Help Make Your Parish a Place Where Everyone Belongs

Do you have a heart for welcoming people with disabilities and their families? Would you like to help make your parish a place where everyone feels seen, valued, welcomed, and included?

Become a Parish Advocate for Disability Inclusion!

Welcome & Connect

• Be a friendly and approachable contact for individuals with disabilities and their families.
• Help families connect with parish life, resources, and one another.
• Listen to needs, ideas, and concerns and help connect people with the right support.

 Support Parish Leadership

• Work with the pastor and parish leaders to identify and reduce barriers to participation.
• Help the parish consider ways to make Mass, faith formation, and parish activities more welcoming and accessible.
• Serve as a liaison between families, parish leadership, and the Diocese.

Encourage Belonging

• Look for opportunities for people with disabilities to participate, serve, and lead in parish life.
• Encourage meaningful involvement in ministries, liturgy, faith formation, and parish events.
• Help identify simple adaptations that can make a big difference.

Build a Team

• Invite others who share a heart for inclusion to get involved.
• Connect volunteers with opportunities to support individuals and families.
• Help create a welcoming network of familiar faces and supportive friendships.

Grow & Dream Together

• Work with parish leaders to set goals for greater inclusion.
• Explore opportunities such as sensory-friendly celebrations, inclusive faith formation, retreats, or family gatherings.
• Share ideas and learn from other Parish Advocates throughout the Diocese.

You Don't Have to Do It Alone!

Being a Parish Advocate isn't about having all the answers. It's about being willing to notice, listen, connect, and help.

You'll be part of a growing diocesan network of advocates who share ideas, resources, encouragement, and a passion for creating Catholic communities where everyone has a place and everyone has something to give.

Ready to Be a Voice for Welcome?

Bring your compassion, creativity, and joy to your parish. Together, we can help create communities where persons with disabilities and their families aren't just welcomed—they belong.