The Church Fully Alive: Inclusion and Belonging for All Abilities

Send us Fan MailWhat does it mean for the Church to be fully alive? In this deeply moving episode, Jim and Meghan welcome Tricia Borah, coordinator of the Adaptive Youth Ministry at St. Brigid Parish. Tricia shares her powerful journey from preschool teacher to advocate for teens and young adults with disabilities, revealing how inclusion transforms not just programs, but people. Whether you’ve ever felt overlooked or unsure how to serve, this conversation will stir your heart and open your eyes to what the Church can become when every member is truly seen. What’s in this episode:Why the Church isn’t fully alive without people of all abilitiesThe mission behind St. Brigid’s Adaptive Youth MinistryWhat makes the LTE program a “forever place” for teens and young adults with disabilitiesHow a retreat and a mission trip changed Tricia’s lifeWhat sensory-friendly Masses are—and why they matterThe difference between inclusion and accommodation in parish lifeHow Tricia builds custom curriculum to meet diverse needsWhy visibility is the greatest gift the Church can offer these familiesCreative ways to form both participants and volunteers through shared ministryOne resource every Catholic family should know: National Catholic Partnership on Disability (ncpd.org)Book she’s currently reading: Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist by Brant PitreFavorite book: The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahonAdvice to her younger self: Don’t be afraid to ask for helpFinal wisdom for listeners: Don’t assume—ask families what they need, and then try Resources Mentioned:National Catholic Partnership on Disability – Offers tools, training, and support for parish disability ministriesAcceptingthegift.org – Created by Catholic parents for Catholic parents navigating disabilityJesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist by Brant Pitre – An in-depth exploration of the Last Supper’s biblical and Jewish foundationsThe Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon – Stories of unsung heroes in American historySt. Brigid Youth Ministry Looking for meaningful ways to deepen your family’s connection with God outside of Sunday Mass? Download our free guide to discover 10 practical and fun faith-based activities that will bring your family closer to Christ—no matter how busy life gets. From sharing gratitude at the dinner table to watching faith-filled media together, these ideas make living your faith easy and enjoyable.