78,000 Catholics with disAbilities live in the Archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis. Yet sadly, often people with disAbilities are left on the sidelines in parish life without others even being aware. We as a church know we are to love them, but sometimes we have trouble wondering exactly where they fit in, they may somehow even seem separate and not really one of us.
Did you know...for a small donation you can make a difference in the spiritual life of someone with a disAbility! We have a low overhead and are committed to outreach and making a positive difference. Please consider helping us.
Kindly click on the "donate" logo above...or send donations in any amount to:
Exceptional Catholic Minnesota Inc.
P.O. Box 18643
Minneapolis, MN 55418
Checks payable to "Exceptional Catholic MN"
We are a registered State of Minnesota
Nonprofit organization
(501(c)3 status pending)
Prayer for Inclusion
Creator God, we are your people. We look to the future with optimism and with faith in You, as we pursue our call to provide justice and fullness of life for all people with disabilities.
We pray that every man, woman and child may develop their potential and meet You in themselves and in one another.
May we enjoy a totally welcoming community, with You as our center, joined hand in hand with our sisters and brothers. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen
Based on the Pastoral Statement of U.S. Catholic Bishops on People with Disabilities
Site Updates
Hello & welcome to Tophers Corner my name is Christopher Anderson. I am proud to be the Webmaster & Board Member of Exceptional Catholic MN. I will be adding information regarding website updates and other information that I hope you will find helpful. Please e-mail me at topher@exceptionalcatholicmn.org if you have any questions or suggestions you think would be helpful for us.
FAPE The Families and Advocates Partnership for Education (FAPE) project is a partnership that aims to improve the educational outcomes for children with disabilities. It links families, advocates,and self-advocates to information about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Remembering Grace Feingold February 12, 2003 - July 16, 2006
July 2009
Welcome! We beleive in inclusion for all in Parish life regardless of ability! How can we help you?
Would you like to...find a Mass in sign language or special-ed religious classes? Do you need a church with an elevator or other features? Please visit our "churches" section to see what local churches have to offer! Also visit our forums to request prayers or share a story. Our website just began in 2008 so we are still learning. Suggestions welcome!
National Council on disAbility in Minneapolis Monday July 20, 2009
The National Council on Disability will conduct its next quarterly meeting at the Minneapolis Marriott City Center, 30 South 7th Street, Minneapolis, MN, beginning 8:30 a.m. on Monday July 20, and ending at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22. Open to the public. Times are also designated for public comment, supported by a toll-free call-in line, and input is appreciated. Individuals/organizations can also provide comments by e-mail, fax, or mail. Public sessions will be held Monday, July 20, 11:30-12:00 noon and on Tuesday, July 21, 4:30-4:00 pm. The number is (888) 790-6568, and the pass code is "NCD Meeting." NCD will host a reception at the hotel from 5:00-6:30 following the public comment session. Participants, audience members, and disability community stakeholders are invited. For more information contact Mark Quigley at mquigley@ncd.gov or call 202-272-2008.
June 2009 Archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis Accepting Suggestions for future Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis - Planning Process Archbishop Nienstedt has appointed a task force to make future plans for the Archdiocese. They will be meeting for a year and are seeking input. If you want to share your concerns for Catholics with disAbilities or any other matter important to you please click on the link above.
Deaf community at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. The Catholic Deaf Community offices are located at the church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel MN 701 Fillmore St NE Minneapolis, MN. Deacon Michael and Margery Powers are heading this ministry www.olmcmpls.org/deaf.htm
Prenatal Partners for Life If you are expecting a child that has been diagnosed with disAbility, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Please visit http://www.prenatalpartnersforlife.org/ for prayers, support, advice and love. God Bless You.
Exceptional Catholic MN Inc A free non-profit website for Catholics with disAbilities
Promoting inclusion and a recognition of the gifts that our brothers and sisters with disAbilities can bring to the Catholic Church and Catholic Schools.
For information about Sacraments for persons with disAbilities contact: Deacon Sean and Joan Curtan Coordinators Outreach to Persons with disAbilities Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis 328 West Kellogg Boulevard St Paul, MN 55102 651-291-4543 curtans@archspm.org
"This is my commandment; Love one another as I have loved you" (John 15:12)
Catechesis for People with Disabilities
The National Directory for Catechesis states that: "Persons with disabilities.are integral members of the Christian community.
All persons with disabilities have the capacity to proclaim the Gospel and to be living witnesses to its truth within the community of faith and offer valuable gifts. Their involvement enriches every aspect of Church life.
They [persons with disabilities] are not just the recipients of catechesis?they are also its agents.
All persons with disabilities or special needs should be welcomed in the Church. Every person, however limited, is capable of growth in holiness.
Some persons with disabilities live in isolating conditions that make it difficult for them to participate in catechetical experiences. "Since provision of access to religious functions is a pastoral duty," parishes should make that much more effort to include those who may feel excluded.
The Church's pastoral response in such situations is to learn about the disability, offer support to the family, and welcome the child." (NDC USCCB, Par. 49)
Catholic School Inclusion Initiative...Yes, we are working so that your child can attend Catholic schools! Please join us...it can be done!
Envision a new future for Catholic schools! If you are a parent of a child with a disAbility, you probably know all to well the heartache of not being able to send your child to your parish school with their siblings and friends. There is a small group of parents in the Twin Cities that are hoping to change all that. more ...
Twin City Catholic disAbility weblog...also visit us here! Updated information and links provided by the people at Exceptional Catholic Minnesota
Blessed are you who take time to listen to difficult speech, for you can help us to know that if we persevere, we can be understood.
Blessed are you who walk with us in public places and ignore the stares of strangers, for in your companionship, we find havens of relaxation.
Blessed are you who never bid us to "hurry up", and more blessed, you who do not snatch our task from our hands to do it for us, for often we need time, rather than help.
Blessed are you who stand beside us as we enter new and untried ventures, for our failures will be outweighed by the times when we surprise ourselves and you.
Blessed are you who ask for our help, for our greatest need is to be needed.
Blessed are you who help us with the graciousness of Christ who did not bruise the reed or quench the flax, for often we need the help we cannot ask for.
Blessed are you, when by all these, you assure us that the thing that makes us individuals is not in our peculiar muscles, nor in our wounded nervous systems, not in our learning difficulties, but in the God-given self which no infirmity can confine.
