Catechesis for Persons with Special Needs

Skip to main navigation | Skip to local links | Skip to search engine

St. Angela Merici,patron of persons with disabilities, pray for us!

The Office of Worship and Evangelization resources catechetical ministry for people with disabilities. This Special Religious Education effort takes a three-pronged approach in enhancing evangelization and catechesis for and with persons whose special needs show us God’s face, helping us grow in His love.

Browse our site using the links to the left or below:

If you have any questions or needs, please don't hesitate to contact Erin Jeffries at 317-236-1448 or ejeffries@archindy.org.

Featured Items

Three-Pronged Approach

Awareness - The Office of Worship and Evangelization (OWE) strives to increase awareness of disabilities by assisting parishes with information and strategies for effective communication about persons with disabilities.

Inclusion - Our Archdiocesan Special Religious Education effort assists parishes in establishing Inclusion Teams who work via evangelization and catechesis to include persons with disabilities in parish life. Inclusion Teams share methods, techniques and strategies to help all persons with disabilities’ gifts and talents be utilized and included in parish activities—including typical catechetical sessions when appropriate.

Specialized Approaches (e.g. SPRED) - OWE utilizes a variety of programs and adaptive materials to offer people with disabilities specialized catechetical programs when appropriate. For example, SPRED (Special Religious Development) continues to grow and provide an environment in which persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities can experience ongoing faith formation, as well as positive integration into the liturgical and community life of the Church. Special annual events like the Archdiocesan SPRED Mass, dinner dances, and weekend retreats offer persons with disabilities special opportunities to experience Christ in a larger community of peers.

Contact information

Jenny Bryans
Phone: 317-236-1448
Toll Free: 800-382-9836 x1448
Fax: 317-261-3364
1400 N. Meridian St.
Indianapolis, IN 46202
jbryans@archindy.org