Inclusive faith for those with disabilities

The National Apostolate for Inclusion Ministry will hold its annual conference entitled "Pathways to Inclusive Faith Communities" at the Ramada Plaza Suites in Fargo, ND on July 12, 13, and 14, 2001. The 2001 conference is a collaborative effort with the Catholic Diocese of Fargo, Catholic Family Service, Church of the Nativity, Holy Cross and Sts. Anne & Joachim Catholic Churches, the Presentation Sisters, Friendship, Inc., Svee Home of Lutheran Social Services, the Otto Bremer Foundation and the Pierce Co., Fargo.

The conference will address the ministries of Catholics and other Christians for the evangelization and inclusion in church life of persons with mental retardation, developmental disabilities and other cognitive disabilities such as autism. Individual workshops will provide practical methods to assist churches. Parents, family members, guardians, chaplains, pastors, religious educators, parish nurses, direct service personnel, human service personnel, advocates and volunteers will profit from this experience. People of all faiths and cultures are welcome.The web site at www.nafim.org brings together those around the country with these concerns.

For information and registration materials for the conference, please call Helaine Arnold, (701) 235-8217 ext. 33.