Inclusive Ministries

"Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body,
so it is with Christ." 1 Corinthians 12:12

Inclusive Ministries at OLMC seeks to:

Welcome persons with disabilities and their families into the life of the parish. Invite persons with disabilities to participate in liturgical, spiritual and social life. Raise awareness about the needs and gifts of people with disabilities. Work to eliminate physical and attitudinal barriers. Support the Parish Advocacy Program.

Parish Advocate

The Parish Advocacy Program, in the Diocese of Richmond, resulted from the 1978 Pastoral Statement of U.S. Catholic Bishops on People with Disabilities. In this document, the Bishops recognized that “it is not merely enough to affirm the rights of people with disabilities. The Church must become an advocate for and with” people with disabilities and “it must work to increase the public’s sensitivity toward (their) needs and support their rightful demand for justice.”A Parish Advocate is someone who acts on behalf of people with disabilities to ensure that all are invited to share in the life of their parish. The Parish Advocate is invited to accept this responsibility by the pastor of the parish. The Advocate follows the example of Christ the Good Shepherd and seeks out parishioners who have disabilities to determine their physical and spiritual needs. (Office for Persons with Disabilities)

Christian Formation

Children and adults with disabilities are welcomed into Christian Formation and Sacrament Preparation at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. Various models of formation are considered including full inclusion, partial inclusion, self-contained or family centered.

SPRED

The goal of SPRED is to prepare persons with intellectual disabilities to fully belong in the liturgical life of the parish. Catechists welcome their friends with disabilities into a small faith community. Within the community, the friends are invited to experience an activity of their choice like clay, painting or other centering activity to prepare their hearts to develop a sense of the sacred. The word of God is shared, reflection on life experiences with the use of symbols and a simple meal is enjoyed with their sponsor or helper catechist.

What is BREATHE?

BREATHE Special Needs Respite is a new ministry at OLMC seeking to provide a fun, safe, evening out for kids with special needs! Parents will register their children in advance then, drop them off for a night of fun provided by the BREATHE volunteers! This gives parents a chance to BREATHE by having a night out! BREATHE will happen once a month on Friday evenings!
Contact Christa to Register Your Child or to Volunteer, 595-0385 ext. 119 or cblomstrom@olmc.org.

Interested in being a part of Inclusive Ministries?
Are you being called to be a model of Christ's love and acceptance? You are invited to walk beside an adult or child on this journey of faith and life.

Ministry opportunities:

  • Assist with Welcoming or Registration at BREATHE gatherings.
  • Assist with Activity Stations at BREATHE gatherings.
  • Serve Pizza to our guests at BREATHE gatherings.
  • Be a Buddy (16 years or older) to a guest at BREATHE gatherings.
  • Assist with safety and medical care (nurses, physicians, EMTs).
  • Donate leisure equipment or Manna gift cards for Pizza at BREATHE.
  • Assist children with developmental differences in a small group or inclusive setting.
  • As per diocesan regulations, complete the VIRTUS Safe Environment Training, Volunteer Background Check and the Child Protective Services Form.