The Scope of this Course
This course offers diocesan and parish leaders a practical framework for strengthening disability ministry through clear vision, collaborative leadership, and intentional planning. Disability ministry is most effective when it moves beyond isolated programs or occasional events and becomes part of the ongoing life and mission of the Church.
Drawing from NCPD leadership formation sessions on strategic planning, diocesan steering committees, and sustainable ministry growth, this course will help leaders reflect on where their ministry is now, where it is called to grow, and what practical steps can help move that vision into action. The course is designed for diocesan directors, parish leaders, clergy, catechetical leaders, educators, volunteers, and others seeking to advance the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in the Church.
What You Will Learn
Throughout this course, you will explore ways to articulate a clear vision for disability ministry, identify strengths and needs within your diocese or parish, form a steering committee or leadership team, and develop realistic goals that can guide ministry over time.
The course emphasizes practical planning rooted in Catholic mission. Participants will consider how strategic planning can help ministries communicate priorities, build collaboration, support parish disability ministry, and work toward measurable outcomes with care and confidence. The course also encourages leaders to think beyond individual projects and toward a sustainable culture of welcome, belonging, accompaniment, and participation for persons with disabilities and their families.
By the end of this course, participants will be better prepared to:
- Articulate a mission-rooted vision for disability ministry
- Assess current strengths, challenges, and opportunities
- Form or strengthen a diocesan or parish steering committee
- Develop annual or biannual strategic goals
- Communicate ministry priorities clearly
- Support parishes in growing local disability ministry
- Move from good intentions to practical, sustainable action
Melissa Waldon
Melissa Waldon is Director of the Office for Persons with Disabilities for the Catholic Diocese of Dallas. Her session explores how dioceses and parishes can grow disability ministry through clear vision, collaboration, and practical strategy. Drawing from her experience in diocesan leadership, special education, counseling, catechesis, and parent advocacy, she offers guidance for moving from well-meaning efforts to effective, mission-driven ministry.
Charleen Katra
Charleen Katra is Executive Director of the National Catholic Partnership on Disability. She previously served in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, where she directed ministry with persons with disabilities for over twenty years. She is co-author of The Adaptive Teacher: Faith-Based Strategies to Reach and Teach Learners with Disabilities and author of How to Talk to Children about People with Disabilities. Her presentation focuses on creating a diocesan steering committee to support disability ministry.
Joellyn Cicciarelli
Joellyn Cicciarelli is President of Loyola Press. Her session presents strategic planning as a roadmap for Catholic ministries, with attention to crafting a plan, communicating it, and acting on it with care and confidence. Her background includes more than twenty-five years in publishing, curriculum development, and faith formation resources, including Adaptive Finding God, a faith formation program for children with disabilities.
