
Fostering the full inclusion of people with disabilities

Serving as a pastoral resource for parishes and individuals

into the life of the Church
Sensory Friendly Mass – January Zoom Training Sessions
Prepare your parish to host Sensory Friendly Liturgies in an effort to embrace members of our Church with disabilities. Dates for the Zoom training sessions are January 11, January 18 and January 25 with an in person workshop that will take place on February 11. See the Flyer for Zoom Training Sessions 1.2023 for additional details. These sessions have been recorded. For access email: opd@archphila.org . An in-person workshop is scheduled for February 11, 2023.
Flyer for Sensory Friendly Mass February 11, 2023
A Path of Hope: Bilingual Retreat for Parents of Children with Disabilities
A Path of Hope - Retreat for Parents with Children with Disabilities: Do you have a child with a disability? Join us on Saturday before Lent, February 18, 2023, at Holy Innocents Parish Hall, 1337 E. Hunting Park Avenue, for a bilingual retreat which will include sessions for adults and activities for youth. Bishop Bruce Lewandowski, C.Ss.R will be our guest retreat director. While there is no cost to attend, we ask that you please register your family by February 10th.
The Annual Archdiocesan Mass Honoring the Gifts of Persons with Disabilities
Please join us for the annual Archdiocesan celebration honoring the gifts of persons with disabilities, the Deaf community, family, friends and caregivers. The mass will begin at 3:00pm with a reception to follow. This year we have the Philadelphia Catholic mass Gospel Choir providing the liturgical music. All are welcome to attend. To RSVP, click here, e-mail opdarchphila.org or call 215-587-3530. View the flyer for more details.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Read Pope Francis' message for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
To support inclusion in our church and world, please consider using the Universal Prayers included below. These prayers can be used at mass on the weekend of December 3-4 or throughout the year.
Tips for Making Inclusive Ministries
Here are some helpful tips on how you can make your ministry more inclusive!
A New Initiative – Rising Together Alliance
Poor Prenatal Diagnosis Support
Parish Contact Program

Currently, over 110 Parish Contacts act on behalf of persons with disabilities to assist the pastor in his role of inviting people to full membership and to share fully in the life of the Parish. Each contact is appointed by the Pastor to serve as a liaison between persons with disabilities and their parish and between the parish and the Department for Pastoral Care for Persons with Disabilities. If your parish does not have a parish contact or would like to appoint a new contact, please submit the PCPD Parish Contact Form.