The Diocesan Disabilities Action Team has been established to increase awareness and inclusion of all individuals with disabilities into our Catholic parishes by opening doors to accessibility, opening minds through awareness, and opening hearts to minister to the needs. For a listing of current resources provided in our Diocese, visit the team’s first project at
www.buffalodiocese.org/disabilities.
The Diocesan Council for Persons with Disabilities established in 1975 is the advisory council that communicates to Bishop Kmiec on issues and activities related to the spiritual needs of persons with disabilities and their families throughout the diocese. For more information contact Deacon Bill Willis at 675-5891 or
WSDEACBILL@aol.com.
The Diocesan Office of Lifelong Faith Formation serves as a link to parish programs available for the faith formation of persons with disabilities. We provide consultation, support and resources to catechetical leaders (DRES/CRES), parents and pastors for the inclusion of all people with special needs into spiritual formation programs. For more information, call Sharon Urbaniak at 847-5514 or
surbaniak@buffalodiocese.org.
The Diocesan Office of Pro-Life Activities advocates for the sacredness of all human life from conception until natural death, and responds to any threats to life. Our hope is to build a "culture of life" that respects and protects all life particularly to the most vulnerable" the unborn, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and the terminally ill. For information, contact Dawn Iacono at 847-2205 or
diacono@buffalodiocese.org.
Victorious Missionaries
A spiritual network for persons with a disability or chronic illness. It’s founder, Father John Maronic believed that people with disabilities have gifts that could and should be shared with the Universal Church and the World. They meet monthly from March through December for prayer And socialization in a Christian atmosphere. They also have days of renewal every year. For information, membership, and a schedule of activities please call 716-694-0514
Their Mission statement:
We, the members of the Victorious Missionaries, commit and dedicate ourselves to offer to God and to each other our giftedness, our visions and our dreams. We will create and foster an atmosphere where all members are encouraged and empowered to come to a deeper understanding of the call to live out or our Gospel Values and bring God's message of love to all members.
Catholic Charities of Western New York
Pastoral Ministry with Persons with Disabilities
The purpose of this program is to assist parishes, diocesan offices and institutions to welcome and include persons with disabilities into all phases of the church’s mission of worship, education, and social ministry. This program:
offers in-service training to parishioners interested in volunteering service to persons with disabilities. Catholic Charities
has a network of individual volunteer Parish Advocates who work as parish leaders to foster acceptance and inclusion of persons with disabilities as full and participating members of the parish community.
is prepared to give presentations that are designed to increase awareness, raise sensitivity and enhance acceptance of persons with disabilities. Advocacy, counseling and referrals to various resources for persons with disabilities and for others concerned with the well-being of persons with disabilities are offered.
is an active member of several national organizations with local divisions. Membership may include, but not be limited to, the Diocesan Council for persons with Disabilities, the Catholic Guild for the Blind, and the Victorious Missionaries.
publishes a quarterly newsletter, PASTORAL PEOPLE. This newsletter is designed to provide inspiration and information.
