Knowledge of God's word inspires service to the most vulnerable.
Date Published: June 15, 2017
A graduate of Catholic Biblical School, Esther Garcia transitioned from her job of
the past five years as Director of Faith Formation at Sacred Heart Catholic Church
in Rowlett, Texas to follow God’s calling to serve in disabilities ministry. Since
the beginning of June 2016, Garcia has been working for the National Catholic Partnership
on Disability (NCPD) as manager of programs and outreach.
“I am very excited to unite my love for catechesis and my passion for disability ministry,”
Garcia said.
Rooted in Gospel values that affirm the dignity of every person, the NCPD works collaboratively
to ensure meaningful participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of the
life of the church and society.
Based in Washington D.C., NCPD was founded in 1982 establish this necessary ministry
in parishes and dioceses throughout the United States. The idea for the NCPD, however,
came a few years earlier with the 1978 “Pastoral Statement of U.S. Catholic Bishops
on People with Disabilities.” This statement, which was passed unanimously by the
bishops of the country, asserts that Catholics with disabilities should be included
“within the total fabric of society.” In other words, they must be able to participate
fully in the celebration of the faith.
Garcia is excited to bring what she has learned in the Neuhoff Institute for Ministry
& Evangelization to her new position.
“I will work with Catholic archdioceses, parishes and disability communities to support
the meaningful participation of individuals with disabilities in the Catholic Church
and society, enriching the faith through catechesis and cultural diversity,” Garcia
said.
The audiences that Garcia will be working with are, as she describes, varied, thanks
to the tremendous scope and reach of the NCPD. For example, two prominent councils
and three board committees of NPCD which serve distinct populations include the Council
on Intellectual Developmental Disabilities, the Mental Illness Council, and Board
Committees on Mission, Education and Ethics & Public Policy.
The efforts of this partnership extend far and wide. Parish outreach offers sponsored
retreats, online seminars and support to veterans and their families. Their pro-life
efforts range from online training to consultation, and cover the lifespan, addressing
issues such as abortion due to prenatal diagnosis, futile healthcare decisions and
assisted suicide. They even provide services to support priests with reduced vision
through their large-print sacramentary and lectionary project
Garcia brings her years of education from the Catholic Biblical School to this partnership,
where she can use her knowledge of God’s word to minister to his people. Integrating
her Biblical studies with Christian living, Garcia cultivated a career and a calling
in the service of the church.
____
Learn more about the Catholic Biblical School.