International Day of People with Disability – December 3, 2021

‘Us’ not ‘Them’ – encouraging active participation

Friday, December 3, 2021 marks the International Day of People with Disability and provides an opportunity to celebrate the lives, contributions and achievements of the 4.4 million Australians with disability. The day aims to raise awareness and take steps towards a more inclusive and accessible community. The United Nations announced the official theme this year as: “Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world”.

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference provide a message and prayer resources to acknowledge the International Day of People with Disability:

Message from Bishop Donald Sproxton, Bishop Delegate for Disability Issues, Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service.
Prayer for the 2021 International Day of People with Disability
Prayer Service for the 2021 International Day of People with Disability

We are a community of communities from the Murray to the sea.
Inspired by the Gospel and nourished by the Eucharist, we follow the example of Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, reaching out in joyful and humble service, caring for all of God’s creation, growing in love day by day and looking forward to life with God forever.

Diocesan Vision Statement

In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands in which the Diocese of Ballarat sits. We would like to pay our respects to Aboriginal Elders past, present and future. Their wisdom can help us care for the earth, our common home.

- Acknowledgement of Country -