Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors

Inclusion in Worship

Director's Guide

Introduction

Puzzled, they pointed to the sign that read, “Everyone welcome to help pack food boxes,” and one man asked, “It says ‘everyone.’ Didn’t you mean us? Can we help?”

When she told this story at a recent DRE meeting, she remarked, “This experience has made me look at giving and receiving very differently!

Sometimes the people we perceive to be the neediest can be the most gifted of all!”

Before You Distribute These Materials

Notice that the family lesson is printed so that a mailing label can be attached. Decide how to best distribute the lesson to families in your school or parish program. If at all possible, have a meeting with your catechists/teachers to introduce or review the concept of inclusion several weeks before you plan to use these materials.

Meeting Plan

• If your parish has a copy of the 20- minute Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors video (check your parish library or see the following resource list), use the video as an introduction to discussing the idea of inclusion of people with disabilities in parish life. Additional copies of the video’s accompanying booklet are available as well and could be distributed to each catechist/teacher. Allow people to express their concerns, share their experiences and ask questions.
• Since all the lessons are based on the same Scripture passage, 1 Cor. 12:4-11, lead the group in a reflection and discussion session using this passage.

Faith Sharing: Reflection and Discussion

• Begin with a prayer to the Holy Spirit.
• Provide each person with a copy of the Scripture passage and have someone read it aloud.
• Use the following questions for reflection and discussion:
  1. What gifts do I bring to this parish school or religious education program? How do I contribute to the life of the Church?
  2. What gifts do I see and appreciate in the people around me in this parish?
  3. Why has this passage been chosen for a lesson on inclusion of people with disabilities in parish life?
  4. What experiences have I had with people who have disabilities?
  5. How have I been a gift to one of them?
  6. How have people with disabilities been a gift to me or to someone I know?
• Distribute copies of the lesson plans for intermediate, junior high and high school students to those catechists/teachers. Provide copies of the family lesson plan to all the catechists/teachers. Give catechists/ teachers time to read the teacher guide and look over the student pages for their grade level.
• Explain how you would like catechists/teachers to use these lessons, or have them help you decide when and how they should be used.

Helpful Resources