As baptized Catholics, all are welcome to share in the liturgical, spiritual, ministerial, educational and social activities in parishes throughout our Diocese. With open doors, hearts and minds, we are extending our journey to better serve you, our brothers and sisters for we are one family united by Christ. Here we share resources that are currently provided within our Diocese. We will update the information regularly and hope to develop new services for the future.
Welcome and Justice for Persons with Disabilities is a statement published by the United States Catholic Bishops twenty years ago. Now, they have condensed the publication to a two page flyer that highlights 10 key points as a framework of access and inclusion.. This new guide is to assist us, the faithful in bringing the principles of justice and inclusion to the many new evolving challenges confronted by persons with disabilities today. The first key point states: We are a single flock under the care of a single shepherd. There can be no separate Church for person with disabilities. Did you know that there are an estimated 15 million Catholics with a disability and many of these people do not come to church because of access and/ or inclusion issues? In our Diocese, we estimated there are 138, 000 people with disabilities. Throughout the year, various activities are provided that met the specific needs of people with disabilities. The goal always being to welcome them into an environment that is created to meet them where they are. Many parents of children with disabilities feel unwelcomed, isolated or unsupported, especially if the disability includes behavior issues. At these special events, families feel included and the healing road to inclusion begins. As the new year begins, let us open the doors of our ministry to include all.
EVENTS
Respect Life Mass - Each year, we welcome all people with disabilities to join in our Diocesan celebration to Respect Life, the first
Sunday of October. This year's mass will be celebrated on Sunday, October 3, 2010 at St. Joseph Cathedral at 50 Franklin Street in Buffalo at 10:30 am by Bishop Kmiec. If you are unable to celebrate the Sacrament of Eucharist with your parish community due to illness or a disability, contact your parish regarding your change and ask about the ministries they can provide for you. Parishes have Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion that will come into your home and pray with you and provide the spiritual nourishment of the Body of Christ. Brochure
Diocesan Ministries
The Diocesan Council for Persons with Disabilities is an advisory council which communicates to the Bishop on issues and activities related to the spiritual needs of persons with disabilities and their families throughout the Diocese. Members of this council are appointed by the Bishop and consist of persons with disabilities and their advocates. Bishop Head initiated this council in 1975. For information, contact Deacon Bill Willis at 675-5891.
The Diocesan Office of Lifelong Faith Formation serves as a link to parish programs available for the faith formation of persons with disabilities. It provides consultation, support and resources to catechetical leaders (DRES/CRES), parents and pastors for the inclusion of all people with special needs into spiritual formation programs. For more information, contact Sharon Urbaniak at 847-5514.
Disabilities Action Team established to increase awareness and inclusion of all individuals with disabilities within our Catholic parishes by opening doors to accessibility, opening minds through education and awareness and opening hearts to minister to the needs. For more information, contact Sharon Urbaniak at 847-5514. - BROCHURE
NOTE: Buffalo Catholic Deaf Society's home has moved from St. Augustine Church in Depew to Resurrection Church The Mass for the Deaf is now celebrated at: Resurrection Church, 130 Como Park Blvd. (Corner of Como Park and Union), Cheektowaga, NY 14227. The signed Mass will be at 10:30 am each Sunday. Father Conrad and Sister Conchetta invites you to visit and see our new home providing Catholic Deaf services any Sunday. Please spread the word that they have moved. Father Conrad Stachowiak ministers as the Director of Ministry for Persons with Deafness. Mass interpreted in sign language every Sunday at 10:30am, holy day vigils at 7pm. Call the parish for: adult and child sacramental preparation, social events, religious education for children with deafness, sacrament of reconciliation, Marriage, wakes and funerals, home and hospital visitation, sacrament of anointing of the sick.Vocal phone (716)683-3038. TTY (716) 681-0846. Fax (716) 583-9918