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  2. April Affiliate Connect: Growing a Ministry via Strategic Planning

April Affiliate Connect: Growing a Ministry via Strategic Planning

Wed, 04/15/2026 - 2:00pm EDT to 3:00pm

Growing a Ministry: Strategic Planning for Disability Ministry

Growing a ministry for persons with disabilities—whether at the diocesan or parish level—requires intentional vision and thoughtful planning. It involves making strategic decisions today that lead toward a more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable future for the Church.

In this presentation you will hear from a diocesan leader who has built a strong Office for Persons with Disabilities while continuing to plan for future growth. Drawing from lived experience, this presentation will explore how clear vision, collaboration, and practical strategy can help dioceses and parishes move from well-meaning efforts to effective, mission-driven ministry.

This presentation will help leaders reflect on how to:

  • Articulate a clear vision for disability ministry rooted in the Church’s mission
  • Identify strengths, challenges, and opportunities within their diocese or parishes
  • Develop realistic and sustainable strategic goals
  • Support and guide parishes in growing their own ministries for persons with disabilities

Through examples and guiding principles, you will be encouraged to think beyond individual programs or events and consider how strategic planning fosters ongoing accompaniment, belonging, and participation for persons with disabilities and their families.

 

Open to diocesan AND parish leaders in Affiliate Dioceses! Registration links will be sent to diocesan disability ministry leaders one week prior to the event and we ask them to share the invitation with parish leaders. 

Diocese/ Parishes
Diocese/ Parishes - What to Do for Disability Ministry
Diocesan Initiative
Melissa Waldon

Melissa Waldon

Director, Office for Persons with Disabilities, Catholic Diocese of Dallas

Melissa Waldon is the Director for Persons with Disabilities for the Catholic Diocese of Dallas and has been employed with the Diocese for 14 years. She has 29 years of combined lived experience as a parent advocate, former special education teacher, school counselor and catechist. She has a master’s in counseling and Pastoral Theology and is a certified School Counselor, Special Education Teacher and Life Coach. She has been married for 32 years and has 4 young -adult children, 3 grandbabies, 2 pups and enjoys camping, cooking, and reading all things church related.

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National Catholic
Partnership on Disability

Advancing the Meaningful Participation
of Persons with Disabilities in Church and Society

Contact us: 415 Michigan Avenue, N.E., Suite 95
Washington, D.C. 20017-4501; ncpd@ncpd.org; (771) 203-4477

NCPD is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit corporation.
EIN: 52-1262317

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