the image and likeness of God, we believe that we are all sources of
grace for each other. We welcome each other in love. ‘Welcome’ does
not see disability: ‘welcome’ can bring a smile and feelings of
belonging.
Beatitudes
for parishioners Blessed
are you when you smile at me Helpful Resources| Back to top In 1998 the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales published a report called Valuing Difference which outlines a vision and a method for including those of all abilities in the life and work of the church. In 2008 a new disability awareness resource for secondary schools Images of Perfection was published. Read more. Read We Must Be Seen! - the results of 2006 research into the integration of people with learning disabilities into the life and work of the Archdiocese of Westminster
www.throughtheroof.org Making the Christian message accessible St Joseph's Pastoral Centre, Hendon
www.catholic-ew.org.uk The Catholic Church of England and Wales
Diocesan Disability Advisors | Back to top Many
dioceses have advisors on disability and learning difficulties. Check your
local Catholic Directory and contact them for further advice and support.
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