Disabilities Ministry
Every person, regardless of their physical and mental abilities, has the right to a full life in the Church and deserves the support of parishes and church staff. The Diocese of Joliet is an inclusive diocese, and we believe in including everyone in the ministries and programs offered at our parishes.
Sacramental Preparation
The disAbilities ministry of the diocese of Joliet fosters the full inclusion of people will all disabilities into the life of the church and serves as a pastoral resource for parishes, families, and individuals in providing welcome and access to persons with disabilities. The disAbilities ministry has been following the mandates of the United States Conference Catholic Bishops as stated in their pastoral statement on persons with disabilities.
What We Do
Our ministry goal is to follow Jesus’s example and continue His earthly ministry of bringing healing and salvation to all, but in a special way to the people we serve.
- Promote awareness of the needs of persons with disabilities within the Diocese of Joliet.
- Assist in developing policies for working with persons with disabilities and translating those policies into practical strategies.
- Create best practices for ministering to persons with disabilities and recognize those efforts that are already happening in the Diocese of Joliet.
- Serve as advocates for individuals with disabilities who are seeking help from other agencies.
- Provide persons with disabilities with catechesis, sacramental prep and opportunities to participate in programs of communal and individual prayer and celebrations that direct us all toward continued participation in the sacramental life of the Church.
Board of Directors
Renata Cichowicz, pastoral outreach lead
Lisa DiFranco, chair
Rick Mason, vice chair
Jeanne McDonald, vice chair
Kathleen Hartke, secretary
Contact
Renata Cichowicz
Phone: (815) 221-6245
[email protected]
Resources for Families and Parishes
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Adapted Religious Education
There are several special religious education program models available depending upon the needs of your parish. Training is available through the Disabilities Ministry for religious education directors and catechists upon request.
USCCB Documents
- USCCB 1978 Pastoral Statement on Persons with Disabilities
- 1998 Welcome and Justice for Persons with Disabilities
- 2017 Revised Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities
Resources for individuals with developmental disabilities
NCPD Council on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- https://ncpd.org/adapted-faith-formation
- https://ncpd.org/catecheticalpublishers
- https://www.pflaum.com/together-in-jesus-first-reconciliation-videos/
Ministerio Hispano
- https://ncpd.org/espanol
- https://udayton.edu/artssciences/ctr/ipi/inclusive_catechesis_resources/books.php
Resources for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing
Resources for Individuals who are blind or have vision loss
- Xavier Society for the Blind
- Large print Lectionary and Sacramentary from the National Catholic Partnership on Disability
- Assistance with securing religious materials in braille is available upon request: https://ncpd.org/LAMB
Training and resources for catechists
- Resources for Special Needs — Includes curricula, websites, activity books, Bibles, apps, videos, songs, and special needs products
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Religious Education/Sacramental Preparation Programs for Persons with Disabilities in the Diocese of Joliet
Parish
Program
Age
Meeting Date
Meeting Time
Frequency
Sacramental Prep
Contact
Notre Dame Parish
64 Norfolk Ave., Clarendon Hills, IL
(630) 654-3365REACH – Religious Education Apostolate for Christian Handicapped K–6 Sunday 10:55 a.m.– 12:05 p.m. Weekly; see schedule here Debbie Macaluso [email protected]
(630) 601-1762Mary Baker
[email protected] (630) 601-1757St. Anne Parish
551 Boulder Hill Pass
P.O. Box 670
Oswego, IL 60543
Phone
(630) 554-1425K–8
Saturday
Weekly
First Communion and Confirmation
Cathy Gilooly
[email protected]
(630) 554-1425SPICE for Teens
Junior High (up to 18)
Saturday
3–4:30 p.m.
Parents meet at the same timeMonthly
First Communion and Confirmation
Jenine Boes
Phone
(630) 554-2502
Cell
(630) 551-4862
[email protected]St. Raphael Parish
1215 Modaff Rd.
Naperville, IL 60540
Phone
(630) 355-4545REACH – Religious Education Apostolate for Christian Handicapped
6+
Saturday
9:30–11 a.m.
Twice a month
First Communion and Confirmation
Jeanne McDonald
[email protected]
(630) 615-7614FUN Group
18 years and up
Saturday
9:30–11 a.m.
Twice a month
Cathedral of St. Raymond
604 N. Raynor Avenue
Joliet, IL 60435
Phone
(815) 722-6653REACH – Religious Education Apostolate for Christian Handicapped
K–8
Mondays
4:45–6 p.m.
Twice a month
First Communion and Confirmation
Madonna Wojtaszek-Healy [email protected]
Catechists: Peggy O’Brien, Sandra Campbell
St. Mary Parish
19515 115th Ave.
Mokena, IL
60448
Phone
(708) 326-9356REACH – Religious Education Apostolate for Christian Handicapped
K–8
Wednesdays
4:30–5:30 p.m.
Bi-weekly
First Communion and Confirmation
Tami Brongiel
[email protected]St. Mary Immaculate Parish
15629 South Route 59
Plainfield, ILREACH – Religious Education Apostolate for Christian Handicapped
Grades 1–8
Monday and Thursday
Monday 6:30– 7:15 p.m. (Grades 7/8)
Thursday 5–5:45 p.m. (Grades 1–6)
Weekly
First Communion and Confirmation
Geri Morse
(815) 436-4501Sts. Peter and Paul
36 N. Ellsworth Street
Naperville, IL 60540
Phone
(630) 355-1081REACH – Religious Education Apostolate for Christian Handicapped
K-8
First Communion and Confirmation
Theresa Pratt
[email protected]
(630) 357-2436Our Lady of Mercy Church
701 S. Eola Road, Aurora, IL 60504
REACH – Religious Education Apostolate for Christian Handicapped K-6; 7 Years and older for Sacramental Prep Sunday 8:30-9:45AM Bi-Monthly (See Schedule Here) First Reconciliation, First Communion & Confirmation Lydia Schmitt, [email protected]; 630-851-3444 EXT 235 Visitation Parish
779 S. Work Street
Elmhurst, IL 60126
Phone
(630) 279-7058, ext. 502Ages 13–40
Wednesday Evenings
6:30–8 p.m.
Three times a month (September to April)
Melanie Schneider
[email protected]
(630) 209-0064One faith formation session with special friends per month
One social event with special friends per month
One catechist some faith formation session per month (catechist only)
In a SPRED community, we are called to belong. Within the community of SPRED we find friendship and love. In this environment we can hear the call of God and live in harmony with God’s will for us. SPRED catechetical experiences prepare the way for inclusion in the liturgical celebration of our Church.
Additional Resources
Events
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Parenting a child with physical, developmental or mental-health disABILITIES can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. But it also can strain your household an marriage and test your faith. Join Madonna Wojtaszek-Healy for a program designed to support couples and singleparents who have children with disABILITIES. The program has in-person meetings as well as monthly online sessions. To register for the online sessions, please click here. To register for in-prson sessions, or if you have any questions, contact Renata Cichowicz, Pastoral Outreach Lead, (815) 221-6245, [email protected].
September 29, 2024
12:30 p.m.Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus
604 North Raynor Avenue
Joliet, IL 60435The Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Ronald Hicks; refreshments and fellowship to follow. Those with disABILITIES, and their caregivers, will receive a special blessing. The Mass will be interpreted for the deaf by an ASL interpreter.
Questions?
Renata Cichowicz
Phone: (815) 221-6245
[email protected]-
Parents and caregivers of those with disABILITIES attended the Diocese of Joliet's second-annual retreat on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the Blanchette Catholic Center in Crest Hill. The event will include Mass, confessions, breakout sessions, spiritual direction, Eucharistic adoration, and fellowship.
2023 RETREAT
Video recordings of the 2023 keynote speech and two of the breakout sessions were recorded for those who were unable to attend; please see the link below.Questions?
Renata Cichowicz
Phone: (815) 221-6245
[email protected]
