Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors

Inclusion in Worship

How can I make my faith community more inclusive?

Expert Congregation

St. Paul of the Cross

A Model of Inclusion in Ministry

 Over the past several years, St. Paul of the Cross parish in Park Ridge, Illinois has made an outstanding effort to create a caring, inclusive congregation where all can participate. 

The parish conducted a survey of needs resulting in changes to the physical plant.  Church washrooms were remodeled for accessibility.  An elevator, a canopied entrance ramp, and automatic doors were installed.  To improve the acoustics in a large church, assisted listening devices were purchased and are available in the sacristy before each mass.

The parish realized that inclusion is not just about bricks and mortar.  It is about reaching out to welcome persons with disabilities into ministry, fellowship and worship.  With this in mind, St. Paul of the Cross developed a program called "First Sunday" to enable parishioners with developmental disabilities to join the Hospitality Ministry. 

On the first weekend of every month, five parishioners with cognitive disabilities serve as greeters and as presenters of the gifts. Mentors, volunteers from the Aquinas Guild, support each greeter and gift bearer by answering questions or giving direction.  The mentors stand with the participants as they greet parishioners before mass and present the gifts right along with the First Sunday participants as part of the Offertory procession.  The First Sunday program has fostered new friendships between the mentors and participants.

As a result of the parish's inclusion efforts, other parishioners with disabilities have come forward to serve in ministries.  A man with severe arthritis has become an usher and two young women with cognitive disabilities have joined the choir.

By supporting the First Sunday participants, St. Paul of the Cross has experienced a renewed sense of community.  The entire congregation benefits from this program.  Parishioners receive a very warm and special greeting on the First Sunday.  In turn, they are welcoming and sincere in the greeting they give to the First Sunday hospitality ministers. 

TIPS FOR STARTING A MINISTRY WITH WORSHIPERS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AT YOUR HOUSE OF FAITH

1.     Observe Sunday worship services for several weeks, noting the presence of worshipers with developmental disabilities and their families.  Contact organizations in your area that serve people with developmental disabilities and inquire about group homes in your area.

2.     Decide on an appropriate ministry for the intentional inclusion of worshipers with developmental disabilities.

3.     Determine the supports needed for successful inclusion.  St. Paul of the Cross decided mentors would make their program successful.

4.     Put the necessary supports in place.  St. Paul of the Cross chose one parish organization, the Aquinas Guild, to partner with them on their    First Sunday program.  The First Sunday program was presented to this group and mentors were recruited and trained.

5.     Start small and invite several people with developmental disabilities from your faith community or from a neighborhood group home to participate in the ministry.

6.     Continually monitor the program and make changes as necessary.

7.     Celebrate your success on a regular basis.  St. Paul of the Cross recognizes the participants in the First Sunday program each year on Inclusion Awareness Day.  Special nametags were presented to participants in a recognition ceremony one year.  Plaques were presented the next.

8.     Recognize the transforming gifts that worshipers with developmental disabilities bring to your community.  St. Paul of the Cross experienced a renewed sense of community with their First Sunday program.

Contributor:

Karen Johnson

Inclusion Representative

St. Paul of the Cross