Greeters/ Ushers: Ministers of Hospitality to Persons with Disabilities

Greeters/Ushers:  Ministers of Hospitality to Persons with Disabilities

The purpose of this toolkit is to encourage greeters and ushers to become more sensitive to and aware of the needs of persons with disabilities as they engage in Church activities.  The toolkit provides simple suggestions of how to “welcome and include” persons with disabilities in all Church events.

Approach to Implementation:

The office of persons with disabilities will provide greeters and ushers with basic “hospitality tips” and “People First Language” phrases which affirm and empowers persons with disabilities.

Roles and Responsibilities:

The pastor and members of the parish staff are expected to support the ministry of hospitality by “welcoming and including” all Baptized Catholics into the life of the Church.  Communication about the importance of hospitality, positive language and a “welcoming and inclusive community” can be communicated to all members of the parish though website, signage, pulpit, example and Church Bulletin announcements.

Training:

The office of Persons with Disabilities will provide information sheets that model “People First Language” which welcomes and includes as well as empowers and affirms persons with disabilities in the life of the Church.

Expected Resources:

The office of Persons with Disabilities will provide sensitivity training sessions for ushers and greeters so that they can “welcome and include” all Baptized persons into the life of the Church.

Ministers of Hospitality
People First Language

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