I serve as the Episcopal moderator for the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD). Its mission stems from Gospel values that affirm the dignity of every person, and it seeks to work collaboratively to ensure meaningful participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of the life of the Church and society.
The NCPD was established in 1982 to foster implementation of the Pastoral Statement of U.S. Catholic Bishops on People with Disabilities. Passed unanimously on November 16, 1978, this prophetic document calls for the Church’s welcome of the now over fourteen million Catholics who live with disabilities. It states that those with disabilities must be able to participate in the celebrations and obligations of their faith and advocates for their inclusion “within the total fabric of society.” NCPD likewise promotes implementation of the Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities, approved by the U.S. bishops in June 1995 to provide pastoral guidance on sacramental access for people with disabilities.
The NCPD serves as a resource for dioceses and as an advocate for those with disabilities. I am proud of its work and urge dioceses and local parishes in the Archdiocese of Louisville to keep up with its activities by following NCPD on Twitter. The handle is @NCPD_USA.
