For nearly half a century now, we have spoken of integrating people with disabilities, describing them in various ways: invalids, handicapped, disabled, differently abled. Almost never do we simply say: people.
This is not mere wordplay. It is essential—to recognize that before any other description, a human being is a person like everyone else, with equal dignity and equal rights as a child of God and as a citizen.
Today, we move beyond integration to speak of inclusion. Again, this is not merely an update in language. It is a new frontier toward which we must strive. To include means to contain within oneself, to be part of something, to be permeable to one another.
Pope Francis reminds us: "God, in his design of love, does not wish to exclude anyone, but desires to include all of us. Through Baptism, he makes us his children in Christ, members of his body which is the Church. And we Christians are called to use the same criterion: mercy is the way of acting, the style with which we seek to include others in our lives, while avoiding closing ourselves off in our own selves and our selfish securities."
"God, in his design of love, does not wish to exclude anyone." - Pope Francis
Italy's President, Sergio Mattarella, urges our institutions to ensure that "inclusion becomes reality. Many steps forward have been taken in legislation and social organization. Greater cultural sensitivity has developed around the positive value of diversity and the need to remove barriers—even hidden ones—that marginalize and exclude. But unfortunately, many obstacles still stand in the way: in daily life, in economic and social structures, in the prejudices of those who shirk their duty of solidarity."
Do we Christians succeed in expressing that merciful love fully in our daily actions, in our way of life—the love that welcomes and includes everyone? Pope Francis urges us to follow the example of Christ: "How many weary and oppressed people do we meet today, in the street, in public offices, in medical clinics. The gaze of Jesus rests on each of those faces, even through our eyes. And how is our heart? Is it merciful? And is our way of thinking and acting inclusive? The Gospel calls us to recognize in the history of humanity the design of a great work of inclusion, which, fully respecting the freedom of each person, each community, each people, calls all to form a family of brothers and sisters in justice, solidarity, and peace—to be part of the Church, which is the body of Christ."
Drawing from a pamphlet distributed by an Austrian diocese and published in Schatten & Licht (Shadows and Light, in German), we sought to reflect on whether we Christians truly practice inclusion in our parishes. How thoroughly does the way of life to which Pope Francis calls us actually work in our parishes? What might be improved?
The reflection began with a detailed questionnaire, adapted to our Italian reality. Our aim was not to offer prescriptions or stir guilt, but simply to spark thought—to direct attention toward someone or something we may have overlooked. To ask whether our way of acting as Christians truly reflects the spirit of mercy and inclusion that Pope Francis calls us to.
Rita Massi, 2017
"Each of us has many abilities and lives with certain limits. With respect, attention, and often with sorrow, we must accept our own limits and those of others. In community, we can and must support one another where help is needed. Only in this way do we live in brotherhood and live what inclusion truly means. We must learn to see the colorful diversity of human lives as a gift to our community, and work to help everyone treat the abilities and limits of others with gentleness and care. Inclusion means regarding and respecting each person and their differences as normal. To live this way, we must create the right conditions."
(Schatten & Licht, 2016)
- Are there ramps or elevators that allow access to the church and parish buildings?
- Does Sunday Mass see participation from children and adults with disabilities? Is anyone kept away?
- Are young people with serious physical disabilities supported in serving as altar servers?
- Are there parishioners who accompany people unable to attend Mass or other events on their own?
- Are hymnals, announcements, and information—Mass schedules and other activities—clearly legible? Are they available in Braille when needed? Are gluten-free hosts provided?
- Does the priest speak clearly and loudly during the homily so everyone can understand?
- Are deaf people welcomed and known in the parish? Is there at least one Mass in coordination with other parishes translated into sign language?
- Beyond the extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist, do volunteers visit and maintain contact with people who can no longer come to the parish on their own?
- Are children with disabilities welcomed in the youth center, summer programs, and activity groups?
- Are children of other faiths welcomed in age-appropriate group activities?
- Do some young people assist in First Communion catechesis to better include children with learning difficulties?
- Are after-school programs or remedial courses offered for children with academic struggles?
- Are families with financial hardship supported so their children can participate in parish trips, pilgrimages, and summer camps?
- Can parents of children with disabilities count on the friendship, presence, and support of priests and other parishioners?
- Does the parish stay close to those who are grieving?
- Are recreational gatherings organized for elderly people, especially those who are isolated or dealing with physical or cognitive decline?
- Is there a program or activity for people managing mental health challenges?
- Does the parish have a listening center to support and help people without work, or those facing difficult moments or personal struggles?
- Are training programs offered for caregivers of the elderly?
- Are language courses (and/or cooking classes) available for immigrants?
- Do people with physical and/or mental disabilities have the chance to contribute to parish activities?
- Are social services and welcoming initiatives in the parish actively supported and followed?
We welcome your suggestions for best practices already in use or that you think should be adopted. Please share any educational materials already used in your parishes, and tell us about positive parish initiatives already in place (like the experience you can read in the article Opening Our Eyes)