Parish Resources

Find information on faith formation with people with disabilities, tip sheets, accessibility checklists and more. Visit the page here

Sensory Friendly Mass

Considering implementing a Sensory Friendly Mass in your parish? Learn more here

Catholic Mental Health Support

Find clinical assistance, websites, podcasts, articles, prayer and devotions and other resources. Visit the page here

Upcoming Events

MASS HONORING THE GIFTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, THE DEAF COMMUNITY, FAMILY, FRIENDS & CAREGIVERS – APRIL 19, 2026

The Annual Archdiocesan Mass Honoring the Gifts of Persons with Disabilities, The Deaf Community, Family, Friends and Caregivers is Sunday, April 19, 2026, at 3:00 pm at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul at 18th and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia. Bishop Efren V. Esmilla is the principal celebrant and homilist. There will be a reception immediately following the Mass. All are Welcome. To RSVP with any necessary accommodations, please click the link below.

Click for Flyer

RSVP with Accommodations

MOTHERS’ RETREAT – MAY 6, 2026

The Mothers of Children with Disabilities Retreat: Together We Rise is on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Malvern Retreat House. Vicki Szostek and Susan Schuller will lead a retreat for mothers and grandmothers who are raising children with disabilities and those who have adult children with disabilities. Vicki and Susan are two of the founding mothers of the Rising Together Alliance, a local organization advocating for inclusive Catholic Education. The day will include a presentation by Vicki and Susan, time for quiet prayer and Confession, opportunities to connect with other mothers, and Holy Mass with Fr. Dennis Weber. For more information or to register by phone, please contact Malvern Retreat House at 610-644-0400. Please register by April 29.  

Register by April 29

Did You Know?

Amazing facts about our community that will inspire you to act

14 Million
Catholic brothers and sisters live with a disability
50%+
People 65+ years of age report having at least one disability
1 in 10
Children are diagnosed with a physical or intellectual disability
1 in 5
People sitting in pews every Sunday have a diagnosed mental illness

We Need YOUR Help!

Be a Parish Contact and make a real difference in your community. Currently, over 110 Parish Contacts act on behalf of persons with disabilities to assist pastors in creating truly inclusive parishes.

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Assisting the pastor with persons with disabilities and their families
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Identifying persons with disabilities in the parish or apostolate
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Sensitizing the community to the needs and gifts of persons with disabilities
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Welcoming and making recommendations for accommodating persons with disabilities in church life

If your parish does not have a parish contact or would like to appoint a new contact, we’re here to help! We provide support, resources, workshops, and regular updates on disability ministry.

Submit Parish Contact Form Contact Us: opd@archphila.org