Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS AN ADVOCATE?

A Parish Advocate is someone who acts on behalf of persons with disabilities to ensure that all are invited to share in the life of their parish.
The Advocate follows the example of Christ the Good Shepherd and seeks out parishioners who have disabilities to determine their physical and spiritual needs.
The Parish Advocate is invited to accept this responsibility by the pastor of the parish.

WHAT IS A DISABILITY?

A disability is defined as difficulty seeing or hearing, moving the body, or understanding everything quickly.
It is a physical or mental impairment, which limits one or more of a person's life activities.
It can be from birth; it can come with age. Approximately one out of  five people lives with some type of disability.

WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN ADVOCATE?

Work with the pastor to welcome and include persons with disabilities into the parish.
Identify and make contact with persons in the parish that have disabilities.
Sensitize parishioners to the needs and gifts of persons with disabilities.
Welcome persons with disabilities and their families into parish life and parish programs.
Work to eliminate physical and attitudinal barriers in the parish.
Be a liaison to the Office for Ministry with Persons with Disabilities  for referral purposes.