Welcome to the Community of Disciples
Rooted in the Gospel, we welcome all to full participation in parish life.
Overview of Program
The Community of Disciples is a diocesan initiative helping parishes across the Diocese of Dallas grow stronger as places of belonging for persons with disabilities and their families. Through sensory-friendly Masses, adapted catechesis, and parish leader formation, we are building communities where every person can fully participate in the life of the Church.
Rooted in the Gospel call to dignity and belonging, this initiative celebrates the unique gifts of each person and reminds us that we all have a place at the Lord’s table. Texas has one of the highest populations of individuals with disabilities in the country—and Dallas is among the top counties. This is more than a program; it is a mission of love and inclusion. As Bishop Edward J. Burns reminds us: “We are called to respond with new energy and creativity… so every child and family feels a deep sense of belonging in the Church.”
Made possible through Bishop Edward J. Burns’ support and a generous grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., this initiative will help us deepen our commitment to full participation in worship, prayer, and parish life for all.
Community of Disciples Parishes
Sensory Friendly Mass
The Sensory Friendly Mass is a worship experience intentionally adapted to support individuals with sensory sensitivities, disabilities, and diverse ways of engaging in liturgy. Accommodations that foster a welcoming liturgical environment may include dimmed lighting, reduced sound volume, and shorter, more literal homilies. Rooted in the belief that every baptized person has a right to full participation, this Mass celebrates the unique gifts each person brings to the faith community. Above all, it is a sacred time and space where everyone is invited to come as they are and know they truly belong.
2026 Sensory Friendly Mass Schedule
Masses will be celebrated in the Parish Office/Youth Ministry Room on Sunday at 12pm
- January 11 – English
- February 1 – Spanish
- March 1 – English
- May 3 – English
- June 7 – Spanish
Retreat helps parishes foster ‘true sense of belonging’ for all
Fr. Rudy Garcia, Pastor
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Parish Liturgical Representative:
Kristie Gates, Liturgy Director
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Parish Catechetical Representative:
Gabby Ortega, Faith Formation
and Youth Ministry Assistant
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Fr. Stephen Ingram, Pastor
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Parish Liturgical Representative:
Stacey Peterson, Liturgy Coordinator
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Parish Catechetical Representative:
Ojas Inamdar, Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry
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Fr. Jason Cargo, Pastor
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Parish Liturgical Representative:
Fr. Jason Cargo, Pastor
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Parish Catechetical Representative:
Peggy Theis, Director of Children’s Faith Formation & Youth Sacrament Preparation [email protected]
Fr. Iñigo Lopez, Pastor
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Parish Liturgical Representative:
Nancy Hampton
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Parish Catechetical Representative
Ana Rosas, Spanish Parish Catechetical Leader
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Fr. Charles Githinji, Pastor
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Parish Liturgical Representative:
Amy Deibert, Director of Liturgy
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Parish Catechetical Representative:
Amy Vitek, Director of Evangelization
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Interest in having your parish apply for Cohort Two or have general questions regarding the initiative?
Message Us!
Clergy Assistance
The Clergy Assistance Fund provides vital financial support for our active and retired priests, especially in times of illness, or as they face unexpected emergencies. The Fund also assists parishes and other diocesan entities served by our priests as they seek to offer proper care and support during these times.
Pray for Clergy Formation
Through the medical, catechetical and education missions our diocese provides basic medical care to people with difficult and limited access to see a doctor; the catechetical mission is a joint effort to provide ongoing catechetical training and leadership; and the education mission is a collaborative effort to help young adults get an education to empower their local communities.
It is a service mission trip where Catholic High school students spend a week working on various construction projects; they work with parishioners building sidewalks, fences, painting, classrooms, and building human relationships. The students have an opportunity to delve deeper in their understanding of mission and solidarity, grow spiritually through the corporal work, opportunities for faith formation, peer relationships, and celebration of the sacraments with the local people.
The second collection on the first week of January helps to support these missions.
The Diocese of El Paso is our sister diocese. Our goal is to strengthen our relationship and collaboration to foster a culture of life. We work in solidarity to build up vibrant and transformative Catholic faith communities among the poor.
Throughout the year, the Pontifical Mission Societies support the proclamation of the Gospel, the building of the Church, and the work and witness of mission priests, religious Sisters and Brothers, and lay pastoral leaders. These missionaries provide food, education, and medical care to the most vulnerable communities in the Pope’s missions. Through their work, they reveal the compassionate heart of Jesus. Help support their efforts ~ and be right there with them, offering hope.
MISSIO, the crowdfunding platform of the Catholic world, offers a wide range of ongoing missions in need of your support. From sponsoring charity projects in Africa and providing Catholic healthcare in South America to making donations for Catholic education in Africa or helping feed starving children in India, MISSIO connects you to impactful projects around the globe. Whatever cause you’re passionate about, you can find a mission that aligns with your values and make a meaningful difference.
Catholic Relief Services works with organizations around the world to help poor and vulnerable people overcome emergencies, earn a living through agriculture and access affordable health care.
Each Lent, Catholic families across the country unite to put their faith into action through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Through CRS Rice Bowl, families learn about how our sisters and brothers across the globe overcome hardships like hunger and climate change, and how through Lenten alms, we have the power to make the world a better place for all.