PROVIDENCE — Explore with leaders from the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD) ways in which you can help assure that parishioners with disabilities experience belonging in your parish, participating fully in the sacramental life and sharing their own gifts as missionary disciples.
In an effort to fulfill their commitment to help persons with intellectual, developmental or physical challenges, the Deaf, the hard of hearing or blind; and the people who serve them, Catholic Financial Life will sponsor the 41st annual Project FAITH Seminar at Providence College. The seminar will take place on Saturday, April 28 in Ruane Great Room, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This seminar offers the unique opportunity to listen to experts on the topic and share with participants from other dioceses.
“Project Faith Seminar is a gathering of people from all New England including diocesan staff, religious educators who dedicate their life to serve some of the most forgotten and vulnerable people in our society,” explained Irma I. Rodríguez, Director of Apostolate for People with Disabilities for the Diocese of Providence. “They advocate for those who for the most part, can not advocate for themselves, people who because they are created by our God, have dignity and a right to know of God’s love and receive the Sacraments.”
The Church reminds us that, by reason of their baptism, all Catholics are equal in dignity and have the same divine calling (USCCB, 1995). “Catholics with disabilities, like all Catholics, are incorporated in the Body of Christ as integral members. They, like any other member, belong to the faith community” (NCPD, 2015). “Ultimately, what is essential is a commitment to one body, one baptism, one Church, and one God. When persons with disabilities are excluded from catechetical and academic programs, a piece of the Body of Christ is missing (NCPD, 2010).”
Speakers will include Janice Benton, executive director of the NCPD. Benton guides initiatives which promotes participation of persons with disabilities in the Catholic Church. Esther Garcia, manager of programs and outreach for the NCPD will also discuss integration of persons with disabilities to a full participation in the life of the Church.
All are invited to take part in this one day seminar. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. For more information, or to register call Irma I. Rodríguez, Director of Apostolate for People with Disabilities, at 401-278-4578 or e-mail irodriguez@dioceseofprovidence.org.
