Parish Religious Education & Persons with Disabilities

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. (GCSPD, 1)

The Office for Catechetical Formation (OCF) collaborates with the Office for Persons with Disabilities (OPD) to assist parishes in access and inclusion of individuals with disabilities in parish religious education programs. The staff of OCF and OPD work together to gather, develop, and share resources to assist DRE/CRE’s and catechists; promote the Religious Education model of inclusion for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia; and provide ongoing educational and professional development for catechists and Directors and Coordinators of Religious Education in the area of inclusion.  OPD has numerous resource available on its website for inclusive faith formation.

The OCF also collaborates with the Office for Divine Worship (ODW) in welcoming persons with disabilities to full participation in the Sacraments. If you have questions about Parish Religious Education or Sacramental Prep for a child with disabilities ask your parish D/CRE.  Resources from the ODW to assist parishes in welcoming persons with disabilities to full participation in the sacraments can be found on their website.

You can also call or email any of the offices noted above if you have any particular questions or need assistance or guidance in helping meet the needs of persons with disabilities in your parish community.  

Office for Catechetical Formation

Office for Persons with Disabilities

Office for Divine Worship                                
Email: phillyocf@archphila.org Email: opd@archphila.org Email: worship@archphila.org
Phone: 215-587-3720 Phone: 215-587-3530 Phone: 215-587-3537

Parish Advocate Program

The Office for Persons with Disabilities (OPD) supports our Archdiocesan parishes and individuals with disabilities through the OPD Parish Advocate program. Parish 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 Archdiocesan Office for Persons with Disabilities. Contacts are volunteers who meet two times a year for on-going education, support and networking with other parishes.

If your parish does not have a parish contact or would like to appoint a new contact, please submit the OPD Parish Contact Form.

Cultural Ministry Apostolate Chaplains/Coordinators are also invited to appoint an Apostolate Contact to the OPD.

Important Documents and Pastoral Statements

Welcoming Persons with Disabilities to Full Participation in the Sacraments

Resources