Ministry to People with Disabilities
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Mass for Hidden Treasures
Third Sunday of the Month
Mass at 6:00pm
(Presently on hold due to Covid-19)The Ministry with People with Disabilities, Diocese of Metuchen, is committed to facilitate the implementation of the Pastoral Statement of the U. S. Catholic Bishops on People with Disabilities which calls for “realizing the unique gifts individuals with disabilities have to offer the Church” and Society and to advocate for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the full participation of the liturgical and sacramental life of the Church.
The Role of the Parish Advocate
The Parish Advocate for People with Disabilities for Immaculate Conception Parish is Regina Teggeler. The parish advocate’s role is to act on behalf of persons with disabilities to ensure that all are invited to share in the life of the parish. The advocate is a volunteer who serves as a liaison between persons with disabilities and their parish and between the parish and the Office of Respect for Life, Ministry with People with Disabilities, Diocese of Metuchen.
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 a person’s life activities. It can be from birth; it can come with age. It is the goal of the church to offer the same respect and opportunities in worship life to all people. If you are a person with a disability or know of a person in the parish with a disability, please contact Regina Teggeler at 908-963-8473 .
Families And Persons with Special Needs and Disabilities
“Sometimes, it is difficult for those with special needs, and their family members, to attend the regularly scheduled masses. As the father of a special needs child myself, I can certainly relate to these challenges, first-hand. In response to this problem, Immaculate Conception Parish in Somerville will offer a monthly mass especially for persons with disabilities and their families. These masses will be celebrated on the third Sunday of each month at 6:00pm. As the Parish Advocate for those with disabilities I urge you to attend these up coming masses so you and your families can enjoy the experience of mass together! This is only the beginning of introducing various programs and services to our parish in order to ensure that the varied needs of all of our parishioners are being met. I look forward to familiar (and new) faces at the monthly 6pm mass.” – Tom Keefer -
Volunteer Testimonials
“As a parishioner and father of a special needs child I wanted to do something to make our parish more welcoming for other people and families with disabled love ones. As we all know Immaculate Conception Parish is an exceptional parish, however it takes a little effort from all of us to make our parish just a little better!” – Tom Keefer
“I serve with the Ministry for those with disabilities for years. It was a wonderful experience. I spoke with families in the parish looking for solutions to problems with their loved one with disability, and attended Diocesan meetings of families and people with disabilities. It was a blessing to be with so many people who had their loved one’s faith and participation in that faith as a regular part of their life. The group of people were committed to seeing to it that those with disability were able to be part of their faith community. As one example at ICC, we installed an automatic door now at ICC and this has helped those of us with mobility issues. Serving on this ministry was wonderful.” – Regina Teggeler (908)-963-8473
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Photo Albums
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