On Sunday, Nov. 8, the Diocese of Columbus Office of Pro-Life Ministries hosted a Mass of Inclusion and Welcome for people with special needs and disabilities at Sunbury St. John Neumann Church. Bishop Earl Fernandes celebrated Mass with Fathers Daniel Dury, the church’s pastor, and Donald Abbi, a hospital chaplain in the diocese.
The Mass of Inclusion affirms the dignity and importance of each person and fosters friendship and community with those who are oftentimes marginalized or do not feel welcomed at church. The Mass is offered as part of a new diocesan disability ministry, Belonging, under the Office of Pro-Life Ministries.
“At the moment, we are assessing what will be most help for those with disabilities. We don’t want to create new ministries that, while good intentioned, might not be helpful,” said Mary Kristof, the office’s associate director.
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To help welcome the deaf community, Father Abbi interpreted the Mass of Inclusion in American Sign Language. In addition to his ministry as a hospital chaplain, he regularly celebrates Mass and offers confession for members of the deaf community in the diocese.
Following this year’s Mass of Inclusion, several families lingered in the narthex of St. John Neumann Church.
Many received a blessing from Bishop Fernandes, and in a tender moment, the bishop could be spotted praying over an infant with Down syndrome who will undergo open heart surgery in the near future. A few children signed with Father Abbi.
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Such moments serve as reminders that the Church truly is a mother to all, and all are welcome to participate in the joy that flows from the love of God.
The Office of Pro-Life Ministries is currently conducting a survey of all diocesan parishes to better understand types of accommodations made for the faithful with disabilities and how the Church serves those with special needs.
Individuals and family members of someone with special needs are invited to provide input. They should email prolife@columbuscatholic.org.
To learn more about Belonging Ministry, you can visit: Belonging – Catholic Diocese of Columbus.