Creating Access and Inclusion in Worship

Bulletin Article On Inclusion Awareness Day

Dear Parishioners:

The Open Hearts, Open Minds Ministry of __ (insert parish name) __ parish extends a warm and heartfelt invitation to every parishioner to help make our parish an accessible and welcoming community of faith.

Our ministry has been active since __ (insert date) _ with an emphasis on __ (insert project) __ and __ (insert project) __. We want to broaden our ministry through future projects such as ___ (insert future plans) ___.

The three aims of our ministry are: affirmation: opening our hearts to the gifts each person brings to our community and welcoming everyone's participation communication: conveying that all are welcome through our verbal and nonverbal communications accessibility: making our parish community welcoming through an accessible physical plant and a caring congregation. Our ministry goals are to make more parishioners aware of the parish supports and services available and to reach out to families with loved ones with special needs so all feel welcome to participate in worship, liturgical ministries and leadership roles.

If you would be interested in joining our ministry or learning more about our work, please contact __ (insert name) ___ at __ (insert phone number or email address) __ or stop by the Inclusion Awareness Day table in the __ (insert location of display table) __ today.

Sincerely yours in Christ, __ (insert name of parish Inclusion Representative) __

Contributor: Pat Spencer, Inclusion Representative, Prince of Peace, Lake Villa, IL, 2006 Open Hearts Award winning parish