National call to action
"The leaders and the general membership of the Church must educate themselves to appreciate fully the contribution people with disabilities can make to the Church's spiritual life. They bring with them a special insight into the meaning of life; for they live, more than the rest of us perhaps, in the shadow of the cross. And out of their experience they forge virtues like courage, patience, perseverance, compassion and sensitivity that should serve as an inspiration to all Christians.
"...At the very least, we must undertake forms of evangelization that speak to the particular needs of persons with disabilities, make those liturgical adaptations that promote their active participation, and provide help and services that reflect our loving concern for those with serious problems."
"...Full participation in the Christian community has another important aspect that must not be overlooked. When we think of people with disabilities…, we tend automatically to think of doing something for them. We do not reflect that they can do something for us and with us... [T]hey have the same duty as all members of the community to do the Lord's work in the world, according to their God-given talents and capacity."
--From the Pastoral Statement of U.S. Catholic Bishops on Persons with Disabilities
Prayer for inclusion
Creator God, we are your people. We look to the future with optimism and with faith in You, as we pursue our call to provide justice and fullness of life for all people with disabilities.
We pray that every man, woman and child may develop their potential and meet You in themselves and in one another.
May we enjoy a totally welcoming community, with You as our center, joined hand in hand with our sisters and brothers. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
-- From the National Catholic Partnership on Disability
A retreatant and her buddy carry the Bible at the ceremonial start of an AIM weekend retreat.