Open Hearts Newsletter - January 1999

Francis
Cardinal
George
declares
April 18,
1999,
Inclusion
Sunday

	ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO

January 1999

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Many of you have participated in a powerful movement inspired by Joseph Cardinal Bernardin: the inclusion of people with disabilities into Liturgy and church life. The movement called Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors continues today. On Sunday, April 18, 1999, parishes will again observe Inclusion Sunday, a celebration of inclusion in the areas of personal affirmation, communication and accessibility. I encourage you to make this welcoming spirit a part of all parish activities. While our role is to make all people welcome in worship every day, Inclusion Sunday reminds us about how much we all can grow and learn when people with abilities are able to bring their gifts to the altar. Providing people with disabilities the opportunity to serve others is a demonstration of our open hearts. We open our minds when we communicate in ways that demonstrate caring, such as the use of large print and language that emphasizes the person rather than the disability. We open our doors when we make worship physically accessible to every one. Please join me in opening our worship to all our people, not only on Inclusion Sunday, but also on every day of the year. Thank you.
		Sincerely yours in Christ,

		Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I. Archbishop of Chicago

About Pathways Awareness
Foundation

Pathways Awareness Foundation was established in 1988. The Foundation's mission is to raise public and professional awareness about early detection, early intervention and inclusion of children and youth with physical challenges. For more information, call 1-800-955-2445, write 123 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606 or visit www.pathwaysawareness.org

	Discover in this issue: Cardinal George declares April 18, 1999, Inclusion Sunday Practical ways to include children of all abilities in church life Coming Soon! A special inclusion contest for children and youths

Inclusion Sunday 1999 Focus on Young People	This year, children and youths with disabilities are at the center of Archdiocesan Inclusion Sunday celebrations. Parishes throughout the Chicago area will demonstrate the importance of providing all children with the opportunity to share their gifts in church and at the altar. When a parish recognizes and welcomes the gifts of each child, the entire faith community is inspired and strengthened.

Easy ways to include children and youths with disabilities and differences	Following are easy ways to make your parish more inclusive: Offer children with disabilities the opportunity to serve others as altar servers, musicians and readers, etc. Encourage parents of children with disabilities to work with religious education coordinators to discuss the best way for the child to share in a religious learning experience and Liturgy. Hold all religious education classes and activities on the ground floor. Invite adults with disabilities serve in leadership roles (such as altar server, Eucharistic minister or usher) to provide positive role models.	Welcome children and youths with disabilities in leadership roles in youth groups. Ask children with differences how your parish could be more inclusive. They'll have unique observations even their parents cannot make.



A publication of Pathways Awareness Foundation in partnership with the Archdiocese of Chicago
January 1999		Page 2