Persons with Special Needs/Disabilities

The Office for Pro-Life Activities and Special Ministries, Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, provides resources to parishes in order to help persons with special needs grow in their faith as fully participating members in their parish. The ministry strives to support parishes in their effort to provide persons with developmental, intellectual, physical and/or mental health disabilities spiritual growth in all aspects of the Church, to include: worship, catechesis, fellowship, prayer, serving God and others. The Special Needs Ministry endeavors to have persons with special needs connected as much as possible to other parishioners as they seek to grow in their faith and spiritual life.

Accessibility Policy

Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities to Worship and Participate Fully in the Life of the Parish and Community of Faith

Click here to read the policy

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

The Church continues to affirm the dignity of every human being, and to grow in knowledge and understanding of the gifts and needs of her members who live with disabilities. Likewise, the Church recognizes that every parish community includes members with disabilities, and earnestly desires their active participation. All members of the Body of Christ are uniquely called by God by virtue of their Baptism. In light of this call, the Church seeks to support all in their growth in holiness, and to encourage all in their vocations. Participating in, and being nourished by, the grace of the sacraments is essential to this growth in holiness. Catholic adults and children with disabilities, and their families, earnestly desire full and meaningful participation in the sacramental life of the Church.

Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, June 15, 2017

Welcome and Justice for Persons with Disabilities, A Framework of Access and Inclusion - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1998

Pastoral Statement on Persons with Disabilities - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops 1978, updated language 1989

The National Catholic Partnership on Disability

The National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD) was established in 1982 to implement in parishes and dioceses throughout the United States the 1978 Pastoral Statement of U.S. Catholic Bishops on Persons with Disabilities. NCPD is guided by the following mission:

Rooted in Gospel values that affirm the dignity of every person, the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD) works collaboratively to ensure meaningful participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of the life of the Church and society.

Learn more about the National Catholic Partnership on Disability