ARCHBISHOP'S ANNUAL APPEAL 2012

ARCHBISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL
MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Individuals and families living with disabilities, particularly developmental disabilities, often feel at the margins of parish life. They also typically have additional struggles concerning their relationship with God, world, church, and school systems. The Archdiocesan Department of Pastoral Ministry with Persons with Disabilities works to build structures of support at the parish level to address this special group. This department seeks to affirm the Baptism of people with disabilities, acknowledging their call to participate in the life and mission of the Church, to the extent that each person desires and is able. This includes catechesis and faith formation, the sacramental life of the Church, evangelization, outreach and pastoral ministry.

Last year, with the help of this department, 112 parishes in the Archdiocese offered catechesis for individuals with disabilities. It also promotes faith-based support for mothers and fathers, Inclusive Family Masses, and has worked directly and indirectly with more than 500 families over the past few years.

Thank you for your support of the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, which helps bring to reality the experience of welcome and affirmation for individuals and families living with disabilities in the Archdiocese of Newark.