Disability Parish Ministries
Our Lord calls upon us to Open Hearts so
that all parishioners can enjoy full participation that is their
baptismal right. Parishes strive for full parish participation through a
ministry that is to, with, by and for our brothers
and sisters with disabilities. Parishes mobilize leaders, prioritize
needs, assess parish resources and respond appropriately.
St. Gregory the Great Chuch
St. John the Baptist Church
St. Joseph University Church
S.S. Peter and Paul Church
Our Lady of Hope
St. Gregory the Great Church
St. Gregory the Great Parish, Williamsville - established an advocacy committee to
provide resources and support for individuals with disabilities so they
may fully participate and share in the experiences in parish life,
including prayer, the sacraments, liturgy and service. They have
dedicated themselves to:
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help facilitate spiritual growth in family faith formation
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create a welcoming and accepting environment for their diverse members, including members with disabilities
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promote awareness and acceptance of diversity through education
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empower individuals with disabilities and their families by
providing accommodations to participate in mass, religious education and
other desired parish activities
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recognize that person with disabilities are able to contribute to the parish by sharing their many talents.
The family faith formation program was awarded a grant to increase
resources to assist in ministry to people with disabilities. One of the
fruits of this project is a Lending Library. The parish
advocacy committee meets every other month. Meetings are held in the
school faculty room at 7pm. Contact Joan Rischmiller, chair at jrischmiller@stgregs.org or 688-2886.Parish events include:
From this group has grown two additional ministries: SS. Anne and Joachim Ministry
is a support group for parents of children with disabilities. Founded
by parishioner, Linda Amabile for experienced parents of children to
share their support and experience with new parents of children with
disabilities. For more information contact Linda Amabile at lkamabile@verizon.net or call 632-2530. St. Frances De Sales Deaf Ministry - whose members sign the Sunday 12:30 mass which is streamed live at www.stgregs.org website. If you are interested in being a signer at the parish contact Michele Biely at (585) 865-6531 or mloffl266@aol.com.
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SS. Peter and Paul Church
SS. Peter and Paul Parish in Williamsville established their ministry in
April of 2010. Advocate Dave Whalen chairs the team. A Disability
Awareness Workshop was held in April of 2010
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St. John the Baptist Church
St. John the Baptist Parish in Kenmore hosted our first Mardi Gras party
in March of 2010 organized by Judy Gorman, advocate. The team held
their first meeting on Wednesday, October 27th. They are hosting our
Second Annual Mardi Gras after a noon Disability Awareness mass on
Sunday, February 27th.
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St. Joseph University Church
Interfaith Service - Monday, May 13th at 7:00 pm at
St. Joe's for those with a Mental Health Diagnosis, their families,
caregivers, supporters and friends. Please join us if you can.
Eucharistic Prayer Service for recipients of mental
health services and care givers is held the Second Friday of each month
at 7pm at St. Joseph University Chapel at 3275 Main Street in Buffalo.
This twenty minute service is designed for those feel more comfortable
in a less confining, less populated and shorter service. For more
information contact, Sister Jeremy Midura at 833-0298.
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Our Lady of Hope Church
Our Lady of Hope Parish, 248 Lafayette Ave. in Buffalo has established the FISH (Friends Inspiring Special Hope)
ministry of support and advocacy for their brothers and sisters who are
unborn or disabled. On April 10, 2011, parish advocate Mike Caputi was
introduced at masses as the Parish Advocate. At the Masses of Palm
Sunday, April 17, 2011, parishioner completed needs surveys in English
and Spanish.
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