The Office for Persons with Disabilities (OPD) supports our Archdiocesan parishes and individuals with disabilities through the OPD Parish Contact program. Currently, over 110 Parish Contacts or Advocates 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 and advocate with persons with disabilities and their parish and between the parish and the Office for Pastoral Care for Persons with Disabilities. Contacts are volunteers who meet two times a year for on-going education, support and networking with other parishes.

Coming in January 2023!

Prepare your parish to host Sensory Friendly Liturgies in an effort to embrace members of our Church with disabilities. 2023 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. Click here to register.

If your parish does not have a parish contact or would like to appoint a new contact, please submit the OPD Parish Contact Form.
Online Parish Contact Form 
Parish Contact Form for OPD.
The Cultural Ministry Apostolates coordinators are invited to appoint an Apostolate Contact to the OPD.  Contact Form Apostolate for OPD.

HELPFUL RESOURCES:

Parish Contact and Advocate Role

Resources from Previous Parish Contact Workshops

Parish Accessibility Survey – Very Specific

Parish Accessibility Check List