Part I: Why Inclusion?

By Kyle Van Frank, One Classroom Executive Director 

My sophomore theology teacher at my Catholic high school was passionate about dignity. 

So much so that we had to write the definition of dignity at the top of every single assignment, test and project. Again, and again, and again. The definition was based on our course curriculum in moral theology and the New Testament, and we had to write it exactly as presented. Any deviation resulted in lost points.  

So, what is the definition of dignity? 

As we learned it, dignity is the respect owed to all human beings because they are made in the image and likeness of God. Pretty simple. But like most aspects of the faith, a simple command has broad and complex implications in our fallen world. 

This dignity applies to the unborn, to those experiencing painful and debilitating illness, to our friends, to our enemies, to people of all races and creeds, of all religious backgrounds, and yes, to people of all intellectual and physical abilities. 

In the great joy and wisdom of Christ, we are all owed the same respect, love, kindness, compassion, and mercy, regardless of background or circumstance. 

When I first started working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) six years ago, I immediately discovered a beautiful reflection of God’s image and likeness. But it wasn’t until several years later that I fully comprehended the many barriers that exist for our brothers and sisters to experience true belonging in the Church. That’s why I have dedicated my professional career to advocating for greater inclusion of students with IDD in Catholic schools. But why?  

Justice. 

It is a matter of justice to ensure all children who seek an education in the faith may receive one. Pope Benedict XVI said, “No child should be denied his or her right to an education in faith, which, in turn, nurtures the soul of a nation.”  

From His Holiness’ lips to my ears. 

The Church tells us that formation in the faith is an essential element of a Catholic childhood. There are no restrictions on this fact, which recognizes equal dignity in all the young faithful of the Church. In his apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis wrote, “All the baptized, whatever their position in the Church or their level of instruction in the faith, are agents of evangelization” (EG 120). 

All Catholic children have a right to be formed in Catholic education.  

But why can’t children with IDD just be catechized through parish religious education instead of parochial school? With that line of thought, why should we consider Catholic school for any of our children? After all, we could easily close every Catholic school in the country and pour all of our resources into parish religious education and youth programs.  

Because we love our Catholic schools. Because we want the best spiritual, social-emotional, academic formation and preparation available. Because we are steeped in tradition and familial ties. Because we believe Catholic schools are a ministry of the Church, an extension of the parish, and a rich and beautiful gift to pass onto our children – all our children. 

Obligation. 

Beyond justice, there is a Christian obligation that calls upon us to serve others, especially those most in need. All we need to do is look to the Gospel: 

• “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25: 40 

• “Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Luke 14: 13-14 

• “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I do not need you,’ nor again the head to the feet, ‘I do not need you.’ Indeed, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are all the more necessary.” 1 Corinthians 12: 21-22 

As Christians, it is our holy and wonderful obligation to see past the restrictions of this world and invite all the living into the spirit and life of the Church. The Good News is for everyone, and we are enriched by extending a hand to those who need a little help receiving it. We also read this in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  

“All persons with disabilities have the capacity to proclaim the Gospel and to be living witnesses of its truth within the community of faith and offer valuable gifts. Their involvement enriches every aspect of Church life… They [persons with disabilities] are not just recipients of catechesis – they are also its agents” (USCCB, 2005). 

Further, as Msgr. James Shea articulates in his acclaimed text, From Christendom to Apostolic Mission, we live in a world and time when evangelization has never been more important. If our mission as Catholics is to save souls, then we cannot afford to limit the academic qualifications to be enrolled at the evangelization training grounds. 

Joy. 

Beyond justice and obligation, there is a great joy in the cause for inclusion. You haven’t experienced life to the fullest until you have known and loved a person with IDD. As a mom recently said to me, “I wish I could see the world through my son’s eyes. He tells me, ‘Mom, I’m living my best life!’ and he means it. He sees this world with pure joy and happiness.” 

When children with IDD are included in traditional classroom settings, the sky is the limit. Students who are nearly non-verbal say the name of Jesus for the first time. A high school student learns about belonging when his peers become a “family.” Students want to sit next to their peers with IDD in class. Siblings go to school together. Entire schools learn about dignity through community-wide celebrations. Students are drawn closer to God. And the list goes on.  

We quickly discover that embracing the full Body of Christ allows us to seek God more fully.  

Let us all commit to fostering inclusion in our schools and parish communities through the lens of justice, obligation and joy. After all, dignity is the respect owed to all human beings because they are made in the image and likeness of God. Now is NOT the time to lose points. Our Lord is calling to us.  

Shalom.