Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will be the principal celebrant at the annual Archdiocesan Mass for Persons with Disabilities. This Mass is sponsored by the Archdiocesan Office for Persons with Disabilities and the Deaf Apostolate (OPDDA). It is offered for the intention of persons with disabilities, the deaf community, their family, friends, and caregivers.
Saturday, April 1, 2017
10:30 a.m.
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
18th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103
The Archdiocesan Boys and Girls choir will cantor the Mass, and there will be light refreshments available afterwards in the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center auditorium. All are welcome to attend. To RSVP, please visit www.opdarchphilly.org.
In an effort to augment services to the community, an Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Helpline was recently launched for those seeking information about services and support within the five-counties of the Archdiocese. The helpline is a result of a new collaboration between the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office for Persons with Disabilities and the Deaf Apostolate, Catholic Social Services’ Developmental Programs Division, and the Archdiocesan Schools of Special Education of the Archdiocese to ensure those individuals with disabilities and their caregivers have access to the greatest number of resources available.
The helpline offers referrals to the range of services available through Archdiocesan programs as well as partner providers. This free helpline is accessible to the public at 484-472-5041.
# # #
Editor’s Notes:
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.
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. Dedicated and caring staff enable these individuals to flourish, to find happiness with dignity, and to participate in the mainstream of society. The division manages residential and community-based programs for adults and children who have intellectual disabilities or are developmentally delayed, in partnership with state and county offices of Developmental Programs and Philadelphia’s Department of Human Services.
About the Archdiocesan Schools for 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.