Created in His Image: A Catholic Vision for Students with Disabilities

What does it mean for a Catholic school to truly welcome every child, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities? Mark Bradford, Fellow for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities at Word on Fire, brings a deeply Catholic anthropological vision to that question, rooted in his own experience as the father of a son with Down syndrome. This conversation gives leaders and parents a framework for seeing every student as indispensable to the body of Christ.What We Cover:* Why disability is not peripheral but central to a Catholic understanding of the human person* How the parable of Lazarus and the rich man reframes what inclusive education is really for* The obstacles families with disabled children face in parishes and Catholic schools and how leaders can remove them* What sacramental inclusion looks like and why it matters for every child’s eternal life* The GRACE Collaborative and other growing initiatives helping Catholic schools lead on inclusionChapters:* 00:00: Introduction* 00:20: Mark Bradford’s Background and Role at Word on Fire* 02:51: Thomas and the Bradford Family Story* 06:24: Christian Anthropology and Disability* 15:16: Reaching All Audiences with the Message* 21:29: The Pace of Life and Relationship* 25:21: Sacramental Inclusion for Persons with Disabilities* 36:41: Persons with Disabilities as Ministers* 40:16: The Pro-Life Connection* 43:21: The Renaissance of Inclusion in Catholic SchoolsResources:* Word on Fire Fellowship for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities* Mark Bradford’s essays at Word on Fire* Follow Mark on LinkedIn* Let Us Pray: Catholic Prayers for All Abilities by Mark Bradford (Word on Fire, Amazon, Bookshop)* Indispensable: A Catholic Guide to Welcoming Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities by Mark Bradford (Word on Fire, Amazon)* Gaudium et Spes* Quo Vadis Humanitas: Thinking Through Christian Anthropology in the Face of Certain Scenarios for the Future of Humanity* Redemptor HominisInclusion and Special Education Funding Support:* FIRE Foundation* Catholic Coalition for Special Education* St. Margaret of Castello Fund Michigan* Rosewood Foundation ChicagoJoin the conversation* Leave a comment and subscribe at familiaris.substack.com* Become a paid subscriber at familiaris.substack.com/subscribePaid subscribers gain access to monthly collaborative office hours. Office hours are hosted on Zoom and are not recorded. Pop in to ask a question, get feedback on what you’re working on with families, hear what other leaders are doing in their schools.Upcoming dates:* Monday, May 11 at 3pm CSTVisit familiaris-consulting.com to learn more about consulting, workshops, and speaking engagementsGod bless!Produced by Saint Kolbe StudiosTo receive new Familiaris posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Familiaris at familiaris.substack.com/subscribe