The World of Grandpa Don

People with Disabilities
(Inclusion)

Three seemingly unrelated things fell together for me as if it were planned. The first was the creation of a new ministry at our parish. The second was the strong effect on me by our recessional hymn. The third was the story I got from someone. All occurred within the same week.

We had a "Ministry Fair" at our parish. The purpose was to introduce parishioners to the various ministries and invite them to join one or more as a way to become more active in their faith, ... to be better Christians. I went around to the various tables picking up samples of everything so the parish web site could be updated with the latest information.

One flyer was titled "INCLUSION". I had never heard of it. It was a new ministry dedicated to finding ways for the parish to welcome people with physical disabilities and differences not only to the liturgies, but to ministry, fellowship and learning. What a great idea! People with "disabilities are children of God, just as are we.

That same day I was deeply struck by the words of the recessional hymn after Mass. It was "We are called". You can read it and my comment on the "Prayer" page. I did not associate these first two until after the third.

But than later in the week, I was made aware of another area that needs work. There are other people with disabilities (differences) that need to be welcomed and included.  I heard the story of the reaction of people in a middle class white neighborhood when a black family was brought to see a home that was up for sale. 'Nuf said about the reaction, ... you know what it was and you know all the causes for it.

What we forget is that these people have a disability in that they are treated differently only due to the color of their skin. We know nothing about this family except their skin color. Employment, profession, education, moral values, culture, and state of wealth are unknown. ... We don't even want to know.

I think that this family has decided that they like the neighborhood and would like to be part of that community, ... but so what! We don't trust them or want them. We are better than they are.

OK, ... OK, ... there has been a history. People have been burnt and hurt.

 We assume that they come from an inner-city neighborhood with a high crime rate and they are going to bring that with them. It may be that they are trying to get away from that high crime rate. They want to be more like us. They would like to remove their children from the evil influences and have them be influenced by our kids and our values. 

We assume they come from a run down neighborhood where property values have plummeted. Of course many in that area are unemployed and either can't afford to keep up the property, or not educated enough, or are renting from absentee landlords who don't care. But the people in question just may be pre-qualified to get a mortgage  and may well be quite capable of purchasing and maintaining that home in this nice little neighborhood. They are trying to better themselves.

Sure, If we welcome "them", we are taking a risk. But, if we look to the history of mankind we find that not much progress has been made without taking risks, ... sometime enormous risks. Just think about the risks taken by the early Christians. And, this is all about being "Christian". We claim the title but do we accept the responsibilities that go with it?

For years we have been urged to "tolerate". I have always felt this was absolutely wrong! Toleration acknowledges difference and promotes exclusion.

"We are called" go a step beyond just tolerance!

INCLUSION is the goal!

Don Plefka
6/11/03

Ok, you say it's not my neighbor hood that is being "invaded". I live in a beautiful pristine upscale suburban community. True! But my neighbor to the west is a Hindu family and to the East is an Iranian husband with his  black wife. North West of me is a black family and the neighborhood is sprinkled with Orientals, Arabs and who knows what. Yes, they are all professional people, or at least well educated and financially well off. But, ... you can't tell that by the color of their skin! Oh yes, nearby there is a Caucasian family with children who are obnoxious, loud and suspected of being destructive. I wish they would move!