inclusion

Catholic Speakers of Color provides a service to organizations looking for speakers, and the list has become a source of community and encouragement for those on it, too.

"Creating a fully accessible parish requires not only the removal of architectural barriers, but above all, helping parishioners to develop attitudes and acts of solidarity and service toward persons with disabilities and their families," the pope said in his message marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Dec. 3.

Young Voices: Three encounters at my motherhouse — involving significant differences of opinion — gave me pause and had me reflecting on progressive and inclusive authenticity.

Shirking responsibilities in educating future generations has led to a collapse in cooperation among families, schools and social, cultural and religious institutions, Pope Francis said.

The Peace Pulpit: As we try to reflect on these two different images — what Jesus says and what Isaiah says — clearly it's easier to listen to Isaiah. God is going to bring everybody into the fullness of life in God's reign.

The Catholic Coalition for Special Education was born to help schools "create new programs or expand the one or two programs that existed, but also provide training for teachers and administrators, and also to provide practical and spiritual support raising children with disabilities."

The Field Hospital: After the 2018 U.S. Special Olympics in Seattle, Catholics there aim to leverage that success for pastoral initiatives for those with developmental disabilities.

Young Voices: The greatest example we can set for our children is to invite, share the table and break bread with those who believe different things, even things that are against what we believe to be right.