Inspiration
This is an outgrowth of the successful experience of “Masses for differently-abled people,” that has been offered by Church of the Nativity in
Purpose
The purpose of this series is not to suggest a separate Church for people with developmental disabilities. However, very often families living with developmental disabilities do not feel welcome attending their local parish liturgy. They have either been told directly that their son or daughter does not belong, or they have experienced the quiet stares which speak volumes of inhospitality. As you know, as Catholics we profess that the Mass is the source which fuels the life of the Church and all her people, as well as the summit toward which we journey. So they stay away from the very thing which we believe will strengthen us for the road and provide a foretaste of the heavenly banquet.
Desired Outcome
People and families living with developmental disabilities take great comfort in having the opportunity to celebrate God's presence in their lives, without worrying about feeling embarrassed or being stared at by fellow worshipers for the "different" or "distracting" behaviors of themselves, their son or daughter, sister, or brother. Also, experience of liturgies such as these has already given confidence to some families to attend their local parish’s regular Mass.
A Request
Please help spread the word about these Masses to interested families by announcing the series in your bulletin, posting the Inclusive Family Mass flyer on your parish bulletin board, and sharing it with any families you think would be interested. If you would like to know how your parish may host Inclusive Family Masses, either alone or in collaboration with other parishes, please contact Anne Masters, director for the office of Pastoral Ministry with Persons with Disabilities for the Newark Archdiocese at 973-497-4309 or masteran@rcan.org.
Summer Schedule
People should verify with each parish if it's summer schedule.
