Creating Access and Inclusion in Worship

USING YOUR BULLETIN TO INTENTIONALLY INCLUDE WORSHIPPERS OF ALL ABILITIES

Your bulletin or worship aide can be a tool to intentionally include worshippers of all abilities. Including hospitality information every week makes everyone feel welcome. The following example, contributed by Old St. Patrick's parish, may give you ideas for a permanent hospitality section for your bulletin or worship aid. Adapt it with your congregation's access features.

Please make yourself at home. For your comfort and convenience, we would like you to know:

• The rest rooms are located on the lower level of the church, at the foot of the north stairwell, in the foyer of the church hall, and at the west side of the hall. The hall may be reached via the north stairwell or the elevator in the north tower only. The balcony can be accessed by using either the north or south stairwell.



• In consideration for all, please put all cell phones and beepers on silent mode as we begin Mass.



• If you have difficulty approaching the altar for Holy Communion, please tell an usher, and Communion will be brought to you.



• If you need a large print worship aid or missalette, please ask an usher.



• We do have a small lift for access to the church and hall. The entrance is on Des Plaines Street, through the gate just north of the main church steps.



• If you need an assistive listening device, they are available. Please ask an usher.



• A sign language interpreter will be available at the 8:15 a.m. Mass every Sunday.



• In case of an emergency, please exit the church through the three sets of double doors located in the rear of the church or by the exit door located behind the altar screen.



• If there is any way we can be of better service, please let us know.



• Please visit our Web site at www.oldstpats.org.

Contributed by Bridget Evers, Inclusion Rep, Old St. Patrick's, Chicago