Liturgical Access:
Welcoming. Including. Belonging.
What is Liturgical Access?
In these 8 modules, we will explore the many aspects of Liturgical Access - pastoral, practical, theological, and even financial. Tapping into a variety of perspectives - from those in lay ministry (both with and without a disability), from priests, and from loved ones of persons with disabilities - we will learn what needs to be considered when aiming to make a parish's/diocese's liturgical life fully accessible to persons with disabilities and their families.
In this course, we will answer questions like:
- What is the difference between inclusion and belonging?
- Why is it important to make a parish/diocese accessible from a theological perspective?
- What are the practical accommodations that need to be made for those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing?
- What physical changes need to be made to a church building to make it more accessible? What is universally accessible design, and who benefits from it (hint: more people than you might expect!)?
And so much more!
An extremely helpful course which covered a wide range of accessibility issues for parishes. The instruction was clear and concise.
Rachel Chung, Disabilities Coordinator
Office of Deaf and Disabilities Ministry
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington
Example Curriculum
Supplemental Material
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Module 1 - Overview of Liturgical Access: What It Means and Why It Matters
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- Introduction to Module 1
- Introduction to Lectio Divina (3:23)
- Lectio Divina: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 "The Gifts of the Spirit" (8:05)
- Mini-Lecture #1 - "What is the Theological Significance of Liturgical Access?" (6:53)
- Workers in the Vineyard Podcast - Interview with JD Flynn: "What is Liturgical Access?" (29:20)
- Invitation to Reflection
- Additional Reading and Resources
- Final Takeaways
Module 2 - Sensory-Friendly Masses
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- Introduction to Module 2
- Lectio Divina - Luke 19:1-6 "The Story of Zacchaeus"" (7:22)
- Mini-Lecture #2 "Does Sensory-Friendly Mean 'Watered Down'?" (4:41)
- Workers in the Vineyard Podcast - Interview with Allison Sturm: "What is a Sensory-Friendly Mass?" (29:13)
- Invitation to Reflection
- Additional Reading and Resources
- Final Takeaways
Module 3 - Physical Access, Physical Barriers
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- Introduction to Module 3
- Lectio Divina - Matthew 7:7-8 "Seek and You Will Find" (7:27)
- Mini-Lecture #3 “The Theology of the Incarnation and How It Relates to Accessibility” (4:36)
- Workers in the Vineyard Podcast interview with Josh Ruoff - "Physical Accessibility in Parish Life" (30:15)
- Invitation to Reflection
- Additional Reading and Resources
- Final Takeaways
Module 4 - Dispositional Barriers
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- Introduction to Module 4
- Lectio Divina - Exodus 4:10-12 "The Call of Moses" (6:46)
- Mini-Lecture #4 “What it Means to Desire Union with the Mystical Body of Christ” (5:06)
- Workers in the Vineyard Podcast interview with Julia Sauter - "Dispositional Barriers and Serving the Church" (19:38)
- Invitation to Reflection
- Additional Reading and Resources
- Final Takeaways
Module 5 - Sacramental Access (Emphasis on Eucharistic Celebration)
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- Introduction to Module 5
- Lectio Divina - John 6:48-56 "The Bread of Life Discourse" (9:12)
- Mini-Lecture #5 “What is the Purpose of a Sacrament?” (7:30)
- Workers in the Vineyard Podcast with Deacon Ronnie San Nicolas - "Invisible Disabilities and Liturgical Access" (30:54)
- Invitation to Reflection
- Additional Reading and Resources
- Final Takeaways
Module 6 - Liturgical Access for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
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- Introduction to Module 6
- Lectio Divina - Acts 13:47-49 "Spreading the Gospel to Every Culture" (6:55)
- Mini-Lecture #6 - "Why Does Inculturation Matter in the Liturgy?" (6:01)
- Workers in the Vineyard Podcast interview with Fr. Paul Zirimenya - "Liturgical Access for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing" (32:53)
- Supplemental Interview (13:02)
- Invitation to Reflection
- Additional Reading and Resources
- Final Takeaways
Module 7 - Leveraging Resources for Accessibility
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- Introduction to Module 7
- Lectio Divina - John 6:5-11 "Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish" (8:20)
- Mini-Lecture #7 - "The Necessity of Faith" (5:15)
- Workers in the Vineyard Podcast interview with Fr. David Schiferl - "Investing in Universal Access" (26:14)
- Invitation to Reflection
- Additional Reading and Resources
- Final Takeaways
Module 8 - Avoiding Barriers to Service
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- Introduction to Module 8
- Lectio Divina - Matthew 9:37-38 "Laborers for the Harvest" (6:41)
- Mini-Lecture #8 (5:30)
- Workers in the Vineyard Podcast interview with Michael and Christine Risch – “Love of Scripture and Love of Service” (30:06)
- Invitation to Reflection
- Additional Reading and Resources
- Final Takeaways
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Mission Statement
Following the example of Jesus, The National Catholic Partnership on Disability works with dioceses, parishes, ministers, and laity to promote the full and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in the life of the Church.
To learn more, visit NCPD.org.