Liturgical Ministers with Disabilities

SOURCE: Guiding Principles & Strategies for Inclusion in the Liturgy of Catholics with Disabilities (Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions, 2005)

In recent years we have awakened to the fact that the community has the right to expect well-prepared liturgies. Those who minister in the liturgy share their God-given gifts with others as the parish offers thanks and praise to God. The gifts are often apparent: one who possesses a beautiful singing voice is the cantor; one who is warm and hospitable is the greeter. Many of the gifts are hidden and lie in the spirit and the heart. Unfortunately, physical disabilities and cultural barriers often make it difficult for the community’s leaders - or even the persons with these gifts themselves - to see that they have something to offer the community in terms of liturgical ministry.

If the participation of persons with disabilities and their families is to be real and meaningful, the parish must prepare itself to receive them. This preparation might begin with a census aimed at identifying parishioners and those with no church affiliation who have significant disabilities. Parish leaders could then work with individuals and their families to determine what steps, if any, are needed to facilitate their participation in parish life. (Pastoral Statement of U.S. Catholic Bishops on Persons With Disabilities, 19)

In a very concrete way, those who serve as liturgical ministers should reflect the overall face of the community - the young and old, the rich and poor, founding members of the parish and the newcomer. Liturgical ministers reflect the cultural, ethnic, and economic diversity of the parish. They also reflect the spectrum of disabilities found in any large community. In order to ensure this, the material on each ministry which follows in this chapter may be useful to identify and cultivate diversity among the liturgical ministers. In a special way, it may help ensure that a person’s disability does not obscure the rich gifts given them by God, thus depriving the community of reaching its fullest potential.

Each ministry requires its own special gifts, and each may provide its own challenges for those with disabilities. Some of these obstacles - such as steps - are very clear. Others - such as poor lighting - are less obvious. Again, consultation and cooperation with people with disabilities will identify needs and solutions very effectively. The strategies enunciated below attempt to address many of the situations common in parishes today. You may have other, more unique circumstances.

If the actual removal of a barrier, such as stairs, is not possible at this time in a parish, consider developing plans that allow for everyone, regardless of physical ability, to participate in the ministry as equals. If this is not possible in part, then accommodate as needed. Regardless, pastors and parish staff members should work in conjunction with parishioners with disabilities to create both short- and long-range plans to address the removal of barriers to participation.