YL Capernaum Catholic Resources
Together, Young Life and the Catholic Church have tremendous opportunity to reach every kid, everywhere with the gospel. Through a shared passion for Christ, kids and mission, this rising tide of cooperation is making significant contributions to the new evangelization described by Pope Francis.
Overall, Young Life is committed to working with the Catholic Church by:
• Training our staff and volunteers to minister to Catholic teens in ways that respect and reanimate their Catholic faith in Jesus.
• Encouraging Catholics to serve as Young Life staff, volunteer leaders and committee members.
• Working with Catholic dioceses, parishes and schools to invigorate the faith of young Catholics.
This is all absolutely relevant and true for our Capernaum Clubs and friends too.
A significant way Capernaum can come alongside our Catholic families and local parishes is to connect them with existing resources that provide specialized catechism curriculums and plans, inclusion resources, and information about accessibility grants - to name a few! Check out this video for more information.
The great news is that neither you, nor your parish, nor your families need to recreate the wheel!
Below are some of these resources:
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
As early as 1978, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) developed and approved the Pastoral Statement of the U.S. Catholic Bishops on People with Disabilities which affirmed the human dignity of all people and established that all people of all abilities have a right to full participation in the life of the church.
Here is just a snippet:
“It is essential that all forms of the liturgy be completely accessible to persons with disabilities, since these forms are the essence of the spiritual tie that binds the Christian community together. To exclude members of the parish from these celebrations of the life of the Church, even by passive omission, is to deny the reality of that community. Accessibility involves far more than physical alterations to parish buildings. Realistic provision must be made for Catholics with disabilities to participate fully in the Eucharist and other liturgical celebrations.”
The USCCB reaffirmed the Pastoral Statement in 1998 with the document, Welcome and Justice for Persons with Disabilities.
In 1995, the USCCB also released the Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities. A revised edition of the Guidelines was approved and released by the full body of the USCCB in June 2017.
In response to the 1978 statement, the USCCB established this organization to implement the directives in parishes and dioceses.
“Rooted in Gospel values that affirm the dignity of every person, the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD) works collaboratively to ensure meaningful participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of the life of the Church and society.”
On this website you can find:
- Adapted curriculum and inclusion curriculum for catechism
- Ministry models for parishes and dioceses
- Resources specific to autism, mental illness, the deaf community, etc.
- Universal Design plans and surveys
- Webinars
In 1966, SPRED was established as an agency of the Archdiocese of Chicago with the goal to make it possible for each parish to welcome persons with developmental disabilities into a group where they would become prepared to participate in the liturgical life of their parish.
It has now expanded nationally in 19 dioceses/archdioceses and internationally in seven countries.
The SPRED Agency provides training, supervision and materials in the form of a syllabus of sessions. The parish sets up a program for a given age group in accordance with SPRED standards. Each SPRED center has a team made up of volunteers: a chairperson, leader catechist, activity catechist and helper catechists (sponsors). Each helper catechist becomes a partner in faith for a child or adult with developmental disabilities.
SPRED small communities of faith are comprised of up to 14 persons: 8 catechists and 6 friends. This ensures a personal experience for all. A welcoming space, the bonds of friendship, the proclamation of the Word and inclusion in the sacramental life of the parish are essential for growth in faith.
More information and resources can be found on their website.
They would love to talk with any parish about starting their own SPRED group!
This initiative began in 1996, as a partnership with the Archdiocese of Chicago which is now expanded, as an interfaith effort to assist all congregations in welcoming people of all abilities.
“An inclusive faith community means that every person, regardless of ability, is offered the same respect and opportunity to participate in their worshiping community. Differences are both accommodated and celebrated so that each individual feels a sense of welcome and belonging.”
On this site you will find:
- Practical videos on inclusion and accessibility
- A video from Henri Nouwen who spoke at their conference in 1996
- Resources for an Inclusion Awareness Day
- Religious education materials around inclusion to help children of all ages welcome people of all abilities. This material is also published through Loyola Press and is called Different Gifts, Same Spirit.
- Open Hearts and Junior Open Hearts Awards cash grants process
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This list is not exhaustive, but it is a great place to start with parishes and families who are engaging in these conversations
The USCCB perfectly sums up the heart of Capernaum and our families in saying:
“All persons with disabilities have gifts to contribute to the whole Church. When persons with disabilities are embraced and welcomed, and invited to participate fully in all aspects of parish community life, the Body of Christ is more complete. ‘The Church owes persons with disabilities her best efforts in order to ensure that they are able to hear the Gospel of Christ, receive the sacraments, and grow in their faith in the fullest and richest manner possible.’”
Additional resources:
Capernaum Parish collaboration example - from Blair Ransom in New Jersey
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