Sacristans with Disabilities

SOURCE: Guiding Principles & Strategies for Inclusion in the Liturgy of Catholics with Disabilities (Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions, 2005)

Sacristans have many organizational tasks to undertake during the course of a week and job descriptions vary from parish to parish. A person with disabilities could fulfill many—if not all—of the tasks associated with this ministry.

• New sacristies should be designed to accommodate people in wheel chairs, allowing ample room for maneuvering as well as shelves for vessels, books, etc. in accessible places.
• Special training sessions could be held for people with sight or hearing impairment.
• Special instructions can be provided in writing for a deaf sacristan.