Family Support

We are made in God’s image…we are all part of the human family…and in baptism, we become equal members of the Body of Christ. Parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Portland help Catholics who have special needs access their faith by providing supports, education, resources and connections to community partners.

In particular, parish leadership help Catholics more fully participate in Mass, in reception of the sacraments (including faith formation), and in experiencing the richness of parish life. Our work often extends outside the parish, involving partnerships with local organizations, employers, governmental bodies and institutions.

The pastoral work of each parish is formed by the 1978 Pastoral Statement of U.S. Catholic Bishops on People with Disabilities, which calls upon people of good will to promote the well-being of those who are Deaf or who have a disability and their full inclusion into the life of the parish and our Church. The Pastoral Statement reminds us that all persons have unique gifts to share and that these gifts can be harnessed in service to the Church and our communities.