April 8, 2021

Archbishop Pérez to Celebrate Annual Mass for Persons with Disabilities

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez will be the principal celebrant and homilist at the annual Archdiocesan Mass for Persons with Disabilities. It is offered for the intention of persons with disabilities, the deaf community, their families, friends, and caregivers.

Sunday, April 25, 2021
3:00 p.m.
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
18th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103

This celebration of the Eucharist seeks to embody the words of Pope Francis, “I pray that each person may feel God’s paternal gaze which affirms their full dignity and the unconditional value of their life.” Saint Christopher Parish Schola will be present to provide the liturgical music.

At the conclusion of Mass, Archbishop Pérez will present the One Body in Christ Award to three individuals and their ministries for exemplary work in promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the life of the Church.

Jean Calvarese-Donovan & Divine Providence Village Team serve generously and compassionately to provide COVID-19 vaccines to their communities and the broader IDD/Autism communities throughout the region.

Dr. Steve McWilliams & Villanova University’s VUnited Team create innovative inclusive college programing to enhance the lives of persons with intellectual disabilities and for launching VUnited Scholars.

Principal Frank Tosti & the Schuller Family continue to promote inclusive Catholic School Education that fosters belonging so that all experience that we are “One Body in Christ.”

The Mass is sponsored by the Archdiocesan Office for Persons with Disabilities and the Deaf Apostolate. All are welcome to attend and should RSVP by visiting www.opdarchphilly.org. Guests are asked to arrive by 2:45 p.m. and abide by social distancing and mask guidelines. Accessible on-site parking is available, and an outdoor reception will follow the Mass.

A livestream link with be available on the Archdiocesan website https://vimeo.com/event/17522 and Archbishop Pérez’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/ArchbishopPerez/.

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Editor’s Note:

About the Archdiocesan Office for Persons with Disabilities and the Deaf Apostolate
The Office for Persons with Disabilities and the Deaf Apostolate fosters the full inclusion of people with disabilities into the life of the Church and serves as a pastoral resource for parishes and individuals in providing access and welcome to persons with disabilities. The Deaf Apostolate provides Masses and Sacraments in American Sign Language, pastoral care and religious education to the Catholic community who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing. Please visit http://opdarchphilly.org/.

About Catholic Social Services’ Developmental Programs

The Developmental Programs Division of Catholic Social Services offers persons with intellectual disabilities a continuum of care designed to enhance their quality of life by promoting individuality, empowering personal choice, promoting dignity and respect, and nourishing a family spirit rooted in Christian faith and values. The division manages residential and community-based programs for adults and children who have intellectual disabilities or are developmentally delayed. Please visit https://dgdpcommunities.org/.

About the Archdiocesan Schools of Special Education

The mission of the Archdiocesan Schools for Special Education is to facilitate the complete development of students with physical and intellectual disabilities to their fullest potential: spiritually, intellectually, vocationally, physically and emotionally. Please visit https://aopcatholicschools.org/special-education/.

 

Livestream link for viewing: https://vimeo.com/event/17522

Embed code

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Contact: Alyssa McFadden

Communications Assistant

215-587-3747 (office)