Disabilities Ministry
Every person, regardless of their physical and mental abilities, has the right to a full life in the Church and deserves the support of parishes and church staff. The Diocese of Joliet is an inclusive diocese, and we believe in including everyone in the ministries and programs offered at our parishes.
Sacramental Preparation
The disAbilities ministry of the diocese of Joliet fosters the full inclusion of people will all disabilities into the life of the church and serves as a pastoral resource for parishes, families, and individuals in providing welcome and access to persons with disabilities. The disAbilities ministry has been following the mandates of the United States Conference Catholic Bishops as stated in their pastoral statement on persons with disabilities.
What We Do
Our ministry goal is to follow Jesus’s example and continue His earthly ministry of bringing healing and salvation to all, but in a special way to the people we serve.
- Promote awareness of the needs of persons with disabilities within the Diocese of Joliet.
- Assist in developing policies for working with persons with disabilities and translating those policies into practical strategies.
- Create best practices for ministering to persons with disabilities and recognize those efforts that are already happening in the Diocese of Joliet.
- Serve as advocates for individuals with disabilities who are seeking help from other agencies.
- Provide persons with disabilities with catechesis, sacramental prep and opportunities to participate in programs of communal and individual prayer and celebrations that direct us all toward continued participation in the sacramental life of the Church.
Board of Directors
Renata Cichowicz, pastoral outreach lead
Lisa DiFranco, chair
Jeanne McDonald, vice chair
Kathleen Hartke, secretary
Contact
Renata Cichowicz
Phone: (815) 221-6245
[email protected]
Resources for Parishes
Adapted Religious Education
There are several special religious education program models available depending upon the needs of your parish. Training is available through the Disabilities Ministry for religious education directors and catechists upon request.
USCCB Documents
- USCCB 1978 Pastoral Statement on Persons with Disabilities
- 1998 Welcome and Justice for Persons with Disabilities
- 2017 Revised Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities
Resources for individuals with developmental disabilities
NCPD Council on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- https://ncpd.org/adapted-faith-formation
- https://ncpd.org/catecheticalpublishers
- https://www.pflaum.com/together-in-jesus-first-reconciliation-videos/
Ministerio Hispano
- https://ncpd.org/espanol
- https://udayton.edu/artssciences/ctr/ipi/inclusive_catechesis_resources/books.php
Resources for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing
Resources for Individuals who are blind or have vision loss
- Xavier Society for the Blind
- Large print Lectionary and Sacramentary from the National Catholic Partnership on Disability
- Assistance with securing religious materials in braille is available upon request: https://ncpd.org/LAMB
Training and resources for catechists
- Resources for Special Needs — Includes curricula, websites, activity books, Bibles, apps, videos, songs, and special needs products
Resources for Families
Religious Education/Sacramental Preparation Programs for Persons with Disabilities in the Diocese of Joliet |
|||||||
Parish |
Program |
Age |
Meeting Date |
Meeting Time |
Frequency |
Sacramental Prep |
Contact |
St. Anne Parish |
SPICE – Special People Included in Catholic Environments |
K–8 |
Saturday |
|
Weekly |
First Communion and Confirmation |
Cathy Gilooly
|
SPICE for Teens |
Junior High (up to 18) |
Saturday |
3–4:30 p.m. |
Monthly |
First Communion and Confirmation |
Jenine Boes |
|
St. Raphael Parish |
REACH – Religious Education Apostolate for Christian Handicapped |
6+ |
Saturday |
9:30–11 a.m. |
Twice a month |
First Communion and Confirmation |
Jeanne McDonald |
FUN Group |
18 years and up |
Saturday |
9:30–11 a.m. |
Twice a month |
|
|
|
Cathedral of St. Raymond |
REACH – Religious Education Apostolate for Christian Handicapped |
K–8 |
Mondays |
4:45–6 p.m. |
Twice a month |
First Communion and Confirmation |
Madonna Wojtaszek-Healy [email protected] Catechists: Peggy O’Brien, Sandra Campbell
|
St. Mary Parish |
REACH – Religious Education Apostolate for Christian Handicapped |
K–8 |
Wednesdays |
4:30–5:30 p.m. |
Bi-weekly |
First Communion and Confirmation |
Tami Brongiel |
St. Mary Immaculate Parish |
REACH – Religious Education Apostolate for Christian Handicapped |
Grades 1–8 |
Monday and Thursday |
Monday 6:30– 7:15 p.m. (Grades 7/8) Thursday 5–5:45 p.m. (Grades 1–6) |
Weekly |
First Communion and Confirmation |
Geri Morse
|
Sts. Peter and Paul |
REACH – Religious Education Apostolate for Christian Handicapped |
K-8 |
|
|
|
First Communion and Confirmation |
Theresa Pratt |
Visitation Parish |
SPRED (Special Religious Education Development) |
Ages 13–40 |
Wednesday Evenings |
6:30–8 p.m. |
Three times a month (September to April) |
|
Melanie Schneider
|
In a SPRED community, we are called to belong. Within the community of SPRED we find friendship and love. In this environment we can hear the call of God and live in harmony with God’s will for us. SPRED catechetical experiences prepare the way for inclusion in the liturgical celebration of our Church. |
Additional Resources
- Illinois PUNS Database
- A Guide to Illinos PUNS
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Illinois Medicaid Home & Community Based Waiver Program
- Disability Resource Center
- Lions Club
Events
-
October 15, 2023
2 p.m.St. Mary Immaculate
15629 South Route 59
Plainfield, IllinoisThe Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Ronald Hicks; refreshments and fellowship to follow. Those with disABILITIES, and their caregivers, will receive a special blessing. The Mass will be interpreted for the deaf by an ASL interpreter. Registration is required; please use the link below.
Questions?
Renata Cichowicz
Phone: (815) 221-6245
[email protected] -
Parents and caregivers of those with disABILITIES are invited to attend the Diocese of Joliet's first-annual retreat on Saturday, September 23. Two sessions will be held (9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.) at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel (8040 Cass Avenue, Darien, IL). The guest speaker is Dr. Mary Keen, who will share John Paul II's apostolic letter, Salvifici Doloris, on the Christian meaning of human suffering. The event also will include Mass, confessions, and breakout sessions. Registration is required.
Questions?
Renata Cichowicz
Phone: (815) 221-6245
[email protected]