CHICAGO — Pathways.org, a Chicago based not-for-profit, has recognized St. Charles Borromeo Church in Charleston with a $1,000 grant for efforts to include worshipers of all abilities as active participants. The congregation submitted an application describing the steps it has taken to.provide accommodations so members of all abilities can worship, attend social functions and serve in ministries at the parish.
The church requested an Open Hearts Award grant to help defray the cost of an induction hearing loop system "so that I and others can hear in the most important place on earth: Church," said Maure Rupp, a parishioner who led the application process for the grant.
"We are happy that this new technology will enable more parishioners to hear and participate at Mass," said Father John Titus, pastor.
Father Titus said access and inclusion are important at St. Charles Borromeo. The parish provides accessible parking places, ramped entrances with automatic door openers, pew cut outs for wheelchairs, large print missallettes, and interior ramps to make the facilities accessible. A Faith and Light Group provides opportunities for worship and social interaction to the members of the community with developmental disabilities. Transportation is provided for members of the group to a Saturday morning Communion service and breakfast once a month.
Applications for the Pathways.org Open Hearts Awards and Children's Open Hearts Awards (nominated by children, ages 5-18) are accepted annually. Congregations must submit a completed application form, a video or essay with photos describing the congregation's inclusion efforts and a request for funding for a specific, planned project. Grant amounts are for up to $1,000. Deadline for applications is Aug. 1 with awards announced in the fall in conjunction with Inclusion Awareness Day, the second weekend in October. All parishes in the Springfield diocese are eligible to apply for the grant.
Since 1997, Pathways.org has recognized 194 congregations with more than $150,000 in Open Hearts Awards grants. For more information and application forms call 1 (800) 955-2445, visit www.InclusionInWorship.org, or email .