Inclusion Representatives

The Diocese is seeking people who are willing to serve in a ministry as Inclusion Representatives. An Inclusion Representative is someone who has some knowledge of disabilities, whether from personal or professional experience, and is willing to use this knowledge to serve others with disabilities and their families in their parish and in the diocese. Ideally, each parish would have a representative, but in areas where parishes are combined by locale, priests, etc. one representative might serve.  The representatives are guided and led by the Disabilities Awareness Committee, a group of volunteers with experience in disabilities, under the Office of Social Concerns at the McRaith Catholic Center.


Inclusion Representative Requirements/Responsibilities

  • Be a resource; know where to get resources; be willing and able to research and talk with resources and to discuss resources with parish members, priest, parish council, etc.
    1. Have access to the internet and be willing to navigate
    2. Have access to social media and be willing to navigate
    3. Have the ability to take in written information
    4. Have the ability to produce written information
  • Be open to discussing disability of all kinds with parish members, priest, parish council, etc.
    1. Have the time, willingness, and availability to learn about various disabilities through community activities, written articles, books, lectures, diocesan trainings, etc.
    2. Be comfortable speaking to small groups in the parish environment
  • Be willing to initiate questions or conversations about disability awareness in physical spaces and in spiritual growth (church attendance, educations, sacraments, etc.).
    1. Be willing and able to present ideas, concerns, questions to advocate for inclusion of all persons in church life
    2. Be willing and able to present church policies and viewpoints to parish personnel and families
  • Be a welcoming spirit to those with disabilities, their families, and their support systems.
    1. Be willing and able to reach out to persons with disabilities and their families and support systems
    2. Set an example of “person centeredness” by the language used and interactions with all.

If you feel called to serve as an Inclusion Representative or have questions, please contact your parish office, your priest, or Social Concerns Director Richard Murphy (270) 852-8343 or richard.murphy@pastoral.org at the McRaith Catholic Center.